The mallards are pairing off. A swarm of blackbirds rises from a clearing unsettled by the appearance of a plump doe. Signs of unfolding abundance are unmistakable. The river is low and clear. Rim ice still clings to an embankment bordered by slow current.
Word is that the early stones have awakened to once again to pursue the continuation of their kind.
I knot a suitable nymph to my tippet, adding a small beadhead to an in-line dropper as an afterthought, and begin the hike up river to locate some good early season holding water. At this time of year, trout in local freestone rivers are concentrated in relatively few spots. Developing the ability to recognize this holding water is crucial to success. Casting to the runs that held fish last August is not likely to be productive. Slow to all but slack currents combined with depths of 4 to 6 feet seem to be favored lies.