I haven't caught a fish since January 2nd. I'm fishless in Seattle. Despite many hours on beaches, river banks and lakes, I can't seem to get even so much as a good bite. Disappointment and frustration have set in.
After a very cold, snowy, windy January, we finally saw a week of sun during the first week of February. I watched water levels fall to seasonal averages throughout the week. I like to visit USGS streamflow online to see where water levels are at my favorite locations.
On Saturday, after purchasing a sweet new Sage #8 flyrod for steelheading, I drove to the Fall City bridge only to learn that the fish and wildlife folks closed down the river system to protect the native species. Understandable, but it threw a wrench in my plans. On Sunday I drove up to the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie and was skunked despite feeling like I had found some pretty good water pockets. Nothing was biting.
I went back and studied the streamflows. Seasonal averages are still higher than the water levels I fished during the fall. The water was clear but not gin clear as they say. My backcasts seemed to always be right up against the brush.
I've learned some new waters, and I've probably improved the accuracy of my casting under more difficult circumstances. But still, no fish.
I am going to take a break. Next time I need to go with a guide to snap this losing streak and to improve my skills. I am off to India on Thursday. I think I'll hold off fishing until March. The Yakima with a guide sounds pretty good right now.
