March: the last uncomfortable TSA checkpoint you’ll have to endure before the long, warm flight of  fly fishing season commences.

While that is generally the case, there is certainly some great fishing to be had in March. If you live in many parts of the East, the second half of winter 2017 has proved to provide plenty of opportunities to be outdoors. In short sleeves, no less.

With fishing beginning in earnest, some of the  off-season activities will begin to wane. The last batches of flies will be tied, with the challenge of rearranging fly boxes  now on the table. Gear will need to be cleaned (first, it will have to be located – you might want to get on that now). And you’ll actually get to show up for fly fishing, not just fly fishing shows.

The first weekend in March marks the last stop of the 2017 Fly Fishing Show circuit. The venue is downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Lancaster: it’s more than just Amish. *

*Not the official tourism slogan.

Lancaster is a great little city. There are diverse dining and culinary options. Ever had Lebanon bologna? A dense slice of shoo fly pie? The pleasure of bellying up to a smorgasbord? You have your choice between Sheetz AND Rutters. Plus, they have one of the most northeastern Waffle Houses on the map. Really, what more could you ask for?

There is also some pretty great fishing. There are warm water rivers, freestone streams, and spring creeks. The rolling hills, gentle valleys, and small farms are about as picturesque as you could ask for. The local TU chapter does some great work. Plus, it is centrally located to some of the best fly fishing on the east coast.

And, of course, there are the Amish. They’re not much into fly fishing, but they sure know how to bake a pie and make jelly. Fishing around Lancaster in the summer, you might be wading upstream only to find that it is bath time for  a local Anabaptist family  who is taking advantage of the pleasant weather. That is a unique situation. Trust me.

Speaking of Amish! If you aren’t Amish (which, since you’re reading this on a computer, tablet, or phone, is a fair assumption) but have a beard, you’ll  want to check out a company that I’m partnering with. Yukon’s Beard makes some awesome beard oil that will make your face admired by the English in your life. The code  CASTINGACROSS  will save you %15,

My beard (not pictured) and I will be heading up to Lancaster this weekend to check out the show. Some of the stalwarts of the circuit will be there, as well as some local vendors and speakers. Next week I’ll have a recap of sorts, so be sure to check back in (subscribe, even!).

If you plan on being at the show on Saturday, seek me out and say hi. Maybe we can sit down and chat over a delicious slice of shoo fly pie (subject to availability).