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by Cameron Larsen
It is winter time now. One step on the frozen porch steps first thing in the morning removes any doubt of that fact. Winter time brings on many thoughts, holidays, dark afternoons, football on TV and for me some of the best trout fly fishing there is. That’s right trout fishing, winter steelhead fly fishing has been around a long time, and gets more popular every season. But the truth of the matter is trout fly fishing can be excellent, the crowds are down to non-existent, the scenery and wildlife are plentiful, and it makes those long days of early spring with non-stop rain and overflowing rivers more tolerable.
When to go:
Winter fly fishing demands a little timing and planning on your part. One nice thing is, the weekends aren’t crowded, so you really don’t need to ask the boss for time off, to really get some peace and solitude. But other planning does need to be done. The first thing is checking your local regulations. Many, many places now offer year around trout fly fishing. A good portion of this is probably catch and release, but that only helps in further reducing the crowds. Some areas allow only lakes to be fished year round, some only allow rivers, but most places will allow something to be fished year round.
After you have your areas selected, you must really get an idea on the weather. Mild winter days, specifically afternoons, can provide some shirtsleeve fishing opportunities. Coastal regions that rarely get snow or ice, need to be checked more for river levels. Three or four days of steady rain can really put a river at unfishable levels. It is also rarely enjoyable to fish in well below freezing temperatures. Even if you can dress warmly enough, the ice on the guides make casting nearly impossible, and the slickness of entering the river is extremely dangerous. Extreme care should be taken when wading in general, one slight misstep, can send you into the river, dangerous all year, this is multiplied by the cold air temperatures in the winter. Also light is much less, making it difficult to see the river bottom while wading. So step very cautiously. And always fish with a partner.
OK, enough of the warnings, when to go is what we are after. I prefer a nice period of dry weather, with mild afternoons. I rarely fish in the early morning, in the winter, but if you can get a fogged over morning with nicely rising afternoon temperatures that reach in to the 40′s, you have a day to hit the water! The southern US offers many excellent year around trout fishing locales, requiring much less pinpointing of the weather to enjoy. Georgia, Tennessee, Arkansas all the way to Arizona and California have superb trout fishing through the winter months, with temperatures well above freezing virtually all of the time. What to wear:
A few years ago I switched to breathable waders and I actually have never been more comfortable while winter fishing. I layer underneath with two or three layers of thermal wear, including one layer of fleece pants. I can move much better than in neoprene’s, and there is no clamminess to bring on chills. Socks are also important silk liners with thick winter socks work for me. I have a roomier pair of wading boots specifically for winter to allow for the extra bulk. I also don’t cinch my boots down too tight, as that seems to cut off circulation, nothing will ruin a fishing trip quicker than cold feet.
Many anglers wear fingerless fleece gloves. I like them only if there is a biting wind, otherwise I can’t seem to keep them dry long enough to make them worth the effort. I can cast adequately with either hand, and will sometimes tuck my free hand inside my waders by my chest.
To me a hat is virtually as important as waders, and I layer shirts, remembering my vest will also provide some warmth. Don’t forget the inside, a nice hot thermos of coffee, has brought many a sigh of satisfaction.
Fishing:
Winter trout fly fishing requires some adjustments. Plan on sub-surface fishing primarily. The warm afternoons like I mentioned above will produce Blue Wing Olive hatches in many locations, and midges hatch year round as well. Some dry fly action can occur, especially on smaller streams where options are less for trout. But by and large plan on fishing nymphs. And plan on fishing them deep. Depending on the size of water, a split or two is mandatory, and perhaps a sinking tip line. I usually use two flies, one as a dropper. Good patterns include, imitations of food sources that are available year round like San Juan Worms, Chironomid Pupas, Disco Midge, and Wd-40s. General nymph patterns like Hare’s Ear and Prince Nymphs, will work to imitate the occasional nymph that might come in the trout’s path.. Streamers also make excellent winter flies, including Woolly Buggers, Muddlers and Mickey Finns. Don’t forget that like trout, small fish and nymphs metabolism is slow as well, and they are apt to stick to the bottom, and out of the main current. Many waters have scuds and sow bugs available year around and they can provide some of the most dependable winter fishing. Also if there are sea-runs don’t forget Glo-Bugs, depending on the number of species spawning can occur at anytime and fish eggs are always on the trout’s menu. Winter fishing usually means clear water. I use lighter tippet than normal, because fish seem more easily spooked. Trouts’ metabolism makes them want to seek out pools near the bank that are warmed by the sun, so they are more vulnerable. I usually forgo strike indicators as well. Also remember that due to the slower metabolism, the fish will be sluggish. They often will bite gingerly, hook-ups will be primarily in the tongue. As trout may often go after several small insects in one mouthful. So rigorous setting of the hook is not required.
