Halloween, 2012

Have a Happy Halloween. Take the time to enjoy it especially if you have kids. Have a cup of cider and a donut, or perhaps a cupcake and a pumpkin spice coffee.

Some of "Sandy's" work. Compared to what others received from this historic storm it's almost minor. My thoughts and prayers are with those that suffered so much from this storm.

Some down time fly tying. These are a few caddis patterns, variations of a pattern Kirk ties. He uses woodchuck guard hair for the wing, I used elk hair. "Down Time Caddis"

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Winter Angling, and More

Winter trout fishing is usually reserved for those days when the sun can be expected to reach earth and take the bite out of the cold and give the angler a fighting chance to fool these wild salmonids who swim these waters.
We have been fortunate this year to have many of these days, and the results have been wonderful. Monday was one of those days that found Kirk and myself fishing a small stream. While catching a few trout is the objective it's not the only reason we're out. The beauty of winter waters are many, I especially love the ice formations on the stones and branches along the stream. To see a winter stone fly hatch from 40 degree icy water and fly to safety before a hungry trout ends it short life. The sounds of the water as it rushes over obstacles, the sound increased by the crispness of the air. These are a few of the reasons we fish winter.
I started fishing a dry fly, because I like fishing dries. Kirk fished the Picket Pin. We each brought a wild brookie to hand and after a quick photo sent them on there way. Kirk soon changed to a dry fly and had taken his first winter trout on a dry.
This day ended very successful in many ways. A day etched in my minds journal.

A winter brook trout and an elk hair caddis.

Kirk with his first winter dry fly brookie. Is he a convert?

The stream is in great shape, and the brook trout are too.

Care, admiration, and respect are shown.

While the stone flies were taking wing along the bank, the trout were taking along the log and the small rock on the right.
RKM Photo


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