Finally, Some Snow!

Well, it finally looks like winter around here. We got a nice little snowstorm Friday night into Sunday morning. The valley is now totally white, and the snowpack in the high country has now grown significantly. They've opened more runs at the ski area and also opened the gondola yesterday. Hopefully, we are now in a snow cycle! My good friend and professional photographer Jeff Diener just sent me some great shots from a ski trip we did last winter over to Grand Targhee Resort. Enjoy the photo, and check out Jeff's website at http://www.jeffdiener.com/; he's one of the best in outdoor/adventure photography around here, including fly fishing shots. More soon!

Snow is Coming

Although it has been a dry few weeks here, it looks like we may finally start picking up some significant snow by this weekend...it's definitely time to start building the snowpack for the skiers and the trout! Scott Smith and I had dinner one night this past week with old friend and local guide/photographer/fly fishing legend Tom Montgomery. It's always a treat. Naturally, we spent hours talking about fishing and photography, reminiscing about the many trips the three of us had taken before, and dreaming about upcoming adventures. Although I'm busy in the ski industry this time of year, my mind is always thinking of angling. Here's a great shot of Tom with a nice Cutthroat Trout from the Green River. As a tradition, the three of us always try to get at least one float together on the Green each summer, typically just after runoff. This was a particularly good day, with many eager fish all over our dry flies. More photos to come!

High and Dry

High pressure has been dominating the weather scene around Jackson lately. The valley is still completely brown; dry with no snow cover. There is a little bit of snow in the high country, but not much to ski on yet. Today actually hit 50 degrees with bright sun...very unusual weather for early December. If I were not so busy getting the ski shop ready for the winter, I would have loved to walk the Snake today, it probably was good. I'm sure the snow will come soon enough. Here's some nice shots taken by Scott Smith from this past season. Pondering over which fly to choose is one of the great joys in fly fishing. When fishing dries, emergers or nymphs, picking the right size, shape and color for the conditions is mandatory. Here, picking just the right streamer can be a challenge. Water clarity, as well as the sunshine (or lack thereof), along with size, silhouette and color, all play a role in streamer fishing. Finding a fish to eat the fly that you've chosen completes the circle.