Just how early?

Early Morning Smallmouth Bass Fly Fishing with Shenandoah Poppers
My alarm clock buzzing at the odd hour (for me) of 3:30 am must mean Smallmouth Bass season and warm weather are here. As we drive to the river I find it enjoyable to watch the coming day creep into existence. Now that we are at the river, we don headlamps, load and launch the boat, next complete the shuttle, then throw a light jacket on since the thermometer reads 48 degrees right now. In the distance I hear fish splashing as they chase some variety of food on the surface, but it is still a little too dark to make out exactly what they are chasing. Now the payoff, for the early wake-up call, comes as we catch Smallmouth for the next three our four hours on Deer Hair Bugs and Poppers. I love this time of year!!