Trout

Each spring many anglers look forward to the beginning of the trout-stocking season and the fishing opportunities the stocked trout present. It's one of the signs that spring is here and warmer weather is on the way. Washington County's fishing opportunities for stocked trout are some of the most varied in the state. Locally, we have lake or impoundment fishing opportunities in places such as Greenbrier Lake, Blair's Valley Lake and Big Pool. If you prefer moving waters, some of the most popular streams are Beaver Creek or Sideling Hill Creek.

According to the long-range weather forecast, the Tri-State area could continue the recent trend of above-average temperatures for the rest of February and March. Obviously there will be some cold periods, and even some snow and ice, but the fact is, the beginning of the trout fishing season is actually here. For non-anglers, it seems strange to be thinking of fishing when the ground is covered with snow and the streams are rimmed with ice. But the diehard anglers don't always think like most folks.

David Rodgers and Don Blickenstaff fish for trout Thursday morning at Devil's Backbone Park.

It's a rare moment when someone who loves the outdoors isn't smiling from ear to ear after getting a chance to commune with nature. When wife Barbara and I went upcountry to the Savage River Lodge, in the easternmost part of Garrett County, we pulled into the entrance of the lodge, took a deep breath of cool, clean mountain air, smiled and exchanged knowing glances. We acknowledged that the wild deer standing on the road with their heads cocked in our direction, checking us out, was a good omen.

The following received awards on Saturday at the fifth annual Fishin' Frenzy at Pangborn Park in Hagerstown. The event was sponsored by MIHI. · Largest fish - Henertie Banzhoff of Williamsport, 4.12-pound carp · Smallest fish - Tyler Shubert of Hagerstown, 3 1/2-inch sunfish · Largest trout - Matt Kline of Hagerstown, 1.1 pounds · Largest weight of five trout caught - Matt Kline of Hagerstown, 4.3 pounds ...

Before he could play the blues his way, Western Maryland Blues Fest veteran Walter Trout had to pay his dues. The first half of his 40-year career was spent paying dues - playing pop covers and country, and serving as a sideman for blues greats such as John Lee Hooker. But those years helped mold Trout into a confident blues craftsman, unapologetic about the kind of music he makes. "I have to do for me what I think is my best work," said Trout, during a telephone interview.

Dick King fishes for trout Monday near the pond at Pangborn Park in Hagerstown under blooming willow trees.

Most anglers prefer to stay inside during the months of January and February. But the trout fishing season and trout stocking season is actually already here and the diehards are out there. The diehards usually do not see things the way that most do. West Virginia has begun its stocking season, with the biannual and weekly waters set to receive one stocking this month. Several friends have told me that they have enjoyed some pretty good days already this month - undoubtedly helped by the mild weather so far this winter.

MIHI Fishin' Frenzy slated for Saturday The MIHI Fishin' Frenzy will be Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Star Community at 13674 Greencastle Pike near Cearfoss. Children 12 and younger, seniors older than 65 and individuals with a disability may participate in the event. The Star Community pond will be stocked with rainbow trout courtesy of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Albert M. Powell Fish Hatchery, according to a press release. No fishing license will be required, and trophies will be awarded to the anglers catching the largest trout, the five trout that weigh the most and for the smallest catch of the day. The event is part of Star Community's two-day Barnyard Jamboree that includes a Model Horse Show on Sunday, crafts, an antique tractor show, equestrian riding and a petting zoo. For information, call 301-766-9155.

Plans are under way to establish a bird hunting club on 470 acres near Opequon Creek in West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle. Members would be able to fish for trout from a pond and stay in two 12-room lodges to be built there. Read the full story in Monday's Herald-Mail newspapers.