First off let me say this. I have lived in ma. all my life and I do miss having opening day here. The stocking schedules have not really changed that much either. When water levels and temps are optimum the fish go out. The anticipation of opening day kept a lot of us going throught the winter doldrums. 4am breakfast at the Bondsville Fire station followed by launching on the Swift river was a tradition we followed for many years. Sadly I think that a great number of fishermen were lost because of the changing of the seasons. Many guys geared up just for that time of year. IMHO we don't have many traditions left. That one should remain.