Forecast: 36℉, 22 mph gusty wind, Cloudy, 91% Humidity
Stream Conditions: clear/normal levels, water temp was 37℉
Insect Hatching Activity: Sporadic midge activity
We just kicked off the 2023 season in the Driftless with exciting results. It didn’t start out that way with a newly crafted fly rod snapping at the third section after just several casts, but we’ll get it fixed up with excellent support from the vendor. After going back home and getting another fly rod, the new year fishing season was greeted with gusty winds and no strikes for a good half hour; then it happened – a sporadic midge appeared over the stream and the indicator pausing with the welcome flash. Pool after pool created this wonderful Winter wakeup call with equal takes to the midge nymph and caddis pupa. This action lasted about an hour and then total shut down. But what a magical hour it was – there was at one time catching 3 trout on 3 consecutive casts. There’s something special about that first trout starting the new season. Don’t we all love to look forward to brighter days, dancing mayflies and beautiful trout?