They are not likely to chase food down, as this will burn more calories then they will take in. Especially when fishing smaller patterns. While small pattern are very effective, in fact the first choice of many winter anglers, they need to be fished deep, and in front of the fish. Dead drifting nymphs is my first choice. If no luck I will try swinging streamers, second. I mend my line as soon as it hits the water, to ensure a drag free drift, and wait for the gentle take. I let the fish do the setting.
Once landed the winter fish might need more that its usual care before allowing it to swim free. Landing fish should be quicker do to their lower energy, and then one must make sure the fish is 100% revived before its release.
Summary:
There you have it, like all forms of fly fishing winter fly fishing takes a little practice, and a lot of patience. But the surreal beauty of winter combined the solitude it brings, makes this an especially rewarding time of year, to flog the water.
About the Author
Cameron Larsen owns and operates Big Y Fly Co
Guest Article by D. Karlson
Las Vegas is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. Many people come to Sin City to experience the nightlife, the gambling and everything else that the city has to offer. Most people look for a hotel to spend the nights. However, Las Vegas vacation home rentals are a new experience for most visitors.
Many travelers who have tried this experience are finding that they prefer it to a hotel stay. They marvel at how easy, convenient it is, and how much money they can save, since many Las Vegas vacation home rentals can cost less than hotels. In addition, they offer so much more than a hotel offers, especially the fact that you are staying in a home and not a room is so much more enjoyable for plenty of travelers.
There is a variety of Las Vegas vacation home rentals available whether you want a high-rise penthouse on the strip or a multi bedroom villa that can accommodate up to thirty people quite easily. There are so many options for the traveler interested in this type of lodging.
There is even Las Vegas vacation home rentals located on golf courses, these are known as ‘golf course villas’ and they are on some of the best courses in the world.
Many people from all walks of life love the option of staying in a beautiful Las Vegas vacation home including honeymooners, singles, young people with families and even celebrities looking to avoid the crowds. Therefore, it really does not matter what your background is, there is probably a home just waiting for you in Vegas.
Another excellent option with Las Vegas vacation home rentals is that many of the homes are available throughout the year. Therefore, if you are planning to get away from the cold wet climate of your home then it is great to know that there just might be a luxurious home waiting for you in Vegas.
Some of these magnificent homes have spectacular desert views, gorgeous swimming pools, tennis courts and beautiful spas, which you and your friends and family can enjoy in absolute privacy. The beautiful houses available through Las Vegas vacation home rentals also appeal to the culinary tastes of travelers. Vacationers will find fully equipped kitchens at their disposal. If you do not wish to cook yourself, some homes have on call chefs available.
Las Vegas vacation home rentals especially appeal to families because of the amount of space in the homes as opposed to the limited space of a hotel room. Thus, every family member has the ability to move around without getting in other family member’s way.
About the Author
Resource site for information on Las Vegas vacation home rentals, and European discount cruises along with other travel related information. by D. Karlson
All Inclusive Vacations: Flight + 4 Nights Hotel From $637 – I know you like villa rental vacations – but this seems like a real snip!
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<img src="http://www.tqlkg.com/oq68kpthnl6977B9EA687BE9ACD" width="1" height="1" border="0"/>by Dani Alonso
The past of Canary Islands is completely destructive. And I really mean that. Huge volcanoes exploded in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, next to the African coastline, spreading lava rivers and rocks that, when solid, formed these beautiful islands that nowadays stand there, and that have already a huge touristic potential, specially after the arrival or real low cost flights in Europe.
