​Late winter through early winter represents a time of inconsistency and flexibility. Timing the break of winter’s hold on the mid west and northeast can be difficult at best. We wait for the clues of warming water temperatures and increased fish activity. But this occurrence varies widely on the calendar from year to year often starting and stopping with the lure of false hope.
 
The pursuit of steelhead in the Great Lakes region during the later winter and spring keeps us on our toes. Change is a constant. Fish are on the move – a pool that fishes well one day can be devoid the next. Water levels rise rapidly from melting snows and rains bringing moisture from the south. And nighttime temperatures that feel more like mid January can exist until April making fish lethargic and unresponsive.
 
Being ready to mobilize when things are right seems more important in the late winter and early spring than other times during the year. So be ready to get after it and shake off some of the frustrations of a tough winter. Water that is just dropping into shape bringing with it fresh fish from the lake can provide the best possibilities at this time of year. Over the next few weeks I’ll be studying the weather forecast and water levels of my favorite spring rivers looking waiting for some opportunities. 

​I can’t say I look forward to December as it marks the end of the fall fishing and hunting frenzy that many of us enjoy. But I can say that I embrace it. While it represents a transition to the coldest months of the year, windows of opportunity pop up that are similar to what we experienced earlier in the season. So with the doldrums of winter right around the corner I have learned the importance of pursuing some of the year’s remaining outdoor experiences.
 
Since the prime fishing is now past and weather conditions uncertain, competition for water is significantly decreased. The ease in finding solitude adds greatly to the attraction of fishing at this time of year.
 
December is about slowing down – no need to be in a hurry. It may take a little longer to get to the water and move between pools. December fishing may require breaking ice from the guides or waiting for the slush to clear. And slowing down the presentation is often the key recognizing that a fish may not move as aggressively for a fly in the colder water.
 
December is also a month for big fish yielding a number of top steelhead, brown trout and even musky over the years. With the holidays, December moves fast. Its time to get out there before it’s gone. 

​This Wednesday September 26th I'll presenting be presenting a discussion on fly fishing for steelhead in the Great Lakes region at the monthly meeting for the Delaware Valley Fly Fishers in Yardley, Pennsylvania. The meeting starts at 7:30. If you are in the southeastern PA area stop by to say hello. I'll also have my books available and there will be time for a book signing after the presentation. Hope to see you there.

Here in the northeast the first hatches of the year are just around the corner. With warming air and water temperatures combined with a forecasted period of low precipitation, things could heat up quickly.

At this time of year it is important to be patient. Most hatches won’t occur until the afternoon or even early evening. And with spring hatches the bug activity does not necessarily need to be heavy to bring fish to the surface so always be on the search for risers. 

The Hendrickson hatch is the first major occurrence of the year and can get some of the largest trout in the river or stream looking up and feeding aggressively. A trout’s senses are not as finely honed at this time of year as compared to later in the season. This provides a great opportunity to fool the fish of your dreams. But it will still require a careful approach, accurate casts, and a drag-free presentation.
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I carry a variety of patterns to represent every stage of the insect cycle and even a few alternatives of each stage for some variety. For me the thrill of going one-on-one with a large feeding trout seems to embody the very essence of fly fishing.

​For anyone interested in a personalized copy of my latest book ​Hunting Musky with a Fly please send me a Facebook message.

It is also available at a number of fly shops including Orvis - Buffalo, Schultz Outfitters, TCO Fly Shops, and Great Lakes Fly Fishing Company.

Musky fly fishing occasionally reminds me of my baseball playing days. Hitting a baseball was always a rather streaky proposition. When things were going well it was easy - a pitched ball appeared to come in big and slow. But it could easily all be lost. A couple games go by without a hit and there it was - a slump. And some slumps were tough to break - the shortstop makes a diving catch on a line drive or a well hit long ball goes directly to an outfielder. 

I have felt the same frustration recently with musky. Things seemed to be going well and then a few unsuccessful outings later you begin to wonder when the next one will be brought to  the net. And in true slump fashion on an outing last week I experienced two very close calls including one that was already counted in my mind making disappointment even more vivid.

But the only way to break a slump is to keep on swinging or in this case keep on casting. The prime of the year is here which means spending as much time on the water as possible. With enough time on the water good things always happen.
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Check out two recent podcasts that feature discussion of hunting musky on the fly between myself and Justin Hanson - ToFlyFish.com and Roger Maves - AskAboutFlyFishing.com. Both pod casts are available at the links below.

http://toflyfish.com/musky-fly-fishing/

http://www.askaboutflyfishing.com/speakers/rick-kustich/hunting-musky-with-a-fly.cfm

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