February is here, Although the cold weather has not been excessive, my neighborhood did have several weeks of very cold temperatures along with snow! It wasn't so long ago when the sun set at 4:30. I am so happy to be past that.
I have been out fishing and had several good days on the river. My hook ups have been with large fish, well colored with fighting spirit. Most easy spots to get into the river are only snow traps, so with that in mind the winter stretches are limited. Snow shoes would be good. Today's SNOTEL reports has the snowpack to date at 95% of normal. 2015 reminded us here of how awful fire season will be with out a snowpack.
Temperatures have not been drastically low this winter, ice on the river has not been an issue. Too much snow for me to go many places, I will walk easily in the river, but post holing through the snow is for young people with no sense.
Westslope Cut Throat Trout
Fishing with flies is a year round activity for many anglers. Midge hatches will be everywhere best imitated with a pheasant tail nymph, fished along the bottom. Sculpin and other young fish will grab the trout's attention quickly. Wooly buggers with a bead head get gobbled. Midge clusters with a zebra midge dropper will be effective also.
Trout fins define the character of the fish and it's unseen encounters with predators. Like humans they carry tears and scars.
A fellow my age asked me today how long I wanted to live. I replied "as long as I can find joy!".
I have been out fishing and had several good days on the river. My hook ups have been with large fish, well colored with fighting spirit. Most easy spots to get into the river are only snow traps, so with that in mind the winter stretches are limited. Snow shoes would be good. Today's SNOTEL reports has the snowpack to date at 95% of normal. 2015 reminded us here of how awful fire season will be with out a snowpack.
Temperatures have not been drastically low this winter, ice on the river has not been an issue. Too much snow for me to go many places, I will walk easily in the river, but post holing through the snow is for young people with no sense.
Wild fish, never stocked here.
During a stretch in November temps hit minus zero degrees F. Thanksgiving and Christmas were cold stretches, but the continued forecast is for mild temperatures and only occasional precipitation.
I am guessing that the forecast is subject to change.
I am guessing that the forecast is subject to change.
Catching mountain whitefish is going to happen, they are busy cleaning the bottom. As I fish, running my fly close to the bottom, these characters like to hop on board. I never regret a catch, even whitefish are fun.
A fellow my age asked me today how long I wanted to live. I replied "as long as I can find joy!".
That is pretty water. Very much joy to be found there I'd say.
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