LOOKING FINE.  The weather is shaping up for the start of the holiday season as temperatures climb to near freezing today and things will feel warm after our brief dip into the sub-zeros last weekend.  We cover the good forecast ahead, some awesome bead head patterns and some free fishing coming up for ND in our Outdoors Roundup.

Featured Photo:  Panfish Fun.  Don’t pass up bluegills and crappies for fast first-ice action. Simonson Photo

 

WEATHER (Bismarck Forecast):
Today:  Wed 12/18 – Warming – Hi 32, Lo 15, Wind W@8
Tomorrow:  Thu 12/19 – Calm – Hi 24, Lo 13, Wind L&V

 

SOLUNAR (Bismarck Times):

Sunrise        Sunset
8:23AM        4:56PM

Moonrise      Moonset    Overhead       Underfoot
Fol. Day       1:05PM        6:16AM           6:42PM

 

Moon Phase:  Waning Gibbous (58% Full)

 

EDGE HOUR:    6:00-7:00AM.  Get on a pre-sunrise bite with light winds and moon overhead in our Edge Hour.

DAY RATING:

 

OUTDOORS ROUNDUP:

BREAK THE ICE.  ND Anglers can get on the ice and fish for free on Dec. 28 & 29 as part of the state’s free ice fishing weekend. Spearing is also part of the event, but requires registration on the NDG&F website.

 

FLY PORN.  Catch Fly Fishing has a great spread of beadhead nymphs to ogle as you prepare for the heart of fly tying season.  Getting cool pattern ideas comes from some surfing and certainly this loooong page is worth a scroll.

GOOD STRETCH.  Things will be mild and relatively calm throughout the next seven days, with temperatures touching the low thirties and winds staying below 15 mph.  Set up some pre-holiday outdoor success with these conditions to finish out your bow tag or get in some early ice fishing action!