I need advice from my American friends...

[Andrew Mann]

My wife has ordered me to go fishing (isn't she awesome?). I teach grade eight and my class has me completely stressed out. What I need is a healthy dose of time on the water. The problem is, all of my home waters are frozen.

I'm looking for an eastern US state with an open trout season (I'd even settle for bass). I'm thinking of North or South Carolina, Tennesse, Arkansas, or even Georgia. I'd prefer to target trout in rivers and streams, but I have absolutely no idea which states have open trout seasons or good trout water.

I'd be able to travel from March 11 to March 19 (during my March break). I'd like to stay at inexpensive motels close to the water I'd be fishing. And, if anyone would like to spend a day on the water with a friend from Canada, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Thanks for your help.
Andrew

[ohiotuber]

Andrew,
While you didn't mention Ohio...that's where I am...Canton, Oh (Pro Football Hall of Fame city), & if you get this way, let me know a little in advance....there's ALWAYS room for FAOL family at the Flanagans. In addition, starting next week, I'll be off every Friday, Saturday, & Sunday. My wife, Colleen, has taught for 30+ years in elementary school and, even though I tease about her, is also extremely supportive of my love of flyfishing.
Again, if you, or ANY of my FAOL family get this way, I have a place for you to stay & some decent fishing holes.
Mike

[Hackletip]

Andrew..Depending on the weather in March there is only one place in the east to fish what you are looking for...."Pennsylvania"..Our Limestone streams and Spring creek streams never freeze..With the amount of rainfall we got last year our creeks are in excellent condition,and if we do not recieve any substantial rain fall,we should be in good shape..During the month of February we had excellent fishing on our Spring and Limestoners...I am retired and fly fish as the opportunity arises...If the weather is right, and you are avialable, I would only be to glad to escort you on some of the finest streams that Pennsylvania has to offer...You can surf the net to find out what accomadations are available in N.Central Pennsylvania...At that time of the year it should be very reasonable...

Hackletip

[Riverdancer]

Andrew,

If you can make it down to New Mexico, you'll have one of the best year-round trout fisheries in the world at your disposal. I guided up there the last three days and landed 12-15 fish over 15" with two 21" hogs thrown in for fun. I know it's farther than you wanted, but it would be almost a guaranteed good trip.



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Jude
Small flies work best. Elephants eat peanuts.
www.customflys.com

[Andrew Mann]

Thanks to for your responses guys. It's nice to know that other anglers are so willing to help make a stranger's trip so memorable.

Riverdancer - I'd love to go to New Mexico, but with a baby on the way, and the purchase of a new house, I don't think the bank account will let me. And, if possible, I'd like to keep the destination within driving distance of southern Ontario.

Thanks for the advice, though. I'm sure I'll make it there someday.

Andrew

[PG Flyfisher]

Riverdancer,

Where in NM are you speaking about. I may be making a trip out that way in the near future. I'm always looking for an excuse to bring my fly rod along.

[Jed]

Western Massachusetts.

Open water, open season. What else does one need. We have four great trout rivers within an hours drive. The Deerfield, the Millers, The Westfield and Swift. Travel another hour and add the Housitonic and Farmington.

If your interested let me know and I'll give you ideas about where to stay etc.

jed

[This message has been edited by Jed (edited 23 February 2005).]

[D. Micus]

tuber, i'm on my way. i'll only stay a year or two--promise!!!

[Andrew Mann]

Tuber, Hackletip, Jed - Thanks for the advice and the invites, I really aprreciate the kind offers...please understand that at this time of year, I'd like to fish in warmer climes!

Is the season open in Tensessee? If so, any information would be helpful.

Andrew

[Riverdancer]

PG,

I'm talking mostly about the San Juan River which is located near Farmington, New Mexico in the Four Corners Region. It is in Northwestern NM near the AZ, CO, and UT borders. It's definately a trip to make in your lifetime. Year-round fishing for big trout. If you'll e-mail me, I can give you more information.

-Jude

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Jude
Small flies work best. Elephants eat peanuts.
www.customflys.com