Big Thompson

Fished the Big Thompson from 9:00-3:00 today in low clear water of 20cfs. It was a weather day for sure. When I arrived it was clear and 24F with the river still in the shadow of the surrounding mountains. I stood in the water with very cold fingers tying an improved clinch knot through the eye of a size 20 red biot midge pupa. I anticipated warmth as the sun poked over the mountain top, forcing its gold down the far hillside to the river. Slowly it inched its way down, then into the water, then over to me where it immediately warmed me up. About noon the clouds started to fill in and the wind kicked up. Later in the afternoon, when it was downright grey, a wall of wind rushed down the valley. Snowflakes started...very few at first and then into a near whiteout. I cast tiny blue winged olives into the teeth of it. And then, the sun reappeared and I left the water with the air temps at 44F. The trick of the day, a small red boit midge pupe with bit of white and peacock wrapped at the head, landed at least eight browns and rainbows.