The Magic of Fresh Snow

It seems winter decided to come roaring back from the shadows after a week so warm the flowers and spring peepers were coming out. We had a lovely light snow on Friday and are in for a really good storm Tuesday. There is the possibility of snowfall in the 18 inch range. All the better for the trout streams that are in bad shape. The Salmon river is looking like it usually does in late May right now flow wise, so this snow is a godsend. I cannot emphasize that enough, we could use two more big nor'easters on top of that and it still wouldn't make up for the last two years. Luckily the snow packs are the best they've been in years in Montana so I should be in for a treat in August. See, snow haters, it is good! My livelihood is dependent on big winter snowfalls. So I'm more than happy to take this mid March beating knowing that it will mean better trout fishing, better striper fishing, and better smallmouth fishing, and will therefore not appreciate everyone's "why does it have to snow in March" shtick.

Friday was beautiful. I absolutely love fishing in a fresh fluffy snowfall that is less than 4 inches deep, especially when it decorates the trees with a heavy frosting like coating. Like leaves that snow closes the gaps and blocks the sun and makes the trout stream feel more homey and intimate. And it's just so gorgeous!

To add to the snow and the clear clean water and the trees, a bald eagle flew over and was set upon by a raven. The massive eagle eventually latched onto the ravens tail and the birds tumbled into the canopy and out of site. What an evening!

I caught a lot of fish using my favorite nymphing method, good old Joe Humphrey's style tight lining. No fancy leaders, no sighters, no multi fly rigs. Lots and lots of fish were caught. I got a few lazy eats on mice from more giant brookies. That was pretty darn cool. And I caught some on articulated streamers too. Honestly this was my favorite day on this river so far this year despite no large fish coming to hand.