Are you an angler who likes to squeeze in one more fishing trip before the year ends and before you have to buy a new fishing license? Or do you begin the new year with a fishing trip to get it started on the right foot?

Not sure what that says about people’s personalities, but if you had big fishing plans for 2012, your time is running out to make them happen.

We’re all pretty blessed living in Idaho because fishing season never really ends. There’s always something to fish for someplace, whether you want to wade a snow-lined stream or hike onto the ice, drill a hole and drop a line.

It’s great to have options, even during the so-called dead of winter.

Ice fishing is slowly starting to take shape, but it’s still early and conditions are sketchy.

But there are other options and my guess is if you hit any trout stream, ice fishing spot or steelhead river the final weekend of the year, you won’t be alone.

I am going to make a pre-New Year’s toast to all of you who’ve powered through the year with fishing rods in hand and visions of big fish in your heads.

You’re a semicrazy lot who just enjoys doing what you do, not because it’s cool or it’s trendy. You like to feel a fish jiggling on the end of your line and you’re willing to go to great lengths to make it happen.

Keep up the good work and keep it going next year. Good fishing to you all.

Roger Phillips: 377- 6215