The thermometer in the truck said 17 degrees. I’d run out of excuses for not putting the waders on and hiking down to the river, so I suited up and begrudgingly set off. The sunlight was reflecting off the canyon walls and when I got down to the banks of the first pool it was warm enough to take the hat, jacket, and gloves off and bask in the sun. However, there were dark rainbows cruising over the light colored cobble feeding, which promptly ended my sunbathing.
Like a lot of winter fishing days in the Wood River Valley, you win a few, you lose a few and some days you’re a rock star. Today was no exception. Today there were trophy fish moving in singles and doubles, and they were eating my zebra midges. Today I fished like a geek and lost most of the significant fish. But not all. When the sun got low, winter returned and it was time to go home. The thermometer still read 17 degrees when I got back to the car. Not a bad 4 hours in January.
Like a lot of winter fishing days in the Wood River Valley, you win a few, you lose a few and some days you’re a rock star. Today was no exception. Today there were trophy fish moving in singles and doubles, and they were eating my zebra midges. Today I fished like a geek and lost most of the significant fish. But not all. When the sun got low, winter returned and it was time to go home. The thermometer still read 17 degrees when I got back to the car. Not a bad 4 hours in January.
We in the Wood River Valley are blessed with some of the best fly-fishing in the world. The winter months, with a little extra effort, are some of the finest angling opportunities. The fish are less selective, they are grouped up in the deeper runs, and even though most of the fishing is done with nymphs, some dry fly-fishing is available. The window of fishing is shorter, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm on most days weather permitting. Next time you’re planning your Sun Valley ski trip, think about adding a day of fishing to your agenda. It will become a tradition. 
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