2012 in Review and what to look forward to in 2013

I would have to say I did more fishing and caught more more big fish than I have in any year prior to 2012. It was a great year for me and a lot of other fisherman I know. I would just like to take some time out of the day today to thank the fish gods for making this year one hell of a ride and all my fishing buddies for the great days on the water along with memories that will last a lifetime.

 GOODBYE 2012!

2012 Is going to be one tough act to follow but I have a couple ideas... You'll just have to wait and see. What I can say is that I will be making more higher quality videos thanks to Santa who brought me the new Go Pro Hero 3. I also have plans to explore more rivers and creeks in Montana farther away from Missoula like The Big hole, Yellowstone, Madison and many more. Don't take Vermont Trout Bum off your blog roll just yet, he is just getting started. Stay tune for an action packed 2013!!

Photo by: Bob Prince

Vermont Trout Bum's photostream

Vermont Trout Bum's photostream on Flickr.

Last Chance

After looking at the weather last night I realized today was gonna be the last warm day that I could fish before I leave missoula for the holidays. When I woke up this morning without thinking twice I set off up the Bitterroot to strip some streamers. The days started off slow until the temperature warmed up to around 40 degrees and I started getting some action. I was able to land one average size brown and another larger male brown with a serious kype jaw. Bringing a 22+inch brown to hand is not a bad way to leave Montana if you ask me.

I head back to Vermont on sunday for 3 weeks and Im sure I will have some things to share from back East. Happy Holidays!

Latest Adventures

Last Sunday I headed to Stevensville, MT to meet my friend Bob who runs a great blog called Bum Trout. Check it out! Bob and I hit the road to meet one of his friends for a couple hours on the water. We were early to meet his friend so Bob showed me some new water that I didn't even know existed and it was right under my nose the whole time. As much as I wanted to hop out of the car and go fish Bob had bigger and better plans. We met up with Bobs friend Kyle and headed up to a spot that "shall not be named". The story of the day... Bob hooked up.

Bob releasing a trout

All in all it was a great day exploring some new water with two great guys! I always love fishing with other people especially older people. There is just so much opportunity to learn from them and improve my own fishing skills. I look forward to my next fishing trip with Bob, It is always a enjoyable time, fish or no fish.

Tying on a rubber legs with numb fingers

My fish of the day

Tomorrow is going to be the last warm day before I head back East for the holidays so I think Im going to try out some of the new water Bob showed me. 

It's NOT all about the fish.

Today was pretty stressful between exams and final assignments due before the end of the week. By the time classes were over I had to clear my head or I was going to snap. I drove home grabbed my waders, 6wt, streamers and set out to clear my head. While driving to the river I couldn't help but think of the feeling I get when I take that first step into the river to make a cast. All the Biology, Calculus, Writing, Grammer, Work, Bills, Deadlines; they dont matter anymore. Its like all your worries and problems drift down the river with the current and your free. When I tell people I just came from fishing, 98% of their responses are "Did you catch anything?" I smile and proceed to answer their question as honestly as possible"Ya I caught a couple" or  "No not today" but what they dont know and what keeps me sane is that I loose everything as soon as I step foot in that river. Everything is erased and you get to start the journey over again! What journey is that you ask? Its simple, Either the journey up river or down...