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Spring Trout
by Dave Anderson

As spring begins to rise from the doldrums of winter, many people take to their local trout stream to enjoy some early season action. April 1 marked the beginning of a new era in southeast Minnesota trout fishing as all designated trout streams were open to a strictly catch and release barbless hooks only period until the "opener" resumes on April 17.

I have had the opportunity to fish this new season five days straight starting on April 1. The action was phenomenal for me, a fly fisherman, and I would guess it was decent for others who pursue trout by other methods.

There are several factors to keep in mind when fishing for trout early in the season. A quiet, stealthy approach is a must as their is little overhanging cover to conceal your approach to the stream. I find myself fishing from my knees in many situations in order to keep a low profile. Earth colors or camouflage clothing would be a good bet. Staying out of the water whenever possible is a must. The fish have a tendency to be spooky enough without making an extra commotion in the water.

Some of the more popular trout streams will have a plethora of people, so the best way to avoid crowds is several different things. Location is a key element to keep in mind. Try some new water that is overlooked in the summer months due to dense vegetation. You might be pleasantly surprised to what you may find. Try fishing during the weekday whenever possible. I find myself almost fishing exclusively during the week days during the summer months and also on some of the more secluded spots during the weekend hours. Don't be afraid to go for a little hike to find your own slice of heaven.

For fly fishermen, baetis (BWO's) are a predominant dry fly in the early season, as well as the Dark Hendrickson, a larger may fly whose hatch lasts a relatively short time (10 days in most cases). Early season caddis hatches may occur when the conditions are right. The opener in 1998 saw a caddis "blizzard" as temperatures were warm throughout the month and the hatch took off. Standard flies this time of year are pheasant tail nymphs in a variety of colors - olive being a good bet. Scud patterns seem to work all year round and they are a great fly to have as the main part on a tandem rig. Caddis larvae and emergers along with some elk hair caddis are a good bet, as well as the staple BWO tied parachute style in sizes 16-20. It's a good idea to have on hand some streamer patterns: zonkers and woolly buggers are always a good choice. Some stone fly nymphs, particularly Prince Nymphs are always a good choice along with gold ribbed hares' ears. Don't be afraid to use some lighter tippet material - up to 7X at times, especially when the water is clean.

I leave you with an editorial of sorts. Respect the rights of the water when trout angling. If you see someone working an area, give them some space and if you leap frog them, leave them some distance between you and them. There's nothing more irritating to me as a cold water angler than to have someone else walk right up to the area you are fishing and begin to work it also. There's plenty of water to fish in southeast Minnesota, so be courteous to others around you and good luck.

Experimental Regulations New for 1999
Experimental regulations new for the 1999 fishing season that begins on April 1 for catch and release and opens April 17 for the regular season include a five fish limit with a 12-16 inch protective slot and one fish over 16 inches for brown trout in possession include Camp Creek, North Branch of the Whitewater, Trout Run, and West Indian Creek. Brook Trout regulations new for 1999 affect two streams: Trout Valley and Cold Spring Brook. Their regulation will be a one trout limit with that fish having to exceed 12 inches in length. The Regulations Committee is still working on possible changes for the general season as well, but those results won't be made final until the 1999 season is under way, thus making them available for the 2000 angling season at the earliest. Get your very own easement guide, live and in color compliments of the DNR. This super booklet not only lists easements for all designated southeast Minnesota streams, but it also shows habitat improvement sections and a map with access points as well. This is a must have for any trout angler. Contact Region 5 Fisheries in Rochester to get your copy today.

Red Pine Resort
Ice Fishing on Kabetogama.