Trout Stream Safety

[Billfish715]

I was able to shake off the cabin fever and take advantage of the warm break in thel the weather after the snow by heading to a few streams in Morris and Warren Counties. The snow was still pretty deep in some spots and the ice along the banks was also a concern. If you do get out and there is snow still present, be careful. The snow is right up to the banks and there is no telling how steep or where the bank drops off. A wading staff might be a good thing to carry so you can check the depth of the drifts and where the bank starts to drop off.

Roadside parking is also compromised. Where there used to be easy access from the road to your favorite pool, might not be so easy. You might have to hike a distance from a pull-off a longer distance away than you might expect. Some spots have been plowed, others have been plowed into. There were several spots on the Musky that had little or no easy access and many spots had piles of snow in front of the paths or banks. If getting into the stream was easy, getting out might not be. The same snow banks and snow-covered branches that you might have used to help your exit might be dangerous.

The icy edges of the streams can cut right through your waders too. There's nothing like a dunk in an icy stream or a boot full of ice cold water to get your attention.

This rain will change things but wait a few days until the water drops a bit and clears. Right now, the streams are still rather low but very, very clear.

I saw no black stone flies yet but with these air temperatures, they might start sooner than later.