On the Water Log, February 16, 2010
Nothing is fishable, at least the way I like to fish for steelhead–wading and swinging. The rivers actually went up again since my last post. They’re coming down now, but it’ll be late in the week before I hit the rivers again. Oh well, I got a care package from Waters West last week, and I am happy tying flies after working on my book. I have been on a Quillayute and Polar Shrimp jag lately. I really love the teal body hackle and golden pheasant wing on the Quillayute. The colors and markings complement each other beautifully. I also replenished my supply of 45 mm Waddington shanks and will be tying a few Beauly Snow Flys tonight.
Eliana and I hiked the hill in town yesterday–where I saw the salmonberry blossoms last week–and saw Indian plum leaves, even some flowers, and brand new skunk cabbage bracts. I wish I could believe this is for real. It makes me want to put some spinach and peas in the garden.
It also makes me think the chum salmon fry could be on the move earlier than usual this spring. And you can probably figure out what that makes me want to do–hit some of my beaches on Admiralty Inlet and northern Hood Canal. I’ve even got a brand new Temple Fork Clouser 5-weight that I want to try out.