“Wet Weather Fly Fishing” by Charlie Downs

 Well ’tis the season [we hope] for good, regular, soaking rains. We need them for a lot of reasons, not the least of which is to keep the trout streams flowing with cold, clean water. When stream levels are high the fish are happy and active, gorging on whatever aquatic goodies come their way. These conditions, in turn, can make for happy anglers!

 Here’s the scenario. You’ve got the day off work. you wake up early, look out the bedroom window, it’s still not good daylight, the wind is blowing, the rain is steady, it’s probably not going to make it to 70 degrees today. This is the moment of decision! Do you crawl back under the warm sheets with your sweetie? Or do you man [or woman] up and GO FISHING !? All the stars are in alignment man! It’s meant to be! Put on the coffee, get dressed, throw your gear in the car, [ideally it should always be there] and head for your favorite water!

This is gonna be good. This kind of weather weeds out the weak and the posers. You’ll likely have the stream to yourself! Well, when you do look up through your rain spattered glasses and see another soul on the water you’ll know that he [or she] is just as serious [or crazy, it's a fine line] about fishing as you are. You nod, pass, and continue on your separate ways, recognizing the other as a kindred soul, for whatever that’s worth.

 My point, and I do have one, is that you shouldn’t miss out on a moment of fishing because of perceived inclement weather conditions. Those may be the perfect times. I’m reminded of the young fellow who asked the old timer ” when’s the best time to go fishing?” to which the elder replied ” whenever you can.” Now that’s sound advice.

 So look for me on the water the next time the weather is butt nasty. I’ll be the sodden guy who doesn’t speak, but smiles and nods knowingly as we pass.