Written by: Jon Hill

The green hat is a nod to the holiday, but the big brown is the reason for the smile.
Photos by Jon Hill
As some were getting ready for parades and green beer, I skipped out on work for some birthday browns. With my 6-weight Recon—and a few red Higa’s S.O.S . nymph and Purple Haze emerger—I headed to my creek on a cold and snow-flurried St. Patrick’s Day morning. I think the fish knew it was my birthday because every spot produced trout. Turning 42 never felt so good!

Higa’s S.O.S. has become a go-to fly for fly fishers throughout the Rockies.
Jon Hill lives in Littleton, Colorado and works in the digital-graphics field. But he spends almost all his spare time chasing trout in the high country, and his photos have been featured many times on the Orvis News. (See here, here, and here, for just a taste, or visit his blog, Ramblings.) He’s also a former Trout Bum of the Week.

The Purple Haze emerger tempted this sweet brownie.

A trout like this takes the edge off realizing that you’re one year older. . .
Beautiful Browns, congrats on a great day on the water!
Thanks! It was cold but definitely worth it!
Nice way to spend your Birthday!
Thanks Zac!
Excellent b-day present to yourself, Jon! I did the same for my 41st last month. BTW…love my 5-weight Recon!
Thanks! And yeah, the Recon is a great stick!
Great way to spend your birthday!
Great photos.
Gotta love the midge.
Thanks!