The only consistent part of this winters weather is that it has been inconsistent. Some days feel like spring is just around the corner and others are just plain cold and full of that white stuff that has made Utah famous. As an avid fishermen and snowboarder I am in paradise every winter. This years weather has given a  nice balance of deep pow and thick midge hatches. 

Read more below

This past week has been no exception. I found myself on the mtn 4 days this week and with break from the storm and a bright/warmer Saturday found me and my bro on my favorite midging water.  The scenery was beyond amazing with a couple new feet of snow, the river edges looked untouched and pure. The cherry on top was the steam that rose from the water engulfing us into the river. At times it was so thick that I would loss sight of my tiny midges and hope to hear a slurp as they pasted to the side of me. (That’s actually how I caught my first fish of the day) The hatch was on the whole time we were there (9am-3pm) giving us constant action on top.  At times it would shut off for a few mins, but out of nowhere  it would start back up relveling 50 or more noses breaking through the film. Like most fishing tiny midges with light tippets we quick released more fish than we could count, but were able the talk a few of them to trying our net.  It was great bro time and nice to be out of the inversion and on a stream getting a tan between missed fish and re-tying outfits.

Side Tip: I did learn something this trip. I learned that those that can actually see there midges floating on the surface hook up with twice as many fish as those that fish blindly to a certain area they think there flies are. Being able to see your flies is crucial! If you can’t change until you can. Also pin point casting is so important as most fish won’t move far in the winter to eat a small midge.

Enough of that, this past weekend has been one for the record books. I woke up Sat morning with the hope of fresh powder and untouched mountain slopes, but to my surprise I was welcomed with gray rainy skies. I was optimistic that up at Sundance the weather would be colder and the snow would be welcoming us. Once again when we got to the parking lot, Liz and I were met by a river of mud-water running down the upper lot. Crap I though! The morning was ruined at least for the moment. We left the parking lot not even getting out to face the pouring ran. The next thing I knew it I was driving past the Provo and I couldn’t help but think that fishing only gets better in the ran. With that on my mind I was either going to hit the Provo or work on the ole drift boat for a few hours. So I loaded up the Jeep with tools and fishing gear and I was off. As I got to the canyon turn off it was a moment of choice. I though what the heck the boat can wait. So when I reached the Provo it was only sprinkling and I was physced to be out. I walked down the path and was greeted by 5 other groups of fishermen. Dang it was busy for a stormy day…O well I started below them and worked my way up to the hole I was wanting to fish. I was hoping to see some midges, but the longer I stayed on the river the harder the rain came. I finally reached my favorite winter midge hole and nothing was happening except for windy rain. I got into the right spot for a good drift and on my second cast Wham!!! I had a nice fish trying to pull my rod out of my hand. The fight was intense and just what I was hoping for. From the fast, strong runs I knew I was a fat rainbow. Every time I got it close to the bank it would take 20 yards of line. This must have happened 5 times before I had to switch hands to relieve my burning forearm. I couldn’t believe the the fight this fish put up. As I finally got it to the bank I was surprised to see the girth it had. It was the fattest bow I had caught in a while. After that fight I started to realize that I was soaked to the bone and it was a chilly 34 degrees and the rain was not about to let up. I guess when ur focused only on catching fish you don’t really notice your surroundings to much. It was a great note to end on… and a fun 2 hrs on the river.

See the rain in the pic above(look at the water)

]]> http://www.xstreamoutdoors.com/2009/01/26/rainy-miserable-awesome-day/feed/ 0 http://www.xstreamoutdoors.com/2008/08/12/busy-week/ http://www.xstreamoutdoors.com/2008/08/12/busy-week/#comments Tue, 12 Aug 2008 20:33:00 +0000 Dr. G http://www.xstreamoutdoors.com/2008/08/12/busy-week/ So last week was pretty dang adventurous. After feeling pretty fat and sluggish for the past little bit . I decided it was time to hit my Mtn bike again and tackle some hills instead of going to the meat market gym. In fact that is a good point, I hate going to the gym and always have. I would much rather get my work out in on my bike, rowing the driftboat, snowboarding or any other outdoor activity. So on monday I rode the Big Springs trail up Provo Canyon (almost passing out) and on the way down I hit the Provo river (at the bridge) for about an hour as the Caddis were just starting to come off. I hooked into a few nice fish and it was fun to fish the same spot I caught my first fish at on the lower provo. On Tuesday Wayne and I decided to ride the Tibble Fork trail up American Fork canyon. The ride was awsome, but the fishing afterwards was not so hott. The fish were rising and we hooked and broke off one, but for the most part they were just toying with us the whole night. On weds morning I went deer scouting and shot my bow. Then that night Wayne and I meet up once more to ride AF canyon. This time as we waited for Wayne’s little bro. We hit a quick down hill romp and then meet up with the others to ride Tibble Fork again. This time there were a couple nice wrecks that changed Norms color and almost sent Wayne to the ER. The rest of the week was our Cali trip to go visit my bro and his family. Over the weekend we went to Hollywood, Yankees game, Newport beach, hung out at his pool, and a ton of driving.