Thanks to the MDC for their winter Urban Trout Fishing program. Check out their website for more information; https://mdc.mo.gov/fishing/species/trout/winter-trout-fishing-areasA few of us decided to try the urban trout fishing program at August A. Busch Memorial conservation area. The date was Thursday, January 20,2022. Weather forecast was sunny with the temperature ranging between seven and thirteen degrees. We received the word, that the lakes were fishable and not frozen. So, Bob Trigg, Bob Hassett, Harold Bates and Mike Oldani decided to withstand the arctic like temperatures to try some stillwater fishing. Are we crazy or addicted to “the tug is the drug!?!”We met around 10am at Lake 28. As we pulled up to the lake it was partially iced over but, we were able to fish around the dam area. Ice started to build up along the shoreline as we tried to fish. We were missing winter wading fly fishing the 58 degree spring fed rivers we’re blessed to have in our state of Missouri. Absolutely fishing was challenging but some of us were able to catch a few. The orange & cerise colored San Juan worm was the fly of the day. The temperature caused the fly rod guides, line and tippet ring to ice up. It was extremely difficult to change flies and rigs with the freezing temperatures and wind. But, give us a “A” for effort and trying to battle through the weather conditions to improve our fly fishing skills. This fly fishing addiction! LOL Some of us only lasted a couple hours while others braved the weather conditions and stayed till 1:45pm. Still with the temperatures we enjoyed the fellowship. I would recommend to try the winter urban trout fishing program but, definitely on a warmer day. LOL
Tightlines! 

Mike Oldani