From my buddy, Howard at Windknots and Tangled Lines, comes this posting on Facebook regarding my recent fishing trip... "If you can't say anything else about the River Damsel you have to admit she's dedicated to being crazy. Just sayin' Great photos Em." Now, knowing Howard like I do, I'm sure he meant this in the kindest way and totally tongue in cheek. (He just hates the cold) And the "crazy" part... Well, he had to mean "fish crazy", right?
Because I am one of the most level headed, hard working, every day gals that you could ever meet. That being said, if Howard means that it is crazy to go to the bank, the doughnut shop, a doctors appt., lock my keys in the car (for the 2nd time in my life...really) and wait for the locksmith, then head up the canyon to fish at 1:00 pm when the planned road trip was supposed to be 11:30 am... and finding it still a nippy 28 degrees with snow on the ground, well my friends... you decide. But, I would like to think that I am well organized (except for the keys) and I know how to prioritize and get things done...
So, I had two hours to fish. El Provo was the designated spot. I already had my rod set up to save time. On the water at 2:00 pm. Fortunately, I already had my homework done on what flies to use. Put on a wine San Juan worm with a black zebra midge 22. A half hour went by and it was time to change up. I really wanted to keep that midge on, but since they weren't biting, I had to go smaller. Now, how does a gal with long fingernails hold a 24 midge in her fingers? It was a struggle, but we got it tied on. A few casts later, BOOM! "Incoming"!!! A small fry, but a fish none the less. The skunk was off... And we like that! = )
A gorgeous day... A few inches of pow pow two days before...
Yes, there was new snow in the Park City area and the air was brisk. Yes, I had to make fresh tracks where no one had ventured out yet. And yes, I had three layers on and neoprene gloves to stay warm.
ME.
And who was the hero for the day? Definitely, this guy.
And the San Juan and the Zebra midge were my friends for the next hour.
But, if you know how to dress in the winter, you can stay warm enough to fish for a few hours. I'm not saying to stay out there all day like you would in the summer.
It's just good to get out and enjoy the beauty that surrounds you, catch a few fish and call it a day after two hours.
Now, what's crazy about that?
NOTHING.
Who's maybe a little bit "Fish Crazy"? Ok... I admit it.
ME.And who was the hero for the day? Definitely, this guy.
Winter is my favorite time to fish, especially when there's no tracks in the snow before you! Bust out the 8x, fleece half gloves, and some tiny midges, and I'm in heaven.
ReplyDeleteOh, yay. There's two of us that like the solitude of winter fishing. And I'm going to break out 6X...maybe 7. I don't think that I could tie a knot in 8.... Ha.
DeleteRD
ReplyDeleteAbsolute beautiful area you are fishing, and the snow just adds to the mix. The Zebra Midge has to be my favorite midge pattern when it comes to anything midge. That one pattern has landed more trout than the dry for me. Outstanding colors on those browns!!
Bill - I would have to agree on the black zebra midge being a go-to fly! It usually gets the job done... Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteWell first off, thanks to Bill and Mike for not beating me up and defending your honor. When I tease, I'm only half kidding. Part of me thinks it's very cool. The other part (my brain) says WTF! Are you kidding me? It's only 14 degrees out!
ReplyDeleteHoward. - You know I love ya! And I know better than to invite you to any event like the Polar Bear Plunge... Lol. And FYI - I did up my minimum to 20 degrees this year to play in... ; )
DeleteI hate fishing in the cold. The first thing you ALWAYS have to do right when you're all geared up is PEE. Never fails. If the fishing is slow my hands get super chilled and I can't tie anything. I end up doing over hand knots and lose flies to random sticks and snags in the water. The fish even think I'm dumb for being there.
ReplyDeleteKevin - Trout always think that fly fishers are dumb. I have personally heard them laughing out loud! Don't let that deter you!
DeleteYou know I'd fish with you anytime of the year, assuming I'd have time of course...
ReplyDeleteBrian
Brian - Give me a shout when you find some free time... lol.
DeleteAt least you've got enough snow to stick to the ground! We're really hurting for the moisture over this way....
ReplyDeleteKeep on plugging along! Winter is a great time to get your boots wet and for that matter to walk around with frozen laces as well!
Midgeman ~ How are ya? Well, I see snow falling tonight and it will be here for a few days. Which means one thing. Ski Tuesday is coming up! We will give the winter midges a chance to grow in strength... = )
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