 In the era of Euro Nymphing, jig and articulated streamers, and thousands of productive new nymph patterns, the dry fly is often cast aside as a much less effective method for fly fishing for trout. Many younger generation fly fishers have very little experience fishing a dry fly and a good number seasoned anglers have moved towards fishing subsurface almost exclusively. After years of guiding, competing, and fishing all over North America, I’ve concluded that many, if not most anglers that I do see dry fly fishing simply do not have the skill to consistently fool a fish. Accurately and delicately presenting a fly to a trout who has left his comfort zone and is feeding on the surface is a challenge and skill that many fly fishers do not possess. Dry fly fishing can be the best method for catching trout on certain days or during hatches, but you must be willing to try and able to execute.
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 There are few things more appealing than easing into a productive wild trout stream on a comfortable spring or fall day. Give me 3 or 4 hours, enough time that I don’t need to check the clock, and can meet the river and trout on their terms. Enough time that I can dial in what the fish want, and more importantly dial out everything else. I’m trying to achieve pure focus. Be in tune with nature, and let my subconscious free. When I am fishing my best this is the state I am in. I know the fish will bite my fly and I flow through the river. Often my fishing is shorter, and I need to power fish the productive water, force feed the trout a few of my most productive flies with perfect drifts, tangle with a few fish and leave. While this short term approach is successful because of skill and determination, I am not able to get into the flow of the day and end up leaving the river wanting more and catching less.
 In my July 2025 my monthly column I wrote about targeting trophy trout, with lots of tips and tactics to help you be successful. This month I’ll go over my three favorite water types to locate these fish in early spring. April into early May is the most consistent time of the year to target wild trophy trout in the northeast. I am talking about Brown Trout over 20 inches, some much larger. As you get into Maine the same principles will apply to trophy Brook Trout. It took me years to figure out how and where to catch these rare fish, but once I figured out some secrets, putting these mega trout in the net something I’ve been able to consistently do during the early season.
 The first 2/3 of our Alaska expedition was marked by breathtaking scenery and complete solitude. We made our way through the rugged mountains and into the flat abyss of endless tundra. It was sad to see the mountains slip away, and even sadder when we saw our first people. As the land flattened the river did as well allowing guide boats, from a fishing lodge 30 miles down stream to navigate the river with small john boats and jet props.
 I was quite ready to leave bear central campsite. After the bear encounter the previous evening, my adrenaline levels were through the roof. It was kind of like shooting a big buck, focused when you shoot, followed by full body shakes when its over, except it took hours to come down.
 Tranquil, awe inspiring perfection, pure contentment- mixed with daily doses of fear, adrenaline, and intensity. 100 miles of river, untouched or altered by man. Millions of fish, massive Brown Bears. So far from the nearest road, house, town or person that our group of 8 felt like the only people in the world. Hope, that this place would stay this wild forever. Hope, at times, that we would make it out unharmed.
 “You don’t know if you don’t go” the saying I’ve come up with that has lead to many a great adventure. Making the decision to “just go” is one of the hardest parts for many people when it comes to taking that fishing trip you have been thinking about. The fear of the bad weather, poor fishing, or the unknown holds many people back. I see this all the time with guiding. People book a trip and then a few days before the trip the weather man says that theres a chance of rain or wind and suddenly they are asking me if we should re schedule. The end result is nearly always the same, we fish regardless, and the clients have a great time that they nearly missed out on. The same goes for taking off on that fishing trip you’ve been thinking about. Not every DIY trip will result in the best fishing you’ve ever had, but I guarantee you’ll become a better angler, and make lasting memories. Bailing on your plans to do chores around the house surely wont.
 Much has been said recently regarding distance fly casting, with some big names in the industry really putting down the need to cast at distance. One very well known name in the industry even went as far as to say of fishing with a 5 wt fly rod “its absolutely stupid to throw a 40 foot cast with the goddamn thing, its just stupid, you’re going to fish 20’ away from you”, which inspired me to write this article. The truth of the matter is that it depends on the situation and having the ability to cast distance will put more fish in the net, but what is more important?
 April can be a tough month on the trout stream, but there is one pattern in particular that will up your odds of success from late fall through early spring. The mighty Egg, a naturally occurring, high calorie trout food, that stands out and draws fishes attention. When presented properly, this fly will be the most consistent pattern in your fly box at a time when trout are still quite lethargic from cold water temps. I’ll explain how to fish these flies as well as the colors I prefer.
 One year ago to the day Vermont again experienced massive flooding thanks to Hurricane Beryl. The damage was quite devastating again for many of the same communities that got hit last year, and extended east into New Hampshire and Maine. Devastation of homes, businesses and property have been tough to look at, but how have wild trout been affected?
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