Sunday Dec 19th
The Arctic conditions have returned, a bit like I wrote one Sunday morning earlier in the month, but now it feels even colder, the temperatures on the cameras this morning are -24 at Jumbles,-19 at Waddow and -10 at Winkley. These are out a bit but both Jumbles and Waddow are exposed over water and the Winkley one is slightly sheltered by trees. I would guess that the air temperature here in Clitheroe is about -10.
At least the fish have managed to spawn on the Ribble thanks to the thaw. The ice melted, the river came up, and the fish took full advantage. Its as if Mother Nature knew that she had to protect some of her children for the future. It will be unlikely that many fish will have managed to get into the becks of Skirden. Long Preston, Swanside or Rathmell due to lack of water and most spawning will be have been in the main river.
This coming week is for celebrating Christmas and the beginning of a New Year, but before them I will be celebrating on Tuesday the 21st being the shortest day. From then the days will lengthen, it may be in the depth of winter but it will get better and we will be into a new season before we know it.
Yesterday I received a Christmas Card from the lads at Trout & Salmon and its one of the best cards a fisherman could hope to get. A beautiful close up of a Dee type salmon fly with long heron hackles tied on a big single iron and hooked into a branch covered by snow which is reflecting the blue of the sky. A perfect card, no angels, Father Christmas, reindeers, or the rest of the usual Christmas hype. If I knew how to scan and post it on the forum I would.
Maybe Wilbert will call and show me?
But for now I will send you all my best wishes to you all and your families for a very Merry Christams and a peaceful New Year. Keep warm and Keep well, remember a new spring is just round the corner.
Fred.
