Winter is upon us here in Connecticut. I woke up this morning and the temp on the deck was 8 degrees and to go along with that 8 degrees was a wind that is an attention getter. I did however make an attempt to catch a few winter brookies yesterday. The temperatures were to be in the 20's, but I think it never made it. The skies were gray and it snowed. As I walked along the stream I was amazed at how frozen it was. There were places where it was completely cover over. The slower runs where I was able to drift a fly I had no response. I knew my chances were not good, but the beauty and the hope kept me working up the stream.
I was at the point of packing it in. My fly line had at least 1/4 inch of ice on it and it now longer would cast. It was at this time that I sat down n a stump and opened up the thermos and enjoyed a hot cup of tea, and another hot cup of tea along with a lemon biscotti. As I sat there feeling my insides beginning to reap the benefits of the tea I realized this may be my last outing. The next week or so is offering cold temps to hang on and with that more icing on the streams.
So with that I'll be at the bench tying up a few flies, perhaps reading, and attending a fly fishing show. Stay warm folks.
It must be nice to live somewhere where you get a proper winter every year... This year so far has been mild and last year not one flake of snow fell around here. Somehow the seasons would be more precise , I guess the old saying about Britain is true we dont have a climate we just have weather...
ReplyDeleteAndy
Andy,
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Well we have a normal winter brewing here. I for one can tolerate it, but not for long. The cold soon gets to you.
I've never heard of that saying before.
I guess the tying season has begun in earnest!
ReplyDeleteMark,
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It has started this day for me. I may sneak down south to find an open stream.
sounds like a very good plan!
ReplyDeleteTexWisGirl,
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It's the best I can put forth at this time.
Alan
ReplyDeleteI feel for you guys. I love the northeast, but the winters there would take some getting use to for me and my wife. Stay warm, thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell,
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You would think after living here all of my life I would be accustomed to it. But after a few weeks of the cold I'm ready for Spring.
I know of what you speak. Yesterday in Denver it was 52 degrees. Today it's 19, cold and windy. Oh wait, I was done a long time ago.
ReplyDeleteHoward Levett,
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The same feeling here Howard. Where's the ground hog?
It will be a while!
ReplyDeleteRM Lytle,
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I know buddy.
8, Brrrrrrr.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz,
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This AM 1......but a warming trend in the cards.
Al the small streams and brooks will be frozen solid by the weekend!! Maybe a warm up tp 30 on Sunday!
ReplyDeleteTROUTI,
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I saw the long range forecast and it does show a warm up. January thaw Pete?
Yeah, I know what you are talking about. I fished in 15 degrees last week. Promised myself that I wouldn't go back out until it hit 24. That is my new low to fish. And you know what? The fish like it better too... = )
ReplyDeleteTHE RIVER DAMSEL,
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Emily the fishing is not much fun in those temps. Most of the scenery is though.
It is all about the scenery as you say, Alan, and of course, that warm feeling in the pit of the stomach after some hot liquid and a munchie.......................
ReplyDeleteWhich pattern do you have in the picture there? I might need to work on some of those......................
Mel,
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That warm feeling is almost as nice as the feeling you get when seeing a trout rise to the fly.
The pattern is a generic wet fly. Some brown hackle for a tail and throat, possum dubbing, and mallard for a wing. Works well on small streams.