Hope you all have a healthy and happy 2013 with plenty of opportunities to get out on the water, which we will have plenty of this spring by the way this winter is shaping up! The snow pack continues to increase in the High Sierra as an endless string of cold arctic storms dump precipitation all the way down onto the valley floors. The Owens Valley received several inches of snow along with some mighty cold temps, and the upper valleys including Long Valley and the Bridgeport regions picking up a couple feet of snow and sub-zero air temps in the morning hours. The skiers and boarders are enjoying some fantastic conditions on Mammoth Mountain for sure. Winter time fly fishing here is typically uncrowded and can be fantastic for those who are dressed accordingly and do not mind a little ice in the guides of your rods at times. I suggest you wear rubber soled wading boots as they are superior to felts under icy conditions. Pick up some chemical hand warmers and keep them in your outer shell pockets to warm up your hands in between spots, they really help. When layering it is better to have numerous thin layers of clothing, as opposed to a couple heavy layers. Don't cut off circulation to your feet by using too many layers of socks, this is worse than not enough protection for sure. Keeping your head warm is essential to stay comfortable in cold air temps and once again, use several thin layers on your hooding instead of one heavy mask. The snow & ice along the river banks can be very unstable and undermined so be extra careful while walking along the edges. I have seen it collapse as far as three feet from the waters edge.

You will need to pick up a 2013 sport fishing license. I have a link to the DFG online license sales on the resources page of this website. Have your old license handy, you will need the GO ID number to make it easy.