The time for wandering riverbanks has arrived, though not it seems the time for casting dry flies to rising trout. I spent half a day watching bright water yesterday, my Leonard rod and St. George reel at my side as planned, enjoying the sunshine and the anticipation of a new season.
It has been a hard couple of weeks since the little false start of March 22nd. Weather swept away the conditions that brought three rises to my attention on that day. So close, and yet still so far away from that sweet release from the clutches of winter!
My Quill spent the afternoon fixed in the hook keeper; there was nothing to cast to, not even one of those odd undulations of current that trick the mind, preying upon the fierce anticipation of a house bound angler finally released.
Waters are warming but have not yet reached that point where those first mayflies are stimulated, and ready to ascend to the penultimate task of their lives. One last great challenge remains for the patient angler.
Bright Waters Catskill 