Nestled in the current changes to trout stream regulations being proposed by the DRNE, are some changes which would open several prime rivers in the Upper Peninsula to year round angling. Though the changes are fairly insignificant, mostly pertaining to designating the state’s remaining stretches of special regulation streams, I found the changes in the UP to be intriguing.
I went on record to support the changes, most of which reaffirmed existing special regulations for fly fishing. There was nothing magic here, extending the boundaries on the Manistee, Pere Marquette and Au Sable only made common sense. But the changes for some of my favorite rivers above the Bridge got me wondering.
The changes in trout stream regulations a decade ago were a boon for me. I no longer had to cram myself into a steelhead stream in order to fish in January. As a catch and release practitioner, going to a stream outside of trout season was a luxury, the new rules made it a pleasure. No crowds, no canoes, just a river to fish. Though this was a glimpse of heaven, anything across the Mighty Mac was essentially off limits.
The new rules offer a chance to partake some of my favorite summer destinations in the dead of winter. Sort of a reverse Christmas in July. Some inner voice is admonishing me that those great June access points won’t necessarily be available in January. That seems plausible, as I have never gotten to great spot on a snowmobile.
I’ll have a year to ponder this as these changes wouldn’t take effect until 2011. Still the DNRE seems on the right track, opening up waters and encouraging fishing. This cannot be bad for our sport even if the specifics might not be to your liking. Though I have lamented on this blog on the loss of importance of the Last Saturday In April, things are on the right track.
