“The early bird gets the worm.” This may be the slogan of the working class go-getters, but ardent anglers live by the adage that the early worm gets the fish.
The open-water fishing season officially started April 1 throughout Aroostook County and despite the lingering snow cover and cold weather, there are many rivers and streams with ice-free sections. It’s amazing how many regional early bird bait casters are dunking early worms and catching early season trout and salmon that are often the largest of the season.
After a long winter during which sportsmen had to choose between cabin fever or shivering over a hole drilled in the ice on a barren lake, the option to finally fish open water is tantalizing. Despite the factors that ice-out, early season angling can be cold, slow to non-productive, and in limited locations, it’s the only game in town. Like a crust of bread to a starving man, just the chance to be outdoors with a fishing rod in hand is rejuvenating to a sportsman. I’m a pretty dedicated fly fisherman, but ice-out conditions do not favor fish taking flies, making worms the most productive option, so “garden hackles” it is. Like the sailor said after six storm-tossed months at sea — “Any old port in a storm!”
Novice bait flingers will need to learn the difference between general open water, and open water that’s sure to hold fish. Spring trout will instinctively avoid fast cold currents in favor of shallow backwaters and eddies requiring less energy to hold in and devour passing food. Bogans and backwaters are formed as high water from melting snow causes rivers to overflow or back-up into low lying areas beside the normal streambed. While these special locations may last only a couple of weeks, during this time they are full of fish taking advantage of the warmer, calmer, shallow pools. The Aroostook River, the Presque Isle Stream, the Prestile and the Meduxnekeag River in Houlton will overflow to create dozens such hot spots this month along each waterway.
Any dam, sharp bend in the waterway, or set of islands, that alter the waterflow to form a slow, moderately deep run below the obstructing barrier will attract and hold fish. Trout and salmon attempting to move upstream during the freshet will select calm water holding pools to rest, and wait below the barricades for lower, slower water levels to travel on. Mars Hill and Robinson dams are such locations, and even the youngest fishermen can hook a fish from pools below these easy to locate spots.
When a smaller brook or stream enters a river, there is always a stretch of flat, calm water forming a V between the confluence. The natural currents tend to funnel and hold food into the dead water zone, and the fish hold there to feed without fighting the colder faster flows of the main runs. The joining of the Presque Isle Stream and the Aroostook River is a local hot spot each April. The Prestile Stream-Whitney Brook run in at the Bridgewater boundary is another sure bet this month.
Approach all fishing locations carefully since there is snow and ice throughout the woods, and passage along streams can be treacherous. Wear layers of warm clothes, a hat, and waterproof boots to maintain warmth during the low activity level of bait fishing. Cold will affect the hands quickly due to handling bait, fish, and wet lines, so carry two pair of gloves since one set is bound to get soaked. Avoid wading high, fast spring streams if possible, because one misstep in the freezing water can end an outing.
Worms are the most dependable bait, and the simplest to find and use. A minimum of skill is required to present the bait properly, and inexpensive gear will do the job just fine and withstand the cold muddy streamside conditions. Most of the various types of spring holding pools can be fished from either side of the riverbank, and perseverance outweighs experience.
Some anglers swear using bobbers or spinners will increase hook ups, but there are so many options it becomes a matter of preference. One faction of casters insists that the bait be cast and slowly retrieved constantly over a wide area to reach the most fish. Others swear it’s better to toss out the bait, prop up the rod on a branch, and relax while the fish come to the food. Everyone agrees that worms must be fresh, so frequent bait changes are beneficial to consistent results.
Lakes and ponds won’t be clear of ice for at least a couple more weeks, so winter weary sportsmen will have to turn to dunking worms in the open sections of local streams. A few regional ponds may have some spots open, especially at the mouth of creek inlets or near spring holes. This open water may only be the size of a car or as wide as a garage, either way these locations are great for tossing out a bait and bobber setup. Check out Echo Lake or Hanson Pond in Presque Isle, Monson Pond in Fort Fairfield, Trafton in Limestone or Carry and Conroy lakes near Littleton.
The fish have spent the winter confined as well, so they are anxious for fresh food and a bit of activity. The biggest fish and fastest action will be available only until all the ice clears and full freshet conditions ruin the angling for awhile. The early worm gets the fish, so make sure you’re attached to the other end of that worm.
