It's that time of year again when we get a shot at that fish of a life time. Over the years I have grown to prefer the cool days, green water and big fish that the winter season presents to us. This year we had the chance to start targeting winters a little early. As November came to a close I had a hard time putting the boat away for a break after the fall season. We had a shot of early fish that coincided with some perfect water conditions. If what I saw before Christmas is any indication of what we have to come this winter, then look out. It's going to be a great winter!
I generally consider the kick-off of my winter season after I have taken my break for the holidays. This year, I started things back up with a bang on the 28th of December. Unfortunately, this success was short lived. After a day on the coast where we went 5 for 5, old man winter hit us with a sucker punch. We had a rare snow fall on the low hills that was then followed by a warm rain. Our rivers just screamed out of shape. I tried fishing again on the the first of the year but ended up giving my guys the morning on me. The river was just barely out of shape.
Anyway, we are back under way and if the forecast holds true, we are going to have good fishing for a while. We have enough options to fish in the region that most days there is a river fishing within shot of home base. However, each winter is different. In 2005 I had to only cancel one day all season because of the rivers being blown, where this year I have already had to cancel 7 days. The low snow killed us the last week. Now that the white stuff is gone we should go back into a normal winter pattern.
Check back in! I hope to do a better job of updating my reports this winter. We'll see about that!
