Writing On The Fly: The First Day Of Fall

By George Liset, InDepth NH

Fall is different things to different people.

As a long-time educator, Fall meant the beginning of the school year. A new start for students, parents and teachers; where hope springs eternal that you might just finally understand math or move up to the next level reading group. For many older New Englanders, Fall means rushing around to get your wood in and the vegetables canned and in the cellar before winter arrives.

For the fly fisherman, Fall means that there is maybe a month left to be on the water. Although there are some rivers and streams that have special regulations that can be fished year round, for most intents and purposes, the season is over. I will don my cold weather gear and venture out after the New Year, more than anything, just to prove I can do it.

On this beautiful fall day I chose to enjoy it with a fly rod in my hand. I headed up to Lake Winnipesaukee to check out the scenery and rivers to find some inspiration for a story. The air had a bit of crispness and had the scent of falling leaves and apples.

The latter was probably wishful thinking. I had plenty of time and decided to take in a scenic sight. At the blinking light at Johnson’s Dairy Bar I drove up Berry Road to the top of the hill. This is a beautiful view. On a clear day you can see Winnipesaukee, the Ossipee Range and possibly Mount Washington. My apology to the owners of the farm who must have people stop in front of their house to take the view in. The colors had begun to paint the landscape. This was one of those days you dream about. The kind of day you wish you could bottle during one of those nasty New England cold spells.

If it wasn’t for the fact that I wanted to fish I would have stayed longer. I still had some time so I decided to check in on my friends at Fish and Game at the Powder Mill Hatchery. They were a friendly group and knowledgeable. My first question was about whether Fish and Game had a trout stocking philosophy. I was told that they did but was currently in the process of being reviewed. I asked them how the stocking was going and asked them about some spots in the Seacoast. The officers mentioned that the Spring stocking went well but were doubtful the fish that weren’t caught in some of the smaller rivers and streams made it through the Summer.

I asked about a local pond just around the corner from the hatchery and they told me that only two people have fished it. I was surprised and asked them how they knew that? With a camera. Occasionally they mount cameras to give them more information as to how best utilize their stocking. When I left I mentioned the next time I saw them on the water I would make them famous and put their picture in my column.

I then headed up to Alton Bay to check out the dam on the Merrymeeting River that was having work done. I was curious as to how it would affect the fall fishing. Hopefully the impending Nor’easter would supply some much needed water. I knew the river would be low so I brought my three weight rod with some small caddis flies and went looking for some Rock Bass and whatever else had found their way up the river.

The rock Bass never fail to deliver and immediately put a smile on my face. I also caught a couple of Fall fish, one which was of good size. I was trying to remember the last time I caught a trout. Just then a flock of Canadian Geese flew overhead. I knew they were Canadian because they had hockey sticks, Eh? I really didn’t want to leave but it was getting dark and the moon was almost full. I wanted to bottle that too!

This story was originally published by InDepth NH.