Today was the Wisconsin catch and release trout opener. I was at the cabin in Northern Wisconsin, where the low last night was -18 F and the high today got to 1 above. I wasn't going to go under those conditions, but then..... it was the opener, the sun was out, the Lamiglas 7' 3wt was still strung up in the corner from October's last day of the season and I knew of a spring creek down the road that might have a midge hatch under these conditions.
I got on the water at 11:30 when it was -2 F. Sure enough the trout were rising to size 32 midges. Thankfully they took size #24.
Some photos:
Smoke on the water
Icy spring pond opening
Success!
In an hour and a half I caught five brook trout and 2 browns and missed a few others on a smokejumper. Each time I was able to reach underwater with a forceps and remove the fly without touching the fish or exposing them to the frigid air temps. I cast a fixed amount of line, as stripping line back in upon catching a fish resulted in a frozen line and guides that would have to be thawed before fishing again. 90 minutes was enough, I could no longer feel my hands.
All in all, though, it felt great to get out. Happy New Year to you all!