December 30

I hadn't been down there yet, so I decided to give Rocky Ford a try on Thursday. The weather was warmer than predicted, and there was no wind at all.

I fished for just two hours or so, and found the fishing to be pretty good by my standards. I caught six fish.

The first one was a classic Rocky Ford rainbow that took me into my backing a couple of times, and when I finally got it to the bank I broke off a reed so I could measure it later.

It was just over 27 inches. Wow, what a fish.

The next three I caught were all around 22 inches, and then I caught a couple of small ones that must have been just planted.

I was casting a leech with a scud dropper. I saw other anglers catching fish, too, so it must have been a good day all around.

I quit a bit early because I wanted to check on the condition of the bridges. The upper one was repaired, but the lower bridge has chains across both ends with locks on them to discourage anglers not to use it. I am not sure when this bridge will be usable again.

January 1

Last Friday afternoon my wife Eileen and I drove up north to see what we could learn about the steelhead fishing.

When we stopped at Wells Dam I looked over the edge and watched a boat land a steelhead down below me.

There was another boat that appeared to be anchored off the rip-rap bank near the fish ladder outlet, and I think there were a couple of guys fishing on the bank there, too.

January 3

Here is something a little different that will get you and your family outdoors in the winter.

There are free snowshoe tours available again this winter at the National Fish Hatchery in Leavenworth.

Snowshoes are provided for the tours that take about two hours.

Participants explore the Icicle River Nature Trail, with a trained guide that points out signs of wildlife and explains how they adapt to the harsh climate of winter.

Tours are offered on Friday, Saturday and some Sundays in January and February.

The Friday tour starts at 1 p.m., Saturday tours are at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and Sunday's tour is at 1 p.m. You should dress for the weather and the minimum age for those who want to take the tour is 8-years-old.

You can learn more about the tours and even register on line by logging onto www.friendsofnwhatcheries.com, or you can call the office at 509-548-2931.

You should plan on meeting at the main hatchery building at least 10 minutes prior to your tour time. This free activity is supported by Friends of Northwest Hatcheries in Leavenworth. I have taken the tour myself and it is fun and educational and I am sure your friends and family will enjoy it.