So when I pulled off the water this morning I noticed the nice beautiful sun. I decided to get some coffee at the Blue Heron in town, which by the way is a good place to get the ever important coffee and sit in the sun. After a few minutes my phone rang…”Have you been out yet today?” I thought about the amount of sun and the wind. The forecast predicted much stronger winds which is what pulled me off the water earlier, and now they weren’t too bad. So, how could I say no to that.

We hit a tributary of the Whitewater River and then stopped at the main branch on the way out. No midge again today but defiantly saw more fish today than in previous days. The wind was biting at times and guides froze quickly today but all in all it was very enjoyable. I’m still fishless this winter season but I’m in no hurry. 

We found a hole that contained easily thirty trout, unfortunately my approach still needs work. I ended up casting a #14 tato scud with a #20 pt trailer once and then on the retrieve getting it stuck right at the water line. My only option to salvage the hole for another cast was to crawl on my belly in the snow to the bank. I managed to pull it off only to break the line due to ice but I recovered both flies. After tying them back on in the cold I tried again only to get two casts before they were on to me. Difficult. Still, alot of fun!

Sershen Bros and I hooked up again to see a new area of The White Water system neither of us had explored before. The day started around noon and went for only a few hours due to lack of fish and the desire to find some elsewhere, however once we left rain hampered any return to water. We headed home at 3.

Once we got going I warmed up quickly and got down to fishing. Today we spent more time with lines in the water than hiking, which felt good. I was nymphing without an indicator fishing a small pt. #18 and a pink patrick #18. I also tried a #12 Black Leech down a deep fast run but came up empty handed and then lost the leech on a stick I think, I wasn’t getting wet to find out, bummer. 

I like winter fishing, its official. I’m comfortable and despite the temperature I adjust well. I’ll catch a fish here soon but until then I’m content being near the water. My suggestion with the winter fishing is that you go slower. Take your time picking your approach and don’t over extend yourself by trying to do everything too quickly.

I didn’t see any midge activity and I thought I might seeing that it got warm enough to rain on us as we left to find fish in a different location. This prompted us to head in due to worsening weather conditions, a drive in the ice isn’t how I wanted to head home. 

Air Temp: -1 Degree

Went scouting for a few winter streams.