When some blogs just talked about opening day of fishing season, Robin Follette and I LIVED it!
I drove four hours north the day before to hang out with Robin and go on a few adventures (those posts are coming, but here is a sneak peek). The biggest was to stand in the Stream in Grand Lake Stream on opening day and try our hand at fly fishing. We didn’t really care about catching a fish but we were excited to see the groups of people that would be there and the excitement surrounding the beginning of fishing season.
We met up with Brian Donaghy of Epic Adventures to help us with gear and guidance. When we pulled into the parkinglot, we saw Brian and only 4 or 5 other vehicles. This was not the crowded fishing adventure that people said that it would be. Robin and I were the only women there with about 6 or 8 other guys who were there to hang out and talk to people or fish.
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| Grand Lake Stream |
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| Fishing the stream |
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| Fishing the stream |
Robin and I got into our waders and got ready to head into the water with Brian. We had to get up and over the snowbanks and deal with a few icy spots but we made it. I was borrowing waders from Brian and had to come to terms with the idea that my boots would fill with water but the waders and neoprene would keep me warm. What I did not think about was that my boots fit my feet with one pair of socks on. Add a couple pair and the waders and my feet were almost numb from the lack of circulation well before we walked into the icy water. If I am going to keep fishing more, I may need to buy a pair of proper wader that fit.
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| Brian and Robin |
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| The only two women fishing. We don’t look too bad! |
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| Wind, layers and a fly rod |
The sun felt wonderful and it was warmer standing in the water than when we got out. Almost instantly there was ice forming on our waders, the eye of the rods and even the lines. We were more excited about the act of being in the water and fishing on opening day than anything else. As Robin said, it was ‘a great morning of friendship, fishing and conversation.’ I could not have agreed more.
Here is to more days on the water, fish that will be caught and great conversations with friends while enjoying the incredible Maine outdoors!
36° water never felt warm until standing in the wind when the air is 23°. Next purchase – breathable waders for real spring and summer!
Love that spot..in about 2 weeks!