Hot coffee sitting on the computer table and my fingers fully thawed. It is now that I'll tell you about our annual tradition of fishing on New Years Day. We knew it was going to be cold but the reality hit when I stepped out of my car. That first breath was a shock. I believe the air temp at 10:30 am was 6 degrees, and by the end of the day it had reached a balmy 11. It may have been our worst day as far as catching went but it still was great to walk and fish and talk together on the first day of the year.
I stopped at a stream we fish before meeting Kirk and Mark. It was a beautiful winter sight.
You see that bent hemlock, there's Pete's pool. It was virtually iced over...Pete your brookies are safe until you go after them in the spring.
Some open water...I love to fish riffles and that I did. At one point I thought I had a strike but it was just the bottom.
Now folks I don't suggest doing this. Kirk in somewhat of a precarious position. He was snaking a fly down under the ice and hoping for a response.
It was about 12:30 when we called it a day...walked back to the parking lot and fired up the stoves. There was hot chicken soup and beef stew and lots of "Hot" coffee. A tradition started back in 2010 continued....thanks guys.
Looks like an awesome day! Thanks for sharing Alan.
ReplyDeleteRalph Long
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Ralph except for the cold it was quite enjoyable.
I've braved 25 before, but 6? I'll leave it to you Kirk and Mark.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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Mark it was a little crazy, but traditions must be maintained.
Alan
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos. I had to sit this one out unfortunately, but I was there in spirit. But warmer weather is coming. Don't know when but eventually!!!
TROUT1
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Pete we fully understand. And as for warmer weather I think tomorrow will be the closest to "warmer" we are going to get for some time.
Alan - we can now say that yesterday was in fact the coldest NYD that we've fished. Some raw, windy days in years past but yesterday takes the cake! Glad to hear you can feel your fingers again!
ReplyDeleteMark Wittman
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Mark I agree. It's never been that cold for us on NYD. Survive we did...better days are coming.
I would have lost a bet that your tradition was going to get broken this year. Good for you guys for gutting it out.
ReplyDeleteHoward Levett
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Howard it was a go on NY eve, checked my email in the morning and all systems were go.
If only it was in the 20's.
Dang, that is cold weather to fish in Alan. Props to you fellows for keeping the tradition going. I bet the hot coffee and soup hit the spot when you decided to call it quits.
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Sam it was good to keep the NYD tradition in tact.
That soup and coffee was like a giant warm hug from the inside.
Brk Rrt, its nice to hear that you didn't break your tradition because of the cold weather. In the end, it probably didn't matter if anyone caught any fish, but being among good friends is whats important. The fish will be there next time.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.......Phil
DRYFLYGUY
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Phil we sort of new that the catching would be highly unlikely but as you said it was the gathering that made it special. It's still cold buddy.
Looks like a very tough fishing day... but hey, the tradition "needs" to be upheld... and who's going to say no, even at 6 degrees F.... Heck you guys went fishing!
ReplyDeleteWell done Alan and Co.
Doug Korn, Fly Tyer
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Doug it was fishing and if a fish was caught that was a plus. A good day to be with friends.
You guys are better men than I.
ReplyDeleteWilliam Shuck
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Bill I'll bet you have done before.
It's cold this morning, I'm thinking of taking a short drive and check out a stream. Will I fish? Maybe not.
Alan, glad to see the tradition continued. I admire your diligence and bravery to put up with such conditions. I always look forward to this post because I know how much it means to all involved. Thankyou.
ReplyDeleteBrad Basehore
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Brad I love the way you phrased that...some would say it was insanity. But we anglers and in general outdoors people love getting out when ever possible.
Good food and good conversation made it a success.
Well done on keeping the tradition Alan, doesnt matter about the fish as you know, it makes you feel alive just to be out there. well done.
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George we loved the fact that the tradition was upheld. Now it would be nice if I were able to get that first fish of 2018.
That guy on the roof, bow in hand, is no doubt smiling, Alan.
ReplyDeleteJohn Dornik
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John you sort have lost me. I'm sure there is meaning but it's gone over my head.
Wild and Wonderful in your neck of the woods Alan! This excursion is such a tradition that you will go and start the new year (properly I feel) no matter what the weather! It is good to see your adventurous bunch risking a dunking on the stream. I am at the point in my fishing career that my feet need to stay of terra firma! You guys are an inspiration!
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Dougsden
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Doug it's wild here now, a strong nor'easter is roaring outside.
We really enjoyed our day and if the fish were not going to play, "oh well".........
What a great tradition you all have started! Keep it rolling!
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Will as long as we are topside we are going to keep it going. Snow this morning, and super cold this weekend, fishing will be on hold.
Alan, the man on the roof, bow in hand is the fiddler from the play "fiddler on the roof". It was all about tradition which he represented metaphorically! Sorry. Stay warm today.
ReplyDeleteJohn
DeleteThanks for the clarification...here's a true story. As a youngster I looked forward to Sunday evening and the Ed Sullivan Show. He featured the musical Fiddler on the Roof and the song If I Were A Rich Man....I loved that song and at that young age I was determined to see the play...still waiting in Newington.
Water is a rare molecule since its solid form is less dense than its liquid form. So ice floats and allows aquatic life to live through freezing weather. Virtually all solids are more dense that their liquid form. Moving water and its insulating power helps keep those little guys alive too.
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Keven thank you for that bit of information.
It's good to know that they are being helped to survive by the cold running water in which they live.
Alan
ReplyDeleteBeautiful setting for sure, but a tab to cold for me---thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill it was cold for everybody...but the tradition lives on.
That photo is simply too good to be true :-)
ReplyDeleteColors, gloss, the meniscus, the fly dangling like a Parisian clove cigarette...and the riverbed below.