By Mike Roche

As noted in last week’s column, MassWildlife stocking trucks are rolling and most local waters have been stocked. More than one local fisherman has related to me their satisfaction with the quality of the trout, which are large and feisty.

Spring trout fishing with these cold water conditions is usually most productive with spinning lures, and most bright, flashing lures that combine movement and bright color will get hits from the stocked rainbows. These big “bows” are also great eating and the crowd at the Mahar Fish’N Game Club Game Supper two weeks ago gobbled down the trout as fast as they could get it from the kitchen.

As things warm up, a lot will change. As water temperatures rise it will stimulate insect hatches, and Mayflies, caddis flies, stone flies, as well as midges and ants emerging from the larvae stage provide a buffet trout relish. The truly passionate fly fishermen include a thermometer to monitor water temperatures and a small fine mesh net to gather up insects floating on the surface to help choose which pattern, color and size might be the ticket to fooling wary trout.

So much happens under the surface of every body of water as the complex relationship of living things comes into play. Anyone who has seen a dragonfly emerge from that large larval swimmer is impressed and frequently the casing left behind is mistaken for something alive. The challenge of fly fishing for trout is something of a commitment and those who tie their own flies, cast them expertly on a fine fly rod, and drift them in front of a feeding trout get a special satisfaction. There is nothing wrong with fishing with a worm or nightcrawler or Powerbait, for that matter. Different strokes for different folks, or whatever floats your boat. Both phrases fit, and everyone who fishes gets something out of the experience of being outdoors and enjoying the fresh (or salt) water experience.

As mentioned earlier, it is this writer’s goal to do more trout fishing in April/May and less turkey hunting. It will be hard because when spring is in the air, my thoughts encourage me to drive around looking for turkeys, call at dusk and pre-dawn to locate gobblers, and look to find new places to hunt where there will not be other hunters. It is not that I am anti-social, it is just that turkey hunting alone is better because it increases safety and the chance to “work” a gobbler, which is the real reason that this guy gets out of bed at 4 a.m. for a month of the year!

During my time as a teacher at Mahar Regional, students and fellow staff members were a great source of information about hunting possibilities. Over the decades of my turkey hunting life, the sport has grown exponentially. As a result, so many places that were once exclusive to me now often have a pickup truck parked when the Silverado arrives. It is time to reach out and find some new places not only to hunt gobblers, but also search for bird covers where woodcock and grouse habitats might produce some finds for my bird dogs. Right now, we are known running covers and finding woodcock. That training is short-lived, however, because as soon as any signs of hens nesting appear, we are done. The timberdoodles do not need any additional stress that might negatively impact nesting. Then it is time to begin our yard work training and get up to Hedgerow Hunt Club in Royalston to train in earnest for October.

This past week we suffered a bit of a setback when a routine medical procedure resulted in some side effects that resulted in severe discomfort and lack of motion in my right arm. The resulting panic over losing my active lifestyle resulted in my seeking medical opinions. They indicate that the condition may be temporary and with my continued home measures and physical therapy, full use should return. Scary stuff when you are where this guy is in life’s schedule. Two weeks until Kansas and I intend to be fully operational at that time!

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MassWildlife reminds us to be aware that heavy rains this time of year produce increased activity by amphibians. Amphibians crossing the road can be almost impossible to see. For many Massachusetts residents, spring rain is a reminder of the changing seasons. For smaller Massachusetts natives, like amphibians, spring rains signal it’s time to emerge from winter retreats and migrate to breeding sites or disperse to new areas. Unfortunately, many of those animals will face the daunting task of having to cross roads to reach their destinations.

Spotted salamanders, wood frogs, blue-spotted salamanders, Jefferson salamanders, American toads, spring peepers, four-toed salamanders, northern leopard frogs and eastern red-backed salamanders are frequently encountered on roads during early spring rains. With snow cover gone and the ground thawed, you can expect migrations in milder, lower-elevation parts of Massachusetts to take place on warm, rainy nights.

Increased vigilance is also in order with reference to our bird feeders. Take them down or bring them in at night to avoid unwelcome visits from hungry bears. Speaking of bears, MassWildlife has conducted a review and completed a period of public comment on bear hunting regulations. Proposed is a season change which would create a single season from Labor Day through the last day of the shotgun deer season. Also considered is a Youth Bear Permit. The waterfowl hearing, during which regulations on migratory bird hunting will be set, is scheduled for April 29.

Mike Roche is a retired teacher who has been involved in conservation and wildlife issues his entire life. He has written the Sportsman’s Corner since 1984 and has served as advisor to the Mahar Fish’N Game Club, counselor and director of the Massachusetts Conservation Camp, former Connecticut Valley District representative on the Massachusetts Fisheries and Wildlife Board, a Massachusetts Hunter Education Instructor and is a licensed New York hunting guide. He can be reached at mikeroche3@msn.com.