First of the Year

Type: Nontidal
Region: Central
Location: Gray's Run, Bush River

Every January I try for my first official catch of the year as soon as the weather will allow. My best bet is usually the yellow perch bite from the shore of Grays Run, a branch of the Bush River. However this year I was distracted by the many early DNR trout stockings. Unsuccessful with trout, I went back to my old reliable spot on Saturday, Feb. 27th. Just before 6 p.m. I finally landed the first of 2021. It's a dink, but 2021 can only get better from here! (The next and only other yellow perch for me was already an inch or two larger.)