Today marks the beginning of spring 2009.

A final gasp of winter still clings to the Napa Valley, but warmer and clearer days are on the horizon.

Springtime is my favorite season of the year. Opportunities abound for enjoyment of outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, bicycling — and there’s even a season open for the hunter.

Turkey Time

The first activity on my spring calendar this year is turkey hunting. I plan to take full advantage of the opener during the upcoming weekend of March 28-29.

Toms are already on the prowl, gathering as many hens as they can in anticipation of the mating season. I’ve observed a number of good-sized flocks around the valley already, and populations are expected to be very strong this year.

The best opportunities are generally found when you can get permission to hunt on private lands with sparsely-wooded oak forests.

But there is also some great turkey habitat on the public lands at the Knoxville wildlife area north of Lake Berryessa, and the Rector Reservoir wildlife area off Silverado Trail near Yountville.

Wherever you hunt, try to scout the area well in advance. And always take extra care to be respectful of other hunters in the area.

Hunters are allowed to take one bearded tom turkey per day, up to a total of three for the season.

Hens may not be taken during the spring.

The season closes on May 3.

Fishing Outlook

As the winter rains fade, our local lakes are left not quite full, but in pretty good shape.

The waters are becoming clearer by the day. Warming spring weather will raise the water temperature, and soon the bass will become more active as they move into the shallows and prepare to spawn.

There will be a number of adversities to face at our local lakes this year, but the determined angler will find some good fishing opportunities:

Lake Hennessey

Just a few feet down from the spillway, the lake’s water is still a bit muddy but improving. Trout fishing will be challenging this year with no new stocking allowed. But the holdover trout from last year should be very nice-sized and healthy, with no competition for food from any new trout plantings.

The water has reached the tule banks along the shorelines, providing great habitat for bass and bluegill.

And the big bass will be hungry this year without the regular supply of freshly-planted trout to eat!

Lake Berryessa

The lake is now about 19 feet from full, and that’s about as high as we can expect it to get this year.

Bass fishing should be good along rocky points and structure areas, but many of the normal springtime shallows will remain high and dry throughout 2009.

Berryessa is exempt from the trout-stocking ban, and will receive its regular plantings — so look for continued good fishing for both trout and salmon.

The real challenge for the boating angler this year will be launching.

Thanks to the glacier-paced Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) and its epic failure to secure a concessionaire for the lake’s seven resorts, we are faced with the very real possibility of having only the Capell Cove public launch ramp available.

If that holds true, those willing to brave the maddening crowds at the ramp — and put a little travel time on the boat motor — should find plenty of undisturbed fishing spots.

I would recommend getting there extremely early in the morning to beat the rush and find a parking spot.

Then in the afternoon, as you’re waiting in the ridiculously long line to pull your boat out, take that time to write a letter to Congressman Mike Thompson explaining just what a disaster the BOR’s mismanagement has wrought.

Clear Lake

Will the pride of Lake County continue to be arguably the finest bass fishing lake in California?

Anglers have found success here throughout the winter season, so there’s every reason to believe the bass will be on the bite throughout the spring and summer as well.

Expect a few more fishermen on the lake than normal as it takes up the slack from Berryessa.

Another challenge here is to make sure your boat is in compliance with the Quagga mussel inspections before launching.

But the bass will be there, ready to attack your favorite lure!

Guy Carl is a CPA and partner with BDCo Accountants and Advisors in St. Helena (www.bdcocpa.com).

Contact Guy at GC.outdoors@sbcglobal.net.