Seasons Change

As we wrap up what doesn’t feel to be much of a winter here in Colorado, I feel it right to reflect on some of the adventures. As I have mentioned, I tend to fall into the category of “does whatever it takes to be outside”. While the snow covers most trails and the rivers are low water, we have made a home on the ice. In the last several years I have gained a new appreciation for ice fishing in the dead of winter on some of Colorado’s high mountain lakes. Yes sometimes it is brutally cold, wind blowing, and probably every other stereo type you have heard about ice fishing. BUT sometimes things come together regardless of the weather. And hey, when they don’t we are still sitting under some of the most gourdous mountains in the county. And when you can’t see the beautiful mountains because the snow is blowing sideways and visibility is less than ten feet? ....well there’s nothing like a little rye whiskey to brighten your spirit in the brutal cold.

My target of choice is the king of the deep, the mackinaw, or commonly known lake trout. They are aggressive predators that poses a finicky appetite. They are known to eat what is nearly half their size, yet some days refuse every piece of plastic in my bag. Sitting on an undersized stool in zero degree weather, I played cat and mouse with these big fish some days only to walk home empty handed or with a bag of smaller snakes. This winter, however, there were several particular days where it all came together and I was able to fool some of these prehistoric creatures with the slight tap of a jig. Those days are the ones where every 4AM wakeup call and twilight drive home become insignificant. Don’t get me wrong, in between we had our share of success as well. A measure of success is all based on your expectations, and mine are to let every second spent enjoying this beautiful country count.

In addition, to a couple of big fish, I was able to spend countless hours with family and friends again enjoying the pristine rocky mountains. In the end this is what we are all in it for right? Hopefully you are entertained with the pictorial story of our 2014-2015 ice season. Now onto spring turkey’s, the definitive decisions for the 2015 draw, and shed season. To be continued…

Until Next Winter