Fiddleheads

[meatandmetal]

Had a few questions about fiddleheads from some members so I am bumping this thread. Good time to go get some.



Had a few PM's about fiddleheads so I bumped this post I did a few years ago. Disregard the times I mentioned now is the time to get them.

I know that this is off topic but I had a few of the members asking about how to identify them from a previous post I did so I took some pictures when I was out on one of the rivers in the area yesterday. Unfortunately most of them have gone by in my area but I am sure up north there are still plenty to pick. Started out picking them quite a few years ago with my father and grandfather in the early 60's. Was a family ritual in the spring for us. Now it is a ritual for only me.

This is what they look like when they are first coming out. The golden coveriing on the heads of the fonds stands out and is a good identifier. The fuzzy ones that you see on the side of the roads are not fiddleheads. Stalks look like celery stalks.

 

These are good picking sizes. The heads are still tight and haven't started spreading out. I leave a few heads on the fonds to reach full size to allow the plant to continue to survive for the next year.



These are still pickable but are just starting to spread out.



The ones in the back and side are gone by but the ones in the front are still pickable.



Most of the patches I pick are on the edges of rivers and streams although they can be found in other wet locations. Caught two bows here.



Hopefully this helps those who asked for pictures. Great this time of year catching trout and fiddleheading at the same time.

[AquaAssassin]

Thanks for the lesson buddy!

[Sinnian]

One of the best identifying markers is the "u"/"v" shaped stalk, like celery.

[JRA]

One of the best identifying markers is the "u"/"v" shaped stalk, like celery.

X 2 on the groove for ID.  Thanks for the drop off Yesterday Denny greatly appreciated.  Found some new spots this am but to far open. Next year!!

[Jethro]

The fuzzy ones that you see on the side of the roads are not fiddleheads.

Yep, I found that out. Opened my back door and said "Awesome! I have fiddleheads growing right out my door!!" Two days later I realized they were ferns. They look like a fiddlehead before they frond out.

[meatandmetal]

Thanks for the lesson buddy!

Head west next spring and we can pick some and go for some wallies at the same time.

[meatandmetal]

One of the best identifying markers is the "u"/"v" shaped stalk, like celery.

Thanks forgot to put that in.

[meatandmetal]

X 2 on the groove for ID.  Thanks for the drop off Yesterday Denny greatly appreciated.  Found some new spots this am but to far open. Next year!!

Anytime John. Don't tell anyone about those spots except for me. 

[meatandmetal]

Yep, I found that out. Opened my back door and said "Awesome! I have fiddleheads growing right out my door!!" Two days later I realized they were ferns. They look like a fiddlehead before they frond out.

Jethro did you try any?

[AquaAssassin]

Head west next spring and we can pick some and go for some wallies at the same time.

I like that idea buddy, never caught a walleye

[Jethro]

Jethro did you try any?

No sir, but I am planning on taking a trip north this weekend and hopefully will come across some.

[Dispy]

Excellent descriptive posting of the well sought after "fiddlehead."   

[meatandmetal]

I like that idea buddy, never caught a walleye

Frank so head west young man and lose your walleye virginity.

[meatandmetal]

No sir, but I am planning on taking a trip north this weekend and hopefully will come across some.

Good luck fishing and heading up north. You should be able to find some if the locals haven't beat you to them.

[meatandmetal]

Excellent descriptive posting of the well sought after "fiddlehead."   

Thanks Dipsy. Do you can a lot of them? I just eat as many as I can and freeze the rest.