BY. A. W. Korman
As fall fishing excitement fades, sometimes abruptly, with temperatures dropping to frigid levels that freeze guides and make a full day on the water nearly impossible, there’s always a glimmer of hope. One of the best things about fly fishing, and the outdoors in general, is that here in Pennsylvania, we’re never truly limited. As a fly fishing guide, I’m fortunate to spend a lot of time outdoors, and this time in nature often leads to reflection and exploration.
When the winter lull sets in, it’s the perfect opportunity to shift gears. We can learn about our fisheries in different ways. Consider walking the streams and observing what your favorite holes look like at this time of year. And, as a side note, take a camera with you—capture the beauty for the rest of us to see.
Even when fishing isn’t optimal, there’s no shortage of things to do. A hike through snowdrifts, the quiet of a forest blanketed in snow, or the sight of fish hiding under shelf ice in the clear water can be just as rewarding. Perhaps you’d prefer to explore a new stretch of water. Instead of spending another evening on Netflix, head into the woods and take a look around. Gather data for the upcoming season, find a new place to park, or chat with a neighbor who lives streamside to see if they’ll let you access the water from their property.
Two of my favorite winter pastimes are tying flies and reading. There’s a whole library of fly fishing-related books out there, from technical guides to tales of others’ adventures that might inspire you to plan your own.
The simple truth is that we should never let the cold, the snow, or unfishable conditions keep us inside. Winter can feel gloomy for many, and it’s certainly not the most colorful season—unless you look beyond the gray hues. It reminds me of a passage from The Chronicles of Narnia, when Mr. Tumnus says, “It is winter in Narnia, and has been for ever so long… always winter, but never Christmas.” If you see the metaphor, you’ll understand the point I’m making. While the Christmas season is full of magic, we live in a world overflowing with wonders, waiting to be explored.
So, don’t let your winter pass without its own version of Christmas. Embrace the beauty of nature and explore this incredible world we have been granted.