The winter solstice, the northern hemisphere's shortest day and its official start of winter, is still three days off, but here in Alstead, New Hampshire it dipped down to negative 12 degrees F.  This, along with a foot of fresh snow, has left the Cold River a narrow channel in spots.  The legal season to fish most rivers in New Hampshire is two weeks away, although I have not ventured out this early in the season before.  I am tying flies, so contact me with any orders.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Mitch Harrison

The presence of snowy owls during winter varies from year to year.  Fortunately, this year they are moving south out of Canada in large numbers.  I have not been lucky enough to see one yet, but I am hopeful.  Click on the link below for more information.http://ebird.org/content/ebird/news/gotsnowies2013/