Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - March/April 2022 - 9

Some highly successful anglers I know also
swear by butterworms and mealworms. For
artificial baits, I always make sure I have an
ample supply of small inline spinners, jigs,
and spoons in a variety of colors. If I am
carrying a fly rod on the opener, I usually fish
a double nymph rig with a strike indicator.
Thinking ahead about how to keep warm
also makes for a more productive opening
day. It is a good idea to dress in layers and
pack hand warmers. I never mind shedding
a few layers if it starts to get warm. However,
once you get chilled, it can be hard to recover
and focus on fishing. Packing a thermos of
coffee or hot chocolate as well as snacks goes
a long way in keeping the cold at bay. Pack
rain gear if the forecast looks questionable.
Most of Pennsylvania will likely see water
Sabatey Kep with a Rainbow Trout caught while fishing Meadow Run,
Fayette County.
It is often said that the early bird gets the worm, but it
is also true that the early angler gets that worm in front
of the most trout. It is no secret that the best spots along
the stream or lake get taken early. If
possible, try to be along the water at
least 2 hours before the 8:00 a.m. start
time. I prefer to get to my chosen spot
and at least get my fishing gear in place
around 5:00 a.m. Later in the day, when
the fishing pressure starts to subside,
look for small pockets and runs that
may have been overlooked by other
anglers who chose to target larger holes.
Do not be surprised to catch multiple
fish from a small area such as a deep
trough in a run or small section of
undercut stream bank.
Another key to success on opening
day is carrying a wide range of baits.
Nothing can be more frustrating than
seeing anglers enjoy success all around
you and not having whatever the fish
may be hitting. On a typical first day, I
will pack some paste baits, waxworms,
nightcrawlers, canned sweet corn,
salmon eggs, and I may even bring
along some live Fathead Minnows.
fishandboat.com
temperatures in the 40s or lower on opening
day, so it should come as no surprise that
offerings fished slowly and drifted near the
bottom are normally the way to go in those
first few hours of the season. Even trout
can act sluggish when the water is frigid, so
offering something that the fish do not have
to work hard for often yields bites. Look for
the fish to get more active throughout the
day, especially in areas where the stream gets
some direct sunlight.
If you adapt to the weather, do a little
preseason scouting, arrive early, and bring a
variety of baits, you can have the perfect opening day
this year.
By packing a variety of baits, an opening day angler will be prepared for whatever the
fish may be biting.
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * March/April 2022
9
photo-Jeff Woleslagle
photo-courtesy of Sabatey Kep
http://www.fishandboat.com
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - March/April 2022

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