I had a few days off this week, and took advantage of the opportunity to fish a nearby stretch of water that I heard was not iced over. I found that it was in fact flowing well, and enjoyed fishing for a couple of hours. Hiking down a snowy trail to a trout stream is always fun, especially so close to Christmas. I had plenty of layers and a Filson hat to fight the cold, and had a great time tossing streamers for the big trout that I hoped were lurking under the surface.
It was slow going for a while, and I took a few moments to sit on a rock, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and enjoy the fact that I was not in the office.
After taking a break on the bank of the stream, I resumed casting, and felt a tug on the line. After a decent fight, I landed a nice rainbow. It was likely the last trout that I will catch in 2013, and I was very lucky that it was such a beautiful fish.
The time on the river allowed me to reflect on the great friends that I have fished with this year, and met through the fly fishing community. I've been very blessed, and looking forward to many more trips in the future. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas Mike! Beautiful fish and we still have some days left to chase the 2013 trout! Thanks you for all the memories and look forward to the coming year! Nice fish again buddy! See ya at the show!
ReplyDeleteNice 'Bow, Mike! What a way to go out on a season if that is your last fish of the year.
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays and many Happy Hook Ups in 2014.
Beautiful fish Mike! I have to applaud anyone who gets out this time of the year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year...see ya at the show.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, Sir. Good to see the streamer wallet already getting some good use.
ReplyDelete