Dreaming of Warm Fishing

This weekend, those of us here in western Pennsylvania got absolutely hammered with snow. I’ve measured anywhere from nine inches to fifteen depending on where I stuck the yardstick, and that was on top of what was already there. I have so much snow that yesterday I kept getting my side by side stuck trying to plow the driveway. Thankfully my neighbor came over with his tractor and bucket or I’d probably still be out there digging.

With all that cold and white outside (it was minus two before wind chill this morning), I’m pretty grateful to be in the studio working on paintings. There’s the one of a saltwater fish and coral reef that every time I look at it I keep thinking how warm the Bahamas must be right about now. I also just started an ice fishing piece, which feels fitting since Lake Erie is already starting to freeze up, but I’ll be honest—I am not a snow person. I love this area too much to leave, though. The hills, the rivers, the landscape… even when the weather is rough, it still feels like home.

So this morning I pulled out some of my flies for inspiration while I’m working on a few small pieces for the Cabin Fever fly fishing show at the end of February, down near Cranberry. Looking through my poppers instantly took me back to summer on the river, floating in my kayak with bare feet and bathing suit, sun on the water, casting and waiting for that explosive splash from a smallmouth. I love using poppers for bass and bluegills, but there is just nothing like a big bronze back blowing up on the surface. Even though sometimes the take is quiet and sneaky and the line just goes tight, that big splash will always be my favorite.

Sitting here staring at snowbanks, I’m definitely dreaming of warm water fishing and those summer days on the river. That’s one of the best parts about fishing—you can relive the memories, the scenery, the smells, and the feeling of being out there, even in the middle of winter. It helps chase away the winter blues. I hope wherever you are, you’re staying warm and dreaming about getting back out on the stream, lake, or river soon too.