Although the river is clear from ice and slush, the wind has been ripping as steady 45 mph all week. Unfortunately there’s not really any way to beat the wind, but there are ways to make it more bearable. Fishing a stiff switch rod or two-handed rod with a skagit line is one way to punch into the wind. Getting an early start also helps, although it can still be windy even before the sun gets up. As long as you have some clouds in the mix, battling the wind can be worth while.s If you have to fight both the wind and bright sun all day, you might as well spend your time at home behind the vice or taking care of honey-do’s.