Against The Odds

I got an email from a buddy asking me if I was interested in fishing this week? Well, knowing how futile it probably would be to actually catch a trout I replied, "okay, sure thing." We were both curious if we could beat the odds. I don't gamble, but it seemed like a gamble to go up on the mountain and try to fool a trout in hitting my dry fly.

It's the time of year when being a dry fly only guy puts him at a distinct disadvantage. Yeah, it's pretty much against all odds that anyone is going to fool a cold, despondent trout into rising up from the frigid bottom of a stream to take a fake morsel of food. Add to that, there is not one bug from the 'hatches that matter' zipping above the water's surface. Doesn't give one much confidence with success in fishing during the winter months. And, yet...

Neal and I fished a couple of areas where we could drift a fly. The snow and ice on the water limited us, however. Beautiful sunny, warm day. But, we didn't see any trout. The day was still nice though roaming around and knocking off some winter rust with the casting stroke. You know, spring doesn't seem nearly as far away after yesterday's jaunt in the mountains.

Gear: Winston WT 7' 2wt fly rod; Ross Colorado fly reel; Winston Energy WF3F line; Simms sling pack; Orvis Battenkill 18" landing net (vintage).

NOTE: More about this amazing rod in the next post...