Matthew Dickerson, Reprinted from the Addison Independent, June 1, 2000.
Another May has rolled past putting us into the heart of what, in most years, would be my most productive trout fishing time: late May and early June. This year, however, my season is off to a slow start. Thanks to the recent abundance of clouds and rain, the water temperature in local rivers is several degrees cooler than usual and had not yet reached the ideal temperature for trout metabolism. Translation: though there are certainly trout out there ready to be caught, they have not yet started feeding aggressively.
Not coincidentally, the state stocking program is also a week or two behind their normal schedule. For two upcoming events planned by the New Haven River Anglers Association, however, the late season may be ideal. Both events are scheduled for June, both are free, and both are designed for families with the purpose of encouraging more people--especially youth--to take up the sport of fishing. Or at least to become more aware of the environmental concerns which have always been on the mind of the conscientious angler.
The first event is scheduled for June 10, which is Vermont State Free Fishing Day. The NHRAA, in conjunction with the Bristol Recreation Department, will hold a free clinic at 10:00am at the old Palmer's Court location just behind the one-lane bridge on rte.116 south. Members of the NHRAA will be on hand to give instruction in both spin-casting and fly-casting. For the more ambitious, there will also be opportunities to wade out into the river with the "guides" and cast for trout. Given the late date for stocking this year, there may still be a good number of trout to be caught. This event will also provide an opportunity for Bristol area residents to view the area where the NHRAA has actively been involved with state conservation efforts including efforts to create a handicap angling access. They have also been working with the Forest Service on some possible stream bank protection and enhancement, and with Fish and Wildlife to develop a special management stretch of the river.
The next NHRAA event is their annual Youth Night which is scheduled for Tuesday, June 13, at 6pm at the Dog Team Tavern. This is a wonderful event for families (children and adults). In the past, I've had a blast there with my own kids. The event includes casting clinics, knot-tying instructions, stream-side insect identification, fly-tying demonstrations, and of course an opportunity to go out onto the river and fish. In the past, members of the Fish and Wildlife department have been present to answer questions. There are great door prizes including a complete youth fly-fishing outfit from Cortland. And, of course, refreshments will be served. In the event of rain, a movie titled "The Way of the Trout" is planned.
As NHRAA president Pete Diminico comments, the goal of these events is not merely to provide a single night's fun (though it should do that), but to promote a life-long experience of angling. "Parents should definitely come too."
For more information on either event, call Pete at 453-3899. For those interested in joining the NHRAA, the annual fee is only $15 for adults. Kids under 14 are free. In addition to several annual events, the NHRAA also meets the second Tuesday of each month at the Dog Team Tavern.