Finally, the bald eagles have come back to their nest on Lower Range Pond. I had seen one flying around last week, but no activity in the nesting area. Today both of them were busy flying around the pond with sticks in their beaks rebuilding their nest. Some of the sticks looked rather large. If you have never seen an eagle nest they are quite large and impressive. Please be aware that one should not get too close to an eagles nest and it is also illegal to possess a bald eagle feather. I know it is tempting to get a little closer for a picture. Stay off the small island where the eagles have nested, instead rely on the zoom on your camera.
As for the fishing, the brown trout are a little deeper than expected at this time of year, while you will find the brookies tight to shore in shallow water. After ice out the shallow water warms quickly and insect life gets more active and thus the fish follow. When I troll I am always trying to stay above the transition line. This is where the bottom drops out of sight from shore. This requires a lot of trial and error as every shoreline is different and has its own hazards. This line is a good starting point for anyone trying trolling for the first time. Just be patient and try not to swear too much. As always there are exceptions to the rule. I start out with this technique, but I try new things often. Many a day has been salvaged with trolling tighter to shore. You will need to adjust the depth of your flies and lures. Running a floating line close to shore is one way to fish effectively along the shore. I have caught many a rock and branches and lost numerous flies and lures in trying to stay in the transition zone. This leads me to an important piece of equipment that everyone should have in a boat, a rod leash, which will save you time and money. Let’s just say there is a certain pond out there with my favorite fly rod on the bottom just waiting for me to retrieve it. I have not been out without a rod leash since. Do yourself a favor and invest in one.
Lower Range Pond is managed for brown trout. I think they are doing quite well.
Another fine brown trout
This is also a fun part of the year when the fish in ponds start to look up at the insects that are hatching. Around mid-day there were pods of trout rising to emerging insects in the middle of the pond. The key to this is to anticipate where the pod is moving and cast in front of them. The other important part is to get in position without spooking the pod. The wind will also prevent the insects from emerging and thus the fish will stop rising, which happened frequently today. Missed a few rising trout, but it is always very fun to chase willing fish. One other important mark for the year was catching the first brook trout of the season. Sorry there is no picture as he decided he did not want to get in the boat at the last minute.