Get Out: And go trout fishing
Sure you'd rather stay inside all weekend re-reading your favorite Toy Department features. But let's face it, you're starting to smell bad. Bugs are circling your head. And it's time to move so someone can vacuum under the couch. As we do every Friday in this space, may we humbly suggest you do everyone a favor and, "Get out!"
There is no actual starting day in Maryland for trout fishing. If you don't keep what you catch--that is you practice catch and release--you can fish every day of the year.
But for those who like to put a little butter in the pan and fry up a few fillets, opening day is Saturday at 5:30 a.m. And, yes, there are people out there before dawn.
The state stocks many rivers and streams with trout and then closes the waterways for a few weeks to let the fish get settled in and spread out a bit.
It's easy to get started.
First, find a stocked spot near you by looking at www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/#4d. The recent lack of rain (except for yesterday) means some spots, such as Gunpowder Falls from Cromwell Bridge to I-95, won't get fish until water levels rise.
The Daniels area at Patapsco Valley State Park is a good bet. Severn Run upstream of Route 3 in Anne Arundel County is another favorite. Other spots are Howard County's Laurel, Centennial and Elkhorn lakes.
Get a freshwater license ($7.50 for five days; $20.50 annual) with a $5 trout stamp--the stamp helps pay for the stocking effort.
Buy a rod and reel, you don't need to spend more than $20-$25, or better yet borrow some tackle and a small net. Get some worms or a little jar of Power Bait and hooks, ranging from size No. 6 to 14.
Once along the stream bank or lake, bait up. If you're fishing moving water, add a piece of split shot or two to your line and cast across and upstream of a hole or pool and let the bait float down as you slowly reel in the line.
The rest is up to you. Of course you can cut out all this stuff and just bring someone who knows what they're doing.
Either way, enjoy.
