At this time of year I think most of us reflect on the year nearly past. And some of us are even making New Year’s Resolutions – or at least plans for the next season of fly fishing. For at least some of us may think they’re unlucky enough to live in places where there are only certain times of the year that they can wet a line (are there really such places I wonder as I get set to go out steelheading on this Boxing Day up here in the Great White North???). Or even worse some may think that fly fishing is only possible for trout and don’t know what to do with the season now closed (of course this too causes me to wonder: aren’t steelhead trout??? and there are places even up here where one can throw out a fly line for trout at any time of year, right???). But I digress since the point I wanted to make that at this time of year (despite the possible cold weather and snow) we can all start to make plans – and to hope and to dream.
I found this great article in J. Castwell’s archives, http://colo2.flyanglersonline.com/cst/cst123107.php (hope he doesn’t mind me putting this link to his fine article here), which I think puts it better than I ever could. Anybody care to share their hopes and dreams for the upcoming year???
Around this neck of the woods, for me personally, any day of the year with temps in the mid 20s and higher and breezes that don’t interfere too much with casting is a fishing day. Not that I’ll fish every day like that, but weather and official fishing season dates don’t get in the way.
There is almost always open water around here, although slush ice might develop on some of the rivers during the coldest stretches of the winter, and road conditions do become a factor reaching some places that offer good fishing.
I only have one plan for the year - have a lot of fun. That will include, among other things, somewhere around 125-150 days of trout fishing** on a wide variety of water with a single rod. An 8’ for 5 wt bamboo rod that I will complete building in the next few days.
John
**If the opportunity comes up to fish for other species, I’ll jump at it.
For me it is to get my FFF certification – to travel a bit with fly rod in hand – to try to get out on the water as much as I can (hopefully with some of the folks from this forum) – to try to get more kids (and their families) turned onto our sport.
I really try not to look too far into the future. Just try to live each day at a time. Anything past today is a bonus. That having been said, I do look forward to the warmer days in a way that only someone living in a colder environment can. I feel the Pa Fish-In coming on!
I use a bamboo fly rod for literally all my fishing. I can’t count the number of times I’ve been asked “are you trout fishing” in water where no trout could survive. I just say, “nope, I’m fishing for fish”. Lots of folks have no idea you can use a fly rod for any fish God created. Anyway, my “plans”, (if you want to hear God laugh, tell Him your plans), for the new year are to fish more. After about May 15 any fishing for wild trout is done here, and I won’t fish the “parks”, (my goodness what ABSOLUTELY RUDE behavior is exhibited at those places!!!) so I plan to pursue smallmouth more. When they’re off their beds and in deep water I will chase the ubiquitous bluegill and longeared sunfish even more. Then, come late September and on thru the fall and winter let the trout beware! I may even chase “ol’ bucketmouth” a bit this coming summer. Something I haven’t done in more years than I care to remember. Largemouth bass on a top water bug can be a lot of fun…as long as it doesn’t get too hot outside.
Fortunately for those of us in south central Missouri fishing is never closed. The downside is that we don’t have the fun of winter sports. I sure miss them! If I had it I would pay a handsome sum for a huge ol’ winter snow storm like we used to have.
This year has been a rough one…a BLESSED year actually, as we always draw upon our Faith to strengthen us during tough times.
For the New Year, I WILL lose weight…my beautiful Maggie will have her slimmer Father “walk” her down the aisle, not “waddle”. :rolleyes:
Mike
I just was listening to one of those year-end shows they do at this time of year – recapping all the turmoil, war, and bleak economic situations from the year nearly past – and I realized that I’m thankful for all the simple things that life can bring us – for me (despite a year of highs and lows – sometimes too many lows to really want to think about), those simple pleasures have usually been with a fly rod in hand – just being out on the water taking in the amazing natural surroundings – the sounds of rushing water or bird songs or just the wind in the trees – the chance to see wildlife – the rise of a trout to my fly – the rhythm of casting a fly rod – taking the time to turn over a few rocks in the stream trying to match the hatch – taking the time to tie flies to replicate that hatch – the companionship shared with fishing buddies – the peace and contentment, the calming effect of all that fly fishing offers
If I could afford it, my new years resolution would be to move out of this state.
Because of the lack of action on behalf of California DFG in spite of AB-7 I will be doing the majority of my fishing in '09 out of state. We are planning a drive across country on I-40 to the East coast. Then a trip to SE Idaho in August. Maybe another trip to Montana.
Right now the projection for fishing in CA is bleek. The hatcheries are dumping thousands of trout into resevoirs like Diamond Valley in Hemet, CA to feed the large mouth bass and stripers population. All hatcheries are depleting their inventory and closing races. They have a freeze on hiring temps and will probably cut back on full time employees.
In spite of all this, private hatcheries are still selling and stocking fish into waters DFG are banned from. I don’t get it. I guess their fish are trained to not eat frogs and pollywogs.
It’s hard to believe this all started out as a class project by a couple of students at Stanford who neither fish nor like frogs.
Oh yeah, and the price of a license went up from $38.85 to $41.20. I wonder why? A sad jimsnarocks:cry:
Why don’t you put a FAOL Fish-In on your wish list for 2009? There are several around the country and you ALL are welcome to attend. Click on the “Fish-In” menu from our front/main page and do a little investigating, you might be surprised. Yes, I know money is tight, put your change each night when you get home in a special place…a cigar box? Glass jar? Somewhere you can see the visible growth - it is a good thing to do. Start now. S
Mayhaps I will make two trips to Idaho next year.
Oh yeah, and I just made my first “green coffee bean” order so I can start roasting my own in '09. Jim
With any luck my guide season will start in March on the Big Horn. If my plan (I know the danger of having a “plan”) of being very busy March through June works I will have time to take off a few weeks of hard core guiding and to enjoy living where I do and fish more of Montana’s waters.
My goal is to spend a few days on the Big Hole, Beaver Head and the Mo this year. Of course there is the anticipation of someone in my Smith River group drawing a Golden Ticket. I would really love to float the Smith when the fishing is good!
If enough stars align just right I may even try to make it back to Pa. for the Fish-in. Hope to see some of you there!
This year has been a rough one…a BLESSED year actually, as we always draw upon our Faith to strengthen us during tough times.
For the New Year, I WILL lose weight…my beautiful Maggie will have her slimmer Father “walk” her down the aisle, not “waddle”.
Mike
Hey Mike does this mean no more fudge for us???
I woke up this morning thinking Christmas has passed, (what a blessed one I have had) Yes I did get a gps but actually there was so many wonderful things during my Christmas that it would take to long to write.
I was sitting here looking at a couple of empty fly boxes, thinking its time to get them filled. I was talking to a fellow last night who told me he caught his limit yesterday so fishing is year round here. but my fish now suppies have run to low and I need to rebuild, new flyes, clean and organize the jeep, camping gear, etc. to get ready for the warmer days. Thinking about all the places, friends, I am blessed with to be able to go to and fish with. I’m nit going to mention all the places I’d like to go to right now. I think I just need to re load to be ready when the right time comes along…
So God bless all of you and I pray all your dreams of sun lite dancing on the waters come true…
