February 11, 2026

The first outing of 2026 did not disappoint. More than anything, it was good to get out in some sunshine, low wind, minimal snow, and do some winter fishing after a disappointing January that left behind significant shelf ice.

I did nothing fancy, and nothing I wouldn't do during the winter season - tandem nymph rigged with a midge trailer, some tin split shot, no indicator and covered a bunch of ground.

I was on the water by 9:30 (28 degrees), so things really didn't pick up until 10:30 and stayed conssitent the whole outing. Streams are clear (for now), certainly on the colder side with some lethargic fish when the water temp is cold, and LOTS of shelf ice, which may present some problems the next few days as it melts, breaks up, and moves on.