Rainbow Trout at Allen's Pond

Type: Nontidal
Region: Central
Location: Allen's Pond, Bowie

This morning, February 23, 2011, I caught my first fish of the year. I know its probably late by most angler's standards, but trust me I've been tired of waiting. My friends and I have all been talking of starting our fishing seasons for the last couple weeks, and I finally had enough talking. To add even more to my winter-induced cabin fever, one of the guys from work showed up on Monday, Presidents day, to show off his catch of trout from the morning. So today I got up early and headed out to Allen's Pond in Bowie Maryland. I'm normally a fair-weather angler so braving the cold was slightly more difficult, but once outside I was surprisingly comfortable. This was about the third time I had tried fishing for trout and it was the first time I had any success. I caught 5 rainbows on Berkley trout dough, in about 2.5 hours. I also had the pleasure/frustration of tugging with a large golden trout that spit the hook inches from my feet. Thank you very much to the Maryland DNR for providing this great fishery and for giving a great way to break the winter blues right in our backyard!