Just because it’s cold out, doesn’t mean you can’t still have some fun outdoors. Silver Creek River is a wonderful place to go fishing this time of year. You won’t have to fight for the best spots, and nothing tastes better than cooking up a fresh catch on a frozen winter night. I’ve often spent the day casting my line into the creek, and I can attest to the many hours of serene enjoyment I’ve gotten from it.

The first time I brought my rod and reel down to Silver Creek River, I was skeptical about actually being able to catch anything. It doesn’t seem like a fish with even half a brain would swim in these waters, especially during those times when the crimson rapids roll in. But you’d be surprised at just how many of them show up regardless of the conditions. It’s like they’re just begging to be snatched from their homes and devoured by gaping maws.

Ever since the Emerson Valley Gazette transitioned to an online publication, I’ve had plenty of free time to do as I please. While I do miss going into the office and seeing my coworkers every day, we’ll meet up every now and then to reminisce about old times. I recently took one of my coworkers down to Silver Creek River with me. You might know her as “Dear Libby.” She doesn’t have a rod, so I let her use mine. Sadly, we didn’t catch anything that afternoon, but we still had fun!

My family loves camping by the river in Blackwood Forest. Little Leah isn’t so little anymore—she’ll be four in exactly three months! She tried to catch the little fish along the shores with her bare hands, but they were too fast. I told her she needed to wade in deeper to find the bigger fish. My wife got upset and didn’t speak to me for a week. She wants to try for child number two, though, so she couldn’t stay mad for too long. It looks like I won’t be getting much sleep anytime soon.

If you decide to take a jaunt down to the river, make sure you avoid the area around Harrison Falls. Lots of people have met their end after being swept up in the undertow that reaches surprisingly far. It’s always better to play it safe. No matter how beautiful something looks, there is danger lurking beneath the surface.

I’ve always found Silver Creek River to be one of Emerson Valley’s hidden gems. People don’t spend a lot of time fishing around here, but it’s certainly a wonderful activity for those days when you’ve got nothing better to do. Entertainment can be sparse in this town, so we take what we can get, right? And if you do decide to go down to the creek, maybe I’ll see you there!

-Martin Fitzgerald, Activities, Emerson Valley Gazette