MOUNTAIN LIFE - Blue Mountains | Spring 2021

37 This spring we can finally get back to practising the perfect self-isolation activity: fly fishing. And now this mindfulness pastime is more meaningful than ever. Who thought we would still be in a pandemic? But how lucky are we fly fishers to live in this playground? From the last Saturday in April to the end of December we have at our disposal a number of world-renowned rivers with an abundance of freshwater fish species. These rivers—Nottawasaga, Beaver, Bighead, Rocky and Main Saugeen, Maitland and Grand—all have their headwaters in the area. They typically start off as trickling springs, grow to meandering streams and then crescendo into magnificent rivers, emptying into Georgian Bay, Lake Huron proper or Lake Erie. My early spring favourites are the rivers within a 10-15-minute drive from my home on Lake Eugenia—secluded spots where I hope to find no other fly fishers. (I’m not selfish, I just enjoy my solitude.) As fishing season is about to open, I have all types of trout on my mind: rainbow, brook and brown. All the rivers are unique, but at this time of year they share one common trait: high and swift water, a direct result of melting snow. HIGHWATER A guide to fly fishing local rivers in spring BACKYARD words :: Bobby Koven photos :: Glen Harris