Westward Winter Storm, Upper Valley Pike small study by Clint Bova, oil on 5"x7" wood panel In the very early spring keeping it simple is a lesson I've learned over the years when it comes to both prospecting and sight fishing. If your lucky by midday when the sun is straight above your head a fish or two may rise to a midge. The Stonefly has not even shown itself yet. The water has a deciduous odor from melting ice that has mingled with the top layer of last years muck of fall leaves. The water column has a grainy pattern running through it and the occasional tree branch tumbles by you with a small winged insect clamoring to it for dear life. I'm convinced that midges can show themselves at the worst of times at any time of the season. They are kind of like U.S. Army Rangers, they show up before all the action, and remain steadfast when the battle has already been finished. The midges in my fly box are no more than baby finger nail sized morsels that ar...