Spring officially arrived last week and the weather this past Easter weekend was very nice. Now that we are into spring, anglers can really anticipate the coming trout season in our region.

The snow is quickly receding and the sure signs of spring are all around us. The ground that was covered by a blanket of snow has begun to show itself, and the birds that I associate with spring such as the robin and white pelican at Pyramid Lake in Nevada have made their appearance.

As a result of the snow receding, angler access to local waters is beginning to get better. Lakes that have been frozen are starting their spring thaw. Access to the Truckee River's special regulation section that is open for artificial lures or flies with barbless hooks from the confluence of Trout Creek on the east side of Truckee to the state line is now much better. This is a zero kill season so no fish may be taken during the winter season that runs from Nov. 16, 2007 to April 25, 2008.

The general trout season opens on Saturday, April 26, to waters not currently open. After a pretty decent winter the snowpack should provide a good amount of early season runoff this year.

While there will undoubtedly be more snow in our forecast in the future, the longer days of spring seem to lessen these events. The snow just does not hang around very long after a snowstorm in the spring.

Putting in a good amount of time fishing in the winter really gives the angler a great appreciation for the warmer temperatures of spring. There were many a winter outing that left us numbed from head to toe with bone-chilling cold.

A day at Pyramid Lake this past weekend with a group of anglers from the Tahoe Truckee Flyfishers was extremely pleasant with the daytime temperature in the low 60s. Just a week ago we were out during a snowstorm that made conditions very cold. Blowing snow and wind makes for very uncomfortable conditions.

This past weekend I found myself looking skyward and watching large flights of white pelicans that arrive each spring to feed upon the spawning Lahontan cutthroat trout and the cui-ui. The pleasant day allowed us the opportunity to look skyward rather than bracing against an icy wind.

Spring is a great respite from winter. It is a thoroughly enjoyable season, and for the angler one that signals the beginning of increasing fishing opportunities.

Once the lakes lose their winter ice pack and access becomes available, the fishermen will be out in force on lakes such as Boca, Prosser and Stampede. The fish will be hungry as well having come off a decent winter.

Enjoy the pleasant days that spring will bring for those who like to get out and wet a line. Do not forget to get that California fishing license if you have not already done so. Fishing season is beginning to shape up.

Bruce Ajari is a Truckee fisherman who writes columns for the Bonanza, as well as other area publications.