It's cold. It's snowing tonight. Water is off... finally.

Three thoughts tonight as I watch the white stuff pile up outside my window.

So far this winter shows signs of being a cold one with few warm breaks in the temperature. We've always had days at least up in the 40's in years past but not so far this winter. And nothing in the foreseeable forecast. I personally haven't adjusted to the cold yet. My fishing buddy Vince suggested it's because of the fat I've lost in the last 3 months. I've been watching what I eat and working out. This revelation makes me think about adding that fat back to keep me warm! Guess we better get used to ice in the guides.

Snowing!? I commented to Marsha, as we crept up the hill on the strip this evening, avoiding the 8 car pileup at Roark Valley Road, that this snow was much better than the ice we've had the last 3 winters. Still slick but nothing sticking on the trees.

Water is off!! We've been waiting for this for many months. So far what we've noticed is the bug population is huge and our trout are fat and strong. Scuds, sow bugs and lots and lots of midge hatches. I talked to Duane on New Years day about him seeing gobs of midges on Table Rock while duck hunting. I say gobs because he said they were hatching to fast that they were sticking together on the surface creating clumps of bugs. The only place I've seen that is on the San Juan River. I would love to see that on Taneycomo.

Now I can't speak to how the fishing has been since the change in generation yet. I fished a little on the first up below the dam but too little to get a feel for what will happen in the days to come. I can guess... it's really going to be good! The trout are there. It's the first of January when we see some of the best fishing of the year here on Taney. Our rainbows haven't seen much pressure the last couple of months and have had a chance to rest and grow. Water quality is in great shape. Everything looks fantastic for this winter's season.