"A year of snow, a year of plenty." – French Proverb The snow pack in the Big Wood drainage is currently at 172% of average and still has the potential to climb heading into spring. The stage is set for a record breaking spring run-off on the Wood and surrounding drainages. To put this in perspective, the Valley had a…
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"With melted snow I boil fragrant tea." – Mencius The snow keeps coming. As of February 6th, the Big Wood Basin is at 144% of average and the Little Wood and Big Lost are not far behind. While it is a bit too early to prognosticate about when our summer flows will be prime, one thing is certain... each flake…
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"There is no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing." – Sir Ranulph Fiennes Rain, snow, sleet, inversions: we have seen it all this winter. Fortunately, when the weather is bad, the fishing is good. But having the appropriate gear makes all the difference between success and frustration on the water. The Chinese have a proverb: "A man with a toothache cannot…
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"...this winter I'm determined to for once fish sensibly, and by that I mean in comfort, to try not only to match the hatch but also to match the weather." – Tom Sutcliffe, MD Fishing sensibly and comfortably in winter is a matter of preparation and layering. On the bottom, double up on socks and wear a size larger…
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"The angling fever is a very real disease and can only be cured by the application of cold water and fresh untainted air." – Theodore Gordon For some, the concept of winter fly fishing seems a bit crazy. And yet, for those who suffer from angling fever, winter fly fishing is the best therapy. However, nothing will end a…
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"I salute the gallantry and uncompromising standards of wild trout, and their tastes in landscapes." – John Madson If it is true that your surroundings shape your thoughts and emotions, then choose to surround yourself with water, snow, mountains, and trout. This is the best cure for seasonal affective disorder, light deprivation, cabin fever, and holiday stress; grab a…
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"Fishing is like that. It keeps you off balance, surprises you. It takes humility to learn, to accept that you may need a lesson or two even in your advanced stage of enlightenment." – Kevin Nelson The best fly fishermen are confident, but humble. The confidence comes from knowing that if you keep an open mind, keep striving to…
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"There is time to go long, time to go short and time to go fishing." – Jesse Livermore Fly Fishermen understand anticipation; after all, our sport is predicated by watching and waiting. And as one season slowly turns to another, patience is required. Anticipation is piqued. There is a time for snow, turkey, and family. In the meanwhile, notch…
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"For the supreme test of a fisherman is not how many fish he has caught, not even how he has caught them, but what he has caught when he has caught no fish." – John H. Bradley The best laid plans of rivers and men often go awry; fly fishing is, after all, a sport rife with uncontrollable variables. Sometimes the…
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"There is only one thing wrong with a fishing day-- its staggering brevity." – Zane Grey The experience of time while fly fishing is somewhere between "a watched pot never boils" and "time flies when you are having fun." A fishing day resembles a drama full of anticipation and uncertainty punctuated by moments of glory and devastation. As a result,…
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