WINTER’S LAST GASP?  We’ll get some snow this weekend, but the models keep pushing the bulk of it north.  While there are some predictions for an event later next week, conditions may be warm enough to keep it to rain, in the meantime we keep thinking spring with tips for the upcoming season!

Featured Photo:  A pike takes a streamer attached to the fly line with a shock tippet.  Leaders are key for spring pike fishing. Simonson Photo.

WEATHER (Bismarck Forecast):
Today: Sat 3/14 – Snow Late – Hi 27, Lo 17, Wind E@18, G28
Tomorrow: Sun 3/15 – Mixed – Hi 35, Lo 25, Wind SE@11, G21, 3” Snow

SOLUNAR (Bismarck Times):

Sunrise        Sunset
7:56AM        7:48PM

Moonrise         Moonset          Overhead                Underfoot
1:10AM           10:55AM         6:07AM            6:34PM
Moon Phase:  Waning Gibbous (70% Full)

EDGE HOUR:    6:00-7:00AM.  Get out ahead of sunrise and the snow with moon overhead to help with the early bite in our Edge Hour.

DAY RATING:

OUTDOORS ROUNDUP:

GET WIRED!  A ultra-thin wire leader is great for casting spoons and big jigs dressed with plastics for springtime pike and requires little knot time on shore.  Invest in a pack of three to take care of most of your spring pike fishing needs.

RINSE, REPEAT.  Strip fly lines off the reel and let them settle into a bucket filled with an inch or two of warm soapy water, then reel them back on through a dry cloth to remove dust and debris to make for smoother casting.  Repeat the process with a bucket of plain water for a final check and cleansing.

MAP IT OUT!  As the spring melt hits and fish make their moves, mark off favorite locations on a map or your GPS and check them out as you’re able!  Whether it’s deltas formed by feeder creeks, breaklines that hold fish or other attractive spring spots, make it a point to get updated on the conditions at favorite spring places.