As each year draws to a close, I typically like to reminisce and reflect on the events that helped shape my year. The older we get, the faster each year seems to pass. 2010 was no exception. With a young family, work obligations and the burning desire to get out there and play, the time seems to go by faster than ever. One of the highlights of my year was the chance to watch my daughter Charlotte develop from a vibrant two-year old into an amazing three-year old, while watching Hannah blossom out of infancy. The last couple of months of 2010 saw both girls starting to play together and the seeds of a strong sibling relationship developing.
The year in fly-fishing was a great one. After a lackluster winter, the skies opened up with spring snow and rain to bump up our water content which helped the fishing tremendously. From the pre-runoff angling on the Snake and Green, to the Salmonflies, Drakes and PMD's on the South Fork, the first half of the summer was stellar. It only got better from there, with record low flows on the Snake through the fall, which made it easy for us to find the goods. The year culminated with a great fall streamer bite. Thanks to everyone this year, clients and guides alike, that made it so special. The summer was also bittersweet; the river accidents that took the lives of Rob Merrill and Phil Blumquist on the South Fork remind us of how fragile life is, and of why we do the things we do. My thoughts were with them this holiday season.