In many ways, the opening day of trout season has become the biggest event of the year. It has certainly surpassed the opening day of deer season as the number one draw of visitors to the region.

Weather conditions were tough this year. Even though the sun came out, water temperatures stayed well below what produces optimal trout feeding activity. As early as Saturday afternoon, there was surprisingly little fishing pressure on many of our most popular streams.

Sunday's fishing conditions were even less favorable. Anglers were met with cold, windy, rainy weather with the occasional snow flurry mixed in.

Some gave it a try on Monday and found conditions to be even worse. Besides the wind, rain, and snow, Monday's anglers had to deal with high water as well.

Fishermen who had trouble catching trout last weekend shouldn't be too discouraged. All fish are cold-blooded, taking on the temperature of their surrounding environment. This means that when it is cold, trout metabolism is much slower, and they feed much less.

Think of this past weekend's inclement weather as a blessing in disguise. Poor fishing conditions early in the season leads to more trout in the stream later on in the spring when the weather is nicer.

I have a confession to make: last Saturday I didn't make it to the stream to fish until 1:30. I just didn't feel the urge to get on the water right away.

When I did hit the water it was for wild brook trout in a mountain stream. I took my cousin's son Aaron out, and we had a blast. Casting was difficult with all of the hemlock trees overhanging the stream, but Aaron persevered and caught three beauties.

It was quite interesting to see him look upon these cold-water gems with amazement. That's only natural for anyone to who has previously only ever caught ugly hatchery brook trout.

It reminded me of when I was his age. I was just as awefilled then with the distinct contrast between the beautiful colors of a wild brook trout.

Even today, I still often hold colorful native brook trout in shallow water for half a minute before releasing them, admiring their beautiful colors. The wild brook trout is truly one of the most colorful pieces of artwork that God has given us in nature.

The real reason that I didn't fish right off the bat on Saturday is that I was planting tree seedlings. I look at it as a way to invest in the future, improving wildlife habitat.

A little bit of care and maintenance is needed for the plantings to be a success. Most people recognize that deer browsing is detrimental to trying to establish trees, but the worst enemy of tree seedlings is competing grasses.

During the first couple of years' growth, without any care, grasses will choke out almost all seedlings that were planted. Additionally, they promote high populations of meadow voles that will girdle trees and destroy your hopes of having a successful planting far before deer browsing ever will.

Properly installed tree tubes with mowing or herbicide spraying of a four-foot radius around the base will solve both of these problems, as well as take care of any deer browsing. In an old field, this really is necessary if you don't want your initial seedling purchase investment to become rodent food.

The Pa. Game Commission is selling tree seedlings at 15 cents apiece. There are many different species still available. For more information, call 814- 355-4434. Orders must be placed by April 27.