There's always that in-between time, that period when the ice is on its way out but still there, not able to support an angler but not departing with the haste an open-water fisherman would like to see.

This is that time.

To the backcountry brook trout angler, ice simply means a season kickoff delayed by Mother Nature. Since ice fishing isn't allowed on those fragile waters anyway, all the remote brook trout pond-fishing fraternity can do is wait.

And prepare.

We're doing that right now, checking the weather reports, poring over maps and stocking lists, and deciding which of many waters within the Schroon Lake Region will offer a crack at the biggest brook trout, or brookies in sheer numbers. In the Schroon Lake Region, both are a possibility,sometimes on the same pond.

We're also getting our gear in shape for another season in the backcountry. There are lines to be replaced, hooks to be sharpened, float tubes to repair and lightweight canoes to be inspected. It's not a bad time, either, to get ourselves in shape for those excursions deep into the backcountry. While some superb fishing can be had in waters with easy access, it's no secret there's usually a direct correlation between the quality of the fishing and the amount of sweat and pain associated with getting to that hot spot.

So we do all that. And we wait. And we check our arsenal of time-tested Lake Clear Wabblers, those fluttering slices of gold, silver and other colors which, when combined with a worm, have been responsible for the catching of thousands of backcountry brookies.

Last year, we didn't have to wait at all. An unprecedented March warmup opened up ponds even in time for the April 1 regular-season trout opener. That's unheard of up here, but anglers didn't complain. They fished.

Sooner or later, we'll be fishing again. Back to some of our favorite spots, waters whose name we rarely mutter, and even then only in hushed tones, and among friends. In towns like Schroon, North Hudson, Minerva and Newcomb, there are plenty of backcountry ponds that offer superb fishing.

It's the kind of fishing that's worth the wait.