High And Muddy

Too much mud and water in the system today to effectively find fish. I got some good wind casting practice out of it with the three weight though. Everything was getting iced up including my guides. At least there was a nice bit of sun out to make the lunch time walk pleasurable. Once things get cooled off this weekend hopefully the water will drop and clear to have a better shot at some trout.

Water is getting very muddy

High Wind And A Three Weight

I met up with Shoe for a little lunch after his ice fishing trip in the morning. He had some success on the rainbows but the bite was off by 11AM. Too early for me to make it out and meet him on the water. I was slothful this morning in that I could not get moving. I did manage a couple hours out in the high winds attempting to swing the three weight after lunch. The river was open enough to have a shot at some fish but I didn't move anything. Temps still in the 40s with plenty of open water holes that can harbor a few brown trout. A little less wind and I would have stayed longer. I cut my losses and came home to a nice 1554.

Looking downstream in a nice run


The view upstream

Early Morning Rainbows

George and I got an early start Saturday morning in pursuit of some rainbow trout through the ice. We were on before the sun came up and fished until noon. Fishing was decent with many trout coming through and looking as well as takes. We never landed any monsters but saw a few better fish inspect and reject our offerings. There is always the hope for that trophy cutthroat or rainbow to come through and put the big bend in your ultralight ice rod. It didn't happen today, but the chance is always there and it keeps you looking ahead to the next trip. Ice fishing this year has really added a new dimension to my winter recreation.

A nicer rainbow on the ice


George's setup as we were packing

A Few Icy Hours

Shoe meandered up the highway with his son in search of some rainbow trout through the ice. I was up for heading out for a couple hours prior to the super bowl so away we went to a local stillwater that can sometimes provide a healthy rainbow or the rare cutthroat. Alas, it was not to be as we found nothing more than a few takes. Fishing was slow but enjoyable in the nice weather and we had a good time catching up while failing to fool the rainbows.

Mini-Shoe working his bobber rig


Shoe admiring his tent construction abilities

Drifting Flies

I found a few hours to head to the river today. Temperatures were in the 40's with a few midges coming off, but I couldn't seem to crack the code today. Still a nice day to be out and standing in moving water. I scouted a few other locations that I thought may have some open areas due to the recent warm temperatures but nothing panned out. Unfortunately, my scouted spots were all locked up solid in the full grasp of winter ice. Maybe some water time tomorrow will be more fruitful in the pursuit of trout.

A nice hole on the river