Here in Bozeman, this week’s low temperatures are well below zero, and the highs are in the single digits. A successful morning is when my truck turns over, and the crack in the windshield has yet to move across my line of vision. Not to mention, the few feet of snow on the ground make spring feel so far away.
I never appreciated the change in seasons before moving to Montana. This could be for a variety of reasons. For one, I was in my teen years when you don’t appreciate anything to its full extent. And while the Boise area had an array of weather, it was nothing like Montana. I remember my first winter in Bozeman and wondering how I would last in these sub-zero temperatures. Lastly, I spend much more time outside each season than I used to since my lifestyle has grown around fly fishing.
Now, in my 7th winter living in trout country, I appreciate each season for what it is, especially winter. Yes, the short days, cold temperatures, and heavy snow are challenging. It’s why so many people move to Arizona or other warm places while Montana is under winter’s grip.
But there is just something special about enduring the frigid winters. Getting through another winter is a humbling experience, and when the grass turns green, I can’t help but feel immense gratitude for the short summer season we do get. A gratitude I don’t believe I would feel without the long winter that precedes it.
Like many things in life, the bad times make you appreciate the good times so much more.
Like how investing during the stock market downtimes results in superior returns during the high periods. A stressful workday makes the night relaxing more peaceful. The heartbreak of a failed relationship makes the love of a successful one so special. A day of sickness compels you to appreciate the times you are healthy.
And in trout country, the prolonged winter season makes you appreciate each summer day full of rising trout. With six months of winter weather, we are lucky to experience four months of summer and prime trout fishing. While it may be brief, each summer day on the river brings the trout angler a memory that will last a lifetime.
Right now, the wind is blowing, the snow is falling, the rivers are frozen, and the days suitable for fishing are few and far between.
However, we can all agree that the long summer days of bugs hatching and trout rising are well worth the wait.
Hang in there, appreciate winter’s beauty, and know summer is coming.
As always, thanks for reading.
Nick
