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Not all fly-fishermen start fishing as soon as the season opens, because it's often crowded and sometimes difficult to find an unspoilt spot with no fishermen around.
Nevertheless, for most of us, even if it's never a fishing trip that will remain engraved in our memories. But for most of us, even if it's never a fishing trip we'll remember, this return to the river is a deliverance and marks the start of the season, when we're already dreaming of perfect days of hatching and frenzied trout gobbling.
In any case, this is a time for preparation, as river fishing equipment has been in the garage for many weeks, and it's time to take stock before starting a new season.
Equipment overhaul
Even if today's equipment requires limited maintenance, we still need to check its condition well before the start of the season to see if it's functional and, if necessary, buy back what we might be missing.
Rods can be cleaned with a sponge or damp cloth to remove dust from the rings and blank, but also the handle to give it a new look. You should also check the state of wear of the rings, which can be eaten away by the repeated passage of line, even on top-of-the-range rods, which can lead to premature wear.
Reels can be opened to relubricate the brake if necessary. Don't forget to loosen it during those months when your reel is not in use.
You should also check the state of wear of the bristles by running it through the whole bristle. I usually take this opportunity to clean the silk with a cleaning product such as Agent X, which also repairs micro-cracks. Regular maintenance ensures longer life and perfect glide. If there's too much wear, you'll need to think about changing your silk. In that case, why not try a new model? Something new? Or repurchase the model you feel so comfortable with, and which allows you to be precise and discreet!
These days, waders have become consumables, and you also have to make sure that there are no micro-leaks and/or that they're not really punctured. This is always very unpleasant, especially at the start of the season when the water is very cold! Most waders can be repaired, giving them greater longevity.
Wadding shoes can be checked for seams and sole wear, and nails added if you're used to them.
Never run out of things to do
It's always a good idea to stock up on small items of equipment, too. Whether it's the thread or the main tools, it's important to have everything ready for the new season.
First of all, the wires, making sure you have all the diameters you use regularly. You can make your own rat-tails (in Maxima or Camoufil) if you're used to doing so, or buy some in the shops and add a micro-ring for the connections. Adapt their length if necessary.
Check that we have grease to float our flies, and degreaser for the line for fine dry or nymph fishing.
Then take a tour of all the little everyday tools: wire cutters, pliers, fly dryers, etc...
Fly fishermen are often scrupulous and like to have everything organized before the season starts. They don't want to miss a thing to avoid disappointment once they're on the water.
Fly selection and tying
Flies are our direct link to fish. Without them, it's impossible to catch them. So you need all the models you can get your hands on to practice the techniques you love. Some people only fish in fine weather, and mainly dry flies. Others are multi-technique and like variety. And then there are the mono-technique anglers, who are often experts in a particular field, or, as the case may be, like to practice a technique for its complexity or finesse.
In any case, we'll have to review our boxes and take "inventory" of what needs to be replaced or completed. Winter is assembly season for those who also have this passion, or for those for whom the one goes hand in hand with the other!
There are the must-have models without which we wouldn't be able to get to the water's edge, and then there are last year's novelties or discoveries. Whatever the case, it's high time we finished our preparations so we have what we'll need once we're on the rivers where we practice.
Then there are the last-minute fly-tyers who like to tie shortly before the outings, to get inspired and tie the bare essentials to finish off their selections of flies for this or that time of year.
You can also remove damaged flies and those with rusty hooks, and sort and organize your boxes. This sorting saves time at the water's edge.
Strategies and techniques for D-Day
Each angler will have already thought about his strategy, his fishing spot where he likes to go to make his opening alone or with friends.
From drowned fish to streamers and wire nymphs, not forgetting the dreamer or lucky angler who will have the opportunity to attack dry fish from the very first day!
Each technique has its merits, but the most important thing is to know why you chose it!
Is it to be efficient and catch the first trout of the season, or is it because you want to?
The nymph on the wire often allows you to fish quietly and hollowly, while passing close to fish that are reluctant to move at this time of year. It's a very effective technique all year round, but especially at the start of the season.
The drowning this is a technique that has lost its way over the years, but has its fans. It allows you to cover several layers of water and catch fish early in the season. A single streamer stroke can bring a beautiful trout out of its hiding place, and you can use it on a one-off basis or on well-known spots, or really use it for a good part of the early season in search of big fish that want to get back on their feet.
La sèche as in previous years, the warmest hours of the day will bring in some fine trout, particularly on the large March Brown rivers and sometimes on the bays. The lucky ones will be waiting for the trout's snouts to come in and delicately pick out a few large mayflies drifting here and there.
