Fall: A time for other options

Posted 8/21/12

Typically, trout season means an early April start, even if it’s only the ceremonial first cast of the season followed by an enhanced “hot chocolate.” Early-season trout fishing can be …

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Fall: A time for other options

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Typically, trout season means an early April start, even if it’s only the ceremonial first cast of the season followed by an enhanced “hot chocolate.” Early-season trout fishing can be challenging, but as water temperatures move into the mid to upper 60s, everyone is in the game. For some, a couple of weeks is enough, while the more seriously addicted trout fishers look forward to a series of mayfly hatches through mid to late June. When the water temperatures warm into the 70s, responsible cold water fishers set their rods aside until the water temperatures drop back down. But summer means terrific largemouth bass fishing in almost every lake and backyard pond. And don’t tell anyone about the amazing smallmouth fishery of the Delaware River. It’s the best kept secret around.

By fall, the cooler nights and heavier rains we have just experienced bring the water temperatures down to an acceptable and ethical fishing range—but by this time, there are other fish to fry.

Anyone who reads this column knows that I am an ardent supporter of catch and release. Fly fishing legend Lee Wulff coined the phrase, “A game fish is too valuable to be caught only once.” Accordingly, we practice “catch and release.” Like all generalities, there are exceptions to the rule. The Lake Ontario salmon fishery is one such example.

We are now moving into peak time for salmon to spawn. After having spent all summer fattening on the abundant forage fish of Lake Ontario, salmon now instinctively begin their migration up the tributary rivers and streams where they once began life themselves. Now in their home waters, they set about nest building (creating a shallow depression by removing river silt and pebbles with their tails). At that site, the female lays her eggs and the male fertilizes them. Meanwhile, opportunistic steelhead trout feast on the eggs that spill out of the nests. Steelhead are great targets for catch-and-release fishers.

But for salmon at this time, the cycle of life is complete, and in a short time they begin to atrophy and start to die. So this is a great time to bring home a king (Chinook) or Coho salmon, which will make for several meals of great table fare. Salmon is a very versatile fish and can be prepared many ways to suit any fish eater’s palate.

My brother Ed is not only a remarkable fisherman, but also a master at smoking fish. (Yes, I know they are hard to light, but I am referring to hickory- or alder-smoked fish.) We have a good symbiotic relationship in that I catch them, Ed smokes them, and we split the bounty 50/50.

Unless you know an extremely knowledgeable and patient salmon river fishing buddy, the best way to get started is to engage the services of a guide. My trips with Adrian LaSorte, Greg Liu and other terrific guides have helped me achieve remarkable success. There is a list of licensed guides online, or you can hook-up at many of the sport shops near the Salmon River. Malinda’s, Whitakers and Salmon River Sport Shop are just a few of the better known ones. Arrangements made in advance are strongly recommended.

And while I have two multiple-day trips booked already, I must confess that I also look forward to getting back to our local fishery. When others are watching football games, raking leaves or chasing salmon up in Pulaski, I’ll give our waters a second look.

It is at these times that I will have the local waters mostly to myself, where I can pursue those holdover trout. These fish have become more challenging, as they have eluded being caught for a season or several. Now these are challenging fish. The bottom line: it’s all good.

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