"When spring came, even the false spring, there were no problems except where to be happiest." ~ Ernest Hemingway We are going to have plenty of water this summer! The average snowpack for the Wood River Basin right now is 106% of average and the forecast for March looks like more snow is on the way. Typically when we have…
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"It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade." ~ Charles Dickens This time of year, the temperature can swing 20 to 30 degrees from sun up to sun down. The key to staying comfortable on the water: layering. Since…
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"I will never tire of what fishing gives me. It puts me in touch with another of nature's species, in beautiful surroundings that are old as time. This is where I want to be; that is how I am renewed." ~ Joan Wulff If it is time to renew yourself in a different, beautiful surrounding, then wading expansive saltwater flats…
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"If a little madness be a necessary requisite to obtain the ultimate in the pleasure of angling-- then O Lord, give me insanity!" ~ John Alden Knight Winter fly fishing is not as crazy as it sounds. It should be on your short list of winter activities while visiting the Wood River Valley along with skiing on Baldy, snow shoeing…
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"Any fool can know. The point is to understand." ~ Albert Einstein Any fool can tell you that one of the wonders of fly fishing is that there is always more to know and understand. January 9th and 10th, the Western Idaho Fly Fishing Expo in Boise is a great opportunity to build on your fishing understanding. There will be…
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"Unless we make Christmas an occasion to share our blessings, all the snow in won't make it 'white'." ~ Bing Crosby What is it that gets you into the Christmas spirit? For us, it is sharing the blessing of our beautiful valley with you. There is no better way to experience the serenity and magic of the winter than fly…
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“Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful. Since we've no place to go...Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow.”~ Cahn and Styne Snow is a blessing to our valley. Not only does it make for great skiing, it is also a promise kept in our highest peaks that we will have water for…
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“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.”~Ralph Waldo Emerson We have much to be grateful for in the Wood River Valley including the rivers abundant with trout and the mountains coated…
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"When it snows, you have two choices: shovel or make snow angels." ~ Unknown You have a third choice...go fly fishing. After a mild fall, snow has blessed the valley and the mountains making the transition on our waters to a winter fishery rather abrupt. And looking at the extended forecast, there is more snow on the way. So, if…
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"My favorite thing about fishing is being able to just be. Being able to get myself as quiet inside as it is outside." ~ Sabrina Sojourner This is a great time of year to "just be" while standing knee deep in your favorite fishing run. But, in addition to matching the quiet outside, you also need to match the temperature.…
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Image: Ed Northen “Trying to understand is like straining through muddy water. Have the patience to wait! Be still and allow the mud to settle.” – Lao Tzu Streamflow forecasting is rife with uncertainty. Looking to the past and comparing years with similar snowpack helps, but so much depends on May and June. The safe bet…June will see high water,…
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Image: Ed Northen “Knowing trees, I understand the meaning of patience. Knowing grass, I can appreciate persistence.” – Hal Borland Knowing rivers, we can accept that change is inevitable. The Salmon, Big Wood, and Big Lost drainages are right where they should be in terms of snowpack. And as the snow melts and the rivers swell over the next few…
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