The Weather Outside Was Frightful

Well, it is not officially winter yet but I am already tired of winter. Here in western WA, Old Man Fall has not been kind to us with a seemingly constant pelting of wind and cold-ass rain. I am sure Mr. Winter will be picking right up where his brother left off. Obviously, the influx of moisture is welcomed in this area after last summer's record breaking forest fire season but that doesn't make it any easier to endure. All I can think about is fly-fishing lately. Why is it that weeks of Heavenly summer weather can pass by and the thought of my favorite hobby never crosses my mind but when the damp, bone-numbing cold arises it's all I can think about?

I realized that I never did post anything about the big Idaho fly-fishing trip last summer. The Lochsa didn't produce quite like it has in the past for us, which may have been due to soaring temps and low water but we worked a little harder and managed to hook onto some nice trout. It was one of those trips when soaking in the river with a cold beer brought just as much satisfaction as landing a 16-incher as the temps easily passed 90 every day. We still had a great time and the staff at the Lochsa Lodge was incredible to us. What I would give for a sunburn on the Lochsa right about now..

I am not afraid to admit that I am no expert when it comes to fly-fishing. I have probably spent more time around it between reading, researching and actually fishing than any other endeavor in my life (other than drinking) and still I feel uneasy saying I've surpassed "Greenhorn" status. Somehow I have reached 32 years of age without having ever fly-fished during the winter months. My goal for the winter is to find some trout streams in the area that are open year-round to fish if they exist. Will post my progress when I get there.