BLOWING & SNOWING.  Winds rise in the back half of the day as you (and wildlife) get one more shot of snow tonight before things take on a more springlike feel.  We check out what’s to come, barbless hook tips and more in today’s Three Things.

Featured Photo: Keep the angle on fish and manage line tension to maintain a barbless hook’s hold. Simonson Photo.

WEATHER (Bismarck Forecast):
Today: Wed 3/13 – Winds Build. Hi 33, Lo 15, Wind NW@30, G40.
Tomorrow:  Thu 3/14 – Snow Tapers – Hi 31, Lo 23, Wind NW@40, G55. 4” Snow.

SOLUNAR (Bismarck Times):

Sunrise        Sunset
8:00AM       7:46PM

Moonrise      Moonset       Overhead    Underfoot
11:44AM     2:10AM       7:26PM        6:59AM

Moon Phase: Waxing Crescent (42% Full)

EDGE HOUR:  11:00AM-12:00PM. Moonrise ahead of the massive front will provide the last good stretch of fishing in today’s Edge Hour, before things get gusty.

DAY RATING:

THREE THINGS:

HOLD ON!  Wind gusts over ND will be some of the strongest we’ve seen in a wild winter as the back end of the massive low loops cold air in behind a rainy center that cuts up through Minnesota and Wisconsin.

BARBLESS.  Hooks without barbs allow for easy release.  If you’re thinking spring trout, or looking to help turn fish loose quickly and with less stress, consider tying flies with barbs filed down, mashed or removed – or opt for barbless hooks.  Keeping line tension will prevent the hook from slipping.

MONEY.  The US Fish & Wildlife Service details the dollars allotted to the agency as well as conservation and habitat programs in the budget released by the Trump White House this week.  Learn about the funding levels and where federal dollars go to sustain hunting, fishing and wildlife in the U.S.

Stay Sharp!