McClory: Rain or shine, it’s time to get out the fishing gear

Now that summer is officially here, I have to wonder ? what happened to spring? Living here in New England, I have finally come to the realization that we do not have spring; we have what is called “the rainy season,” even though we are not in a tropical setting! Don’t despair, the sun will finally shine again this weekend (just as it did on Thursday) according to the weather predictors. If not, don’t let the falling water dampen your spirits. Summer will not be washed out by spring. Get out the rain gear and head down to Flax, Sluice, Brown’s, or Spring Pond; the fish are soaking wet and waiting for a handout. Fish need to eat and the rain doesn’t bother them. If stream fishing is your choice, grab your favorite ultra light or fly rod, waders, vest, and take an hour-or-so ride to Townsend or Groton. Try fishing the Squannicook or Nisatissett Rivers. Trout fishing in these rivers is outstanding right now. For the fly fisherperson, a variety of insect hatches are happening throughout the day. Start with a caddis imitation, you can’t go wrong. If that doesn’t work, look for Mayfly hatches ? Large Hex Mayfly, or Green Drake hatches, which usually emerge this month, primarily in the evening as the sun goes down. Use a large white pattern that will silhouette the evening sky. Hungry trout cannot resist them. Using a short ultra light-spinning rod, there is nothing like naturally drifting a garden worm against the banks of a riverbed. Use 2 pound fluorocarbon line, a number 12 or 14 hook without any weight, because you want the worm to look as natural as possible. Don’t be afraid to explore the stream. Try to find those spots that the average person wouldn’t walk to. The reward may be a trout of a lifetime. Don’t forget, it’s inevitable, the gray skies will brighten and the sun will shine, and the great outdoors is happening with or without you.MassWildlife is looking for some help from the fishing community. There is an invasive weed that has appeared in Massachusetts called Mile-A-Minute vine (Persicara perfoliata), also known as Devil’s Tear-thumb. Native to Asia, this species was accidentally imported and became established in Pennsylvania by the 1930s. Closer to home, it appeared in New England in the past decade, with populations in southwestern Connecticut and on Block Island. Here in Massachusetts, Falmouth and Milton are the only towns with known Mile-A-Minute infestations; control efforts are underway in both locations. Mile-A-Minute is a rapidly spreading spiny annual vine that grows at a rate of 6 inches per day and smothers native vegetation on its way to attaining a final length of 20 feet. It tolerates various soil types and produces abundant bird-dispersed blue fruits with seeds that can grow after being buried for up to seven years. Mile-A-Minute vine is an easily identifiable plant with perfectly triangular leaves and the circular leaf-like bract that surrounds the stem at the base of every leaf. The vine is slender and covered in small, curved spines. It also produces very distinct metallic-blue fruits. Knowing where any new populations of Mile-A-Minute infestations are located is the first step to controlling its spread. If you believe you have seen Mile-A-Minute, please make detailed notes on the location and take close-up photos and mail to: Mile-A-Minute Report, MassWildlife Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA, 01581.All bow, shotgun and muzzleloader deer hunters are reminded that in order to take any antlerless deer during any deer hunting seasons, they must possess an antlerless deer permit. The July 16 application deadline is fast approaching. MassWildlife cautions hunters to refrain from assuming large quantities of over-the-counter permits will be available after permits are sent out. This season, there may not be any leftover permits. Applications are found on paper licenses bought over the counter. Internet license buyers need to access the MassOutdoors website and apply online. Bear