http://www.glpolarized.com/

Angling Publications - Index

Angling Publications - april2008 - Index

on Lake Superior tributaries like the Knife River
is also well worth a try in April. Before you head
anywhere, stop by or call the experts at Bentley’s
Outfitters in Bloomington (952-828-9554;
www.bentleysoutfitters.com).
MISSISSIPPI
Between showers try to find those elusive pre-spawn
to spawning bass and panfish. Also, get out those
favorite poppers and gnat patterns, especially for
the bream and chinquapins. Where cover is available,
such as overhanging willows or lilies, to float a
mouse pattern for eager largemouth. Streamers and
patterns that imitate bluegills are also effective. Give
Big Buck Sports a call at (800) 235-5887.
MISSOURI
The Show Me State is finally starting to thaw and
hungry bass and panfish are on the prowl, according
to Rainbow Fly Shop (816-373-2283) in
Independence. They suggest small impoundments,
such as those in the James A. Reed Wildlife Area,
which is managed by the Missouri Conservation
Department. Several ponds are specifically managed
for trophy bluegill, while others are managed for
trophy largemouth. Zonkers, muddler minnows,
and woolly buggers are all good bass patterns. Ants,
beetles, and bead-head nymphs will tempt any
sunfish in the area. Later in the month, topwater
action will pick up.
MONTANA
Pre-runoff offers a great opportunity for dry-fly
action on the Gallatin River. Dave Alvin, owner
of East Slope Outdoors (888-359-3974; www.
eastslopeoutdoors.com) likes the canyon area. His
is a two-pronged attack. In the morning he uses a
big, yellow, golden stone nymph trailed by a copper
John, pheasant tail, or yarn egg. In the afternoon he
switches to a parachute Adams to take advantage of
the very predictable hatch. In the morning look for
fish concentrated in classic holding water with good
depth in pools and pockets. As the hatch takes hold
the fish will move to typical feeding lanes.
NEBRASKA
With rising water temperatures and longer
days, carp, panfish, bass, walleye, and pike will
be moving into the shallows to spawn. Shallow
lakes warm the earliest and provide the fly rodder
with the best odds. Try fishing subsurface using
a sink-tip line with baitfish and crayfish imitating
patterns like the Clouser, bead-head bugger,
or Hogan Brown’s garage door opener. Lake
Ogallala at the base of the Lake McConaughy
Dam is a good choice for big rainbows and
hybrid wipers. Dedicated trout anglers will find
improved action on smaller streams such as Long
Pine and Verdigre Creeks. For the latest fishing
reports and your early-season gear needs, stop by
Backwoods in Omaha (402-345-0303; www.
backwoods.com). This full-service shop also
offers Tuesday night clinics on gear selection,
casting, tying and more.
NEVADA
Zebra midges up to a half-inch long swimming
in reed infested waters. That’s a sure indication of
great trout fishing. The spot is Hinkson Slough
in the Mason Valley Wildlife Management Area.
The Slough is just below a hatchery and is rich
with nutrients, and thus fish food. Stocked rainbows
grow rapidly from 8 inches to two pounds
or more. Don Weirauch of The Angler’s Edge
(775-782-4734; www.theanglersedge.com) suggests
that you get there early in the day before the water
warms and the fish become less active. There is a
late afternoon bite as well. The standard fly is a
zebra midge, increasing in size from 16 up to 10
as the season progresses and the naturals grow.
While shore fishing is possible, you’re better off
with a float tube.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
The Mount Washington Valley offers almost
any fresh water opportunity you could wish for.
There are small pristine streams with wild brook
trout, mid-sized freestone rivers, and big water
with outsized trout, salmon and bass. Most of the
fishing is for stocked trout. Though not as well
known as some other waters, the fly-fishing-only
sections of the Mascoma and the Sugar rivers to the
west are frequented by some of the region’s most
knowledgeable anglers. Once the weather warms
there are good hatches and quality fishing. For
more information call North Country Angler
in North Conway (603-356-6000).
NEW JERSEY
Some of the best fly fishing in the Mid-Atlantic,
particularly in saltwater, is in the Garden State.
For fresh- and saltwater angling needs, Down-N-
Trout Outfitters at 2801 Bridge Ave in Point
Pleasant (732-295-REEL) is the place to visit;
it is the only “coastal” fly shop in the state. The
shop, owned and operated by Glenn and Francine
Lakotas, provides licensed guide services in NJ,
PA and NY, in both the fresh and salty venues.
They also run a busy mail order business for fly
tying materials, particularly those items that are
often hard to find.
NEW MEXICO
One of the great and underappreciated drainages
in northern New Mexico is the Jemez. April is prerunoff
time, and there are several opportunities to
catch nice wild browns. The Jemez from Battleship
Rock downstream can fish very well, while the East
Fork of the Jemez is always a good choice. The San
Antonio is an open, small stream with undercut
banks that harbor good browns and rainbows. If
you are into a bit more rugged country and faster
moving water, look into the Guadalupe River. Ed
Miller of The Reel Life (505-995-8114; www.
thereellife.com) suggests nymphing this time of
year. He likes a large stonefly nymph (size 8 or
10) followed by a smaller bead-head nymph. Fish
plunge pools or along undercut banks.
NEW YORK
There are many well-known opportunities in the
Empire State, but a few that fly under the radar
as well. There is fishing on the Croton River for
browns and rainbows where you can learn new
skills while throwing streamers at some very nice
fish. This is also a place to remember for next
winter. It’s not easy fishing, but swinging wets and
nymphs is effective. There is also the Salmon River
and its environs, which we’ve written about many
times. If you have not gone there you are missing
one of the best opportunities in the world for truly
big fish. If that’s not enough, there are giant brown
trout in places like Oak Orchard Creek, with a few
Chinook and Coho salmon mixed in. Just because
winter is ending doesn’t mean the fishing in these
places has. This is affordable, world-class angling.
Contact the Anglers Den in Pawling (845-885-
5182; E-mail: flyfish@anglersden.net).
47