What a crazy winter so far. We’ve had sub zero temperatures for more days than I can recall in over 25 winters in Cooper Landing. Anchor ice has spread far out into some of the shallower pools and most sharp riverbeds are clogged with icebergs. Ducks are limited to certain pools and most likely the trout are concentrated as well. Some good salmon are still spawning in the Upper Upper (Kenai Lake bridge to Sportsman’s Landing) and any trout in the vicinity of those pairs will be game to feed. Try all your flies! You never know what you’ll find them feeding on as the temps climb in late January. Living very near the river we will se the big brown caddis flies fluttering around on a “warm” day and just a bit later in February clouds of small black stoneflies will emerge. I’m not sure I could resist tying a dry fly on in winter to an unsuspecting rainbow. I’m focusing on and seeking out runs with eagles hanging around and looking for the obvious freshly dead salmon on the bank, providing excellent sustenance for the eagles and magpies. Wear your spikes, pack a warm snack and bring everything including the kitchen sink, the possibilities are endless. See you out there on the Upper Kenai River!