We're referring to alewives. The first alewife "scouts" should appear in the
earlier runs from mid-to-late March. Places like the Nemasket in Middleboro
(which allows taking with permit but I don't know when taking season opens),
Herring Brook in Pembroke (no taking allowed), and Stony Brook (?) in Brewster
(taking rules vary, but usually closed) come to mind as early ones.
As for when the Bourne permits go on sale, I believe they went on sale April 1
last year but this date may vary annually as well. Call the town hall for specifics.
-bd