Thunderstorms shorten "longest day".

The pendulum has reached the apex of its swing towards the sun, tomorrow it starts it's journey towards the nadir of darkness that is December 21st. There were 15 hours and 14 minutes of sunlight today in Hancock (7 more minutes if you were in Syracuse).  Tomorrow will be a full two seconds shorter in both places.  As a lover of the daylight hours, today represents the first step in the long journey to darkness. I find little joy in the knowledge that today is the longest day. On December 21st, (the darkest day), however, I am elated with the knowledge that the 22nd will be at least 2 seconds longer. 

After reading that paragraph, you are as crazy as I am if you expect to get any reliable fishing information from me. To prove my point you need only look at my report on where and when to fish this past weekend and how I did today.

The fishing - Arrived in Deposit a tad bit behind schedule but found a minimum of boats and wade fishermen. Picked an empty pool and waded in at 2:30 only to find that both the fish and bugs failed to show up.  You heard me right, there was just nothing going on. From then until I pulled the plug at 3:45 I rose five fish only one of whom ate my fly.  Stopped at the Troutfitter, and Dave got off the lawn mower to tell me that things had been tough all weekend and that the guys that went on a guided trip down (way down) river for small mouth bass  had had a blast.  So much for my on the river 2:00 'til 4:00, nap 'till seven and then hammer the fish feeding on a plethora of bugs just before dark recommendation.

In a funk from the rapidly shrinking daylight hours, coupled with both the fish and bugs disrespecting my recommendations, I drove off downstream in a huff. Pulled off the road to watch a young guy fishing nymphs and wading wet in 46 degree water.  Asked him how he was doing and he said "I got five so far".  Decided to get out of both the car and the funk and catch some fish, which I did.  At 6:45 I headed for the car with thunder rumbling and the rain starting to come down.  Stopped at three places on the way back to camp hoping the rain and lightning would abate, finally shook my head, called it quits, got in the car and drove to camp.

Thank God I didn't take a nap from 4:00 'til 7:00.   

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