March, the month of many seasons. Snow, sleet, sunshine, rain, wind, all possible on the same day. Much like the weather the fishing too can be in constant change.  Good days, slow days, many days like those of February.  The good, consistent fishing of Spring isn’t here yet but it’s close, we’ve had a taste.

Dry flies and emergers of the Spring Olives are in the fly box, as of now, yet to be used.  Always hopeful, my eyes scan the water for the first of our Mayfly hatches.  Until then, most days I’m still swinging leeches. This year, more so than others, I’ve played with many different color combinations. They all have taken fish but day in and day out there are two colors that always produce, Olive/Brown and Black. I’m now of the opinion that the pattern itself makes little difference. I believe that most of the streamers I fish imitate leeches. Whether the trout see them for that or not, who’s to say. All I know is they eat them. Regardless of anything else, size, color, etc., the one thing they all have in common is marabou. Honestly, I think one could simply tie marabou to a weighted hook and do just fine.

The most notable difference from the January/February fishing has been the active presence of fish in the riffles. With slightly warmer water temps by mid afternoons I believe the fish are looking for food. I’ve also noticed, and am not surprised, that best action has occurred under cloudy skies. With most streams still being low and clear the abundance of sun does seem to slow the bite. 

Being March things can change quickly. Cold and snow on Monday can be sunny and fifty degrees by Wednesday. Eventually Spring will arrive. Temperatures will rise and so will the trout. The Spring Olives will start the parade, soon after the first of our Caddis hatches. Afternoons will become warmer and the chance, everyday, of surface activity. However, the streamers will come along for the ride.  If the fish are hesitant to feed on top it’s good to have options.