"What the hell am I going to do with 10 dozen Gurglers?"
"If I were a Musky, I would eat this thing." (jigging the fly in front of my face as if I were the fish)
"I need more Clousers (staring at a box of about 20 dozen)." "Maybe if I empty out all of the flies in this box at one time, I could make my own hatch."
Dad, Brian and I were actually fortunate enough to get out before the sunshine and warm temps took their toll on the snow and ice and turned every waterway in the state into giant mud flows. While we didn't catch a damn thing, I don't think any of us really cared as we stood under the bright sun and watched the first stoneflies of the year crawl about on the banks. While no fish rose, it was good just to see the bugs fluttering about and to think about the trout that will surely be eating them in all but a few weeks...
As a side note, keep an eye out for the March/April issue of American Angler. I was fortunate enough to have a small piece published in the "Gear I Love" column and I'm really excited to see the article in print.
...yes boys and girls, these are the thoughts of a guy who has spent a bit too much time leaning over the old head cement jar this winter, but the end is near.
While the boxes actually still have room for a few more flies (don't they always?), it looks like the end of tying season is at least a little closer. How do I know? These little guys told me so...
Dad, Brian and I were actually fortunate enough to get out before the sunshine and warm temps took their toll on the snow and ice and turned every waterway in the state into giant mud flows. While we didn't catch a damn thing, I don't think any of us really cared as we stood under the bright sun and watched the first stoneflies of the year crawl about on the banks. While no fish rose, it was good just to see the bugs fluttering about and to think about the trout that will surely be eating them in all but a few weeks...
Sure, the cold days still outnumber the warm ones by a longshot, but at least we are making progress. The ice is mostly melted and with a little luck, it will stay that way. For now, keep tying, patch the waders, line up the reels and keep your fingers crossed that the light at the end of the tunnel isn't an oncoming train!
As a side note, keep an eye out for the March/April issue of American Angler. I was fortunate enough to have a small piece published in the "Gear I Love" column and I'm really excited to see the article in print.If you are looking for something to waste more of your precious time, check out the following links to some great videos that have kept me motivated over the winter...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXBsosIV9Dc "Great Lakes Steelhead Chronicles"
http://worldangling.com/mediaGallery/mediaGallery.html "World Angling Media Archives"
http://www.drakemag.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=160&Itemid=173&phpMyAdmin=e696Jto0rPxQfBFQGcJTAM1MDQ1 The Drake Magazine Video Contest
http://www.simmsfishing.com/site/video_clips.html Simms Fishing Videos