So, let’s get started. The first thing is to realize that there are many islands to visit and possibly you will want to focus in one of them. To really stick with my area of knowledge, I must admit I have only visited Lanzarote, so I will share my experience there with you.
The most important thing to do is to get a rental car. Lanzarote is not going to be a city tourism destination, so you really need to understand that renting a car will be the best way to move from one side to another with entire freedom. The island is not big, but still public transport adapted to tourism can make your bill raise up. And this in the case that you find the adequate transport to move to some places.
What to see in Lanzarote? First of all, even if I am not really into the sun & beach holiday, possibly because in my dear home Spain I already have it, it is obvious that temperatures and general climate in the Canary Islands, together with some white sand and black volcanic sand beaches with intense blue waters are a perfect combination to go for some swimming.
After that special recommendation for Nordic tourists, Lanzarote has a wide range of touristic attractions to look for, all turning around the volcanic activity in the island. The most important feature is MalpaÃs, that translated directly would mean Bad Country. This is quite a big natural park, where the only thing you can see when looking to the horizon is black rocks. And more black rocks. Trekking on this zone can be really challenging, and the reason behind the name is obvious. Nothing really can live there, and this is also announced when in the road you find the entrance sign to the park: a red Demon standing at each side of the asphalt welcomes you inside.
Another interesting place to visit is La cueva de los Verdes, translated directly as The Cave of the Greens. It receives the name for it’s great colors, and the artists have also done their job properly when placing hidden colored lights along the way that create fascinating shadows and visual effects. Also, a surprise is included at the end of the route. This is basically an exploration of the underground rivers of lava created after the eruptions.
Coming back to the thermal wonderlands, it exists a tour to a restaurant where they cook using the temperature of the ground at a special active place. Also some geyser exhibitions can be found there.
And finally, I really encourage the visitor to simply open the eyes. Nature in Lanzarote is abrupt, plenty of scars from the past. Admire this wilderness as a form of art, as a treasure, and you will bring home possibly the best of the souvenirs: amazing pictures on a dark volcanic landscape surrounded by the blue of the water.
About the Author
Looking for a trip to Europe or South Pacific? You can find some information here: Travel to Europe
For the ones looking for 80% discounted accommodation: Free Hotels
Dani Alonso
by Terry Pinto
There can be no denying the fact that life today has become very hectic and busy; so much so that by evening, when people return to their homes, they are completely out of breath. This exhaustion leads to burnouts. No wonder then that this era is replete with examples where people leave their jobs because they cannot take the pressure of work anymore. However, there is one way of dealing with work pressure — breaks. Yes, taking breaks from the daily grind and going on vacations with family is one sure way of recharging the tired body and preparing for the tough days ahead. And when it comes to vacations, one name that immediately springs to mind is self catering cottages.
There are enough reasons that elevate self catering cottages to the position of leader in holiday destinations that are preferred by people nowadays. For starters, they are set in country side that ensures that people here are subjected to calmness and tranquility. It is a far cry and a very welcome change from the maddening traffic and hustle and bustle of city life. No wonder then that after a short stint here, people feel fresh and rejuvenated to take on the challenges that lie ahead.
Self catering cottages offer some really good services that make them extremely popular with the masses. For example, it is accessible to almost every strata of the society. The place offers plenty of space and such freedom to guests, like self cooking and at any point of time. This facility makes it equally popular amongst couples and families.
The popularity of Self catering cottages has today reached such a high that it has pushed into oblivion such traditional holiday destinations like hotels and rest houses. The message, therefore, is simple. In times to come, such simple but highly effective cottages would be the holiday destination that would win everybody’s approval.
About the Author
Author: Terry is a globe-trotter specialising in travel writing. Having toured all over Britain, he has a fair idea of the best resorts, Self catering cottages, hotels, and other places of accommodation and entertainment, including self catering services in the British Isles.