Shoulder Season

While the first day of spring was March 20, North Dakotans know all too well the arrival of that welcome marker doesn’t mean it’s time to stow the snow shovels or warm coats.

We’re likely all a little weary about believing that above-freezing temps are here to stay. We’re not planting gardens and it’s too early to think about dumping The Pounder in a favored pothole to chase open water fish. We’re in a shoulder season. One that finds me in a bit of a slump each year when it rolls around.

Sure, there are sheds to be found now that the snow has melted and deer have survived through the worst part of winter, and there’s some waning ice fishing opportunities (although, to be honest, I’ve had my fill by now of standing on the ice all day and staring at a hole), and the river is mostly open if you’re a die-hard (and your boat is a little more trustworthy than The Pounder), but there’s nothing really pulling me in this time of year.

But maybe that’s okay.

The lack of inspiration to drive here, there, everywhere in pursuit of whatever is in season has freed up some time these last few weekends to slow down, reorganize gear and plan for a busy spring and summer. Plus, it’s brought me happiness in other forms.

On one of the last days of winter, and really one of the last days of safe ice, I had the opportunity to take two new ice anglers, a mom and her son, out fishing for pike. We drug our sleds loaded with gear across the ice as the full moon set behind the ancient Missouri River bluffs. Mom and I tag-teamed drilling holes, her son scooping the slush out. I explained how the tip-ups worked, the bait we’d use and how to fight a fish when one finally bit.

Eventually, we kicked back and waited for flags.

While the wind was chilly, the sun was intense, and you could hear the ice melting. It wouldn’t be long before it was gone.