This past week I took what is becoming an annual winter trip to Virginia and West Virginia to fly fish for muskie. Not only does this trip help extend the amount of time I can fish for old Mr. Esox, but it takes advantage of one of the better months for muskie in these southern rivers. I met Sage and Rio sales rep Bill Dawson and fished with him on two of the days. I was also accompanied by Justin Damude from western New York and his friend Joe from Erie, PA. Unfortunately, we were stung by a significant cold front the day we arrived. I knew it was on the way but it turned out to be worse than forecasted. The high on the first day of fishing was only 25 degrees with a 20 to 30 mph wind out of the northwest. It was one of the most uncomfortable days I have fished on in a long time. The significant drop in temperature put the fish off and set the tone for the rest of the trip. Despite the conditions some good fished were hooked and it only forced us to fish harder. Special thanks to Colby Trow at Mossy Creek Fly Fishing, Blane Chocklett and Jake Grove of New Angle Fishing Co. and Jacob Ott of the Greenbrier. 

Thanks to all that stopped by the Oak Orchard Fly Shop this past Saturday to help launch the release of Advanced Fly Fishing for Great Lakes Steelhead. Despite the winter weather there was a great turn out. I saw some old friends and met some new ones. Anyone that is interested in a personalized copy can order directly from the Oak Orchard Fly Shop, I'll be happy to sign it. 

Just a reminder that I'll be at the Oak Orchard Fly Shop in Williamsville, NY tomorrow from 2:00 to 4:30 pm tying a few flies and signing copies of my new book Advanced Fly Fishing for Great Lakes Steelhead. Stop by for a visit and good conversation.