Time gets away from us. Sometimes it is important things. Family, work, and necessary home projects need our attention. Getting away for a day or a weekend is important, too. And, if we’re honest, a  few more efficient weekends at home could probably free up at least a day to get away guilt-free.

For most people, fishing season isn’t the best time to make plans to  get away for a guided trip or a stay at a lodge. Between the aforementioned commitments, the expense, and a whole host of other factors it is difficult to be impulsive. The best time to plan is probably right now. The off season. The time when you want to fish the most. The time when you might be looking back on the past few months thinking about that trip you wish you would have taken.

Here are four reasons why you should consider planning (or even booking) next season’s fly fishing excursion now:

Book now for prime times.

Every January, I hear the same thing from so many guides and lodges on the front end of The Fly Fishing Show: “We’re already almost filled up for the prime weekends!” A lot of anglers make a habit of booking for next year’s big hatch or bait run immediately following their previous trip. While seasonal patterns are always somewhat flexible, the fishing is good enough that people are willing to commit to a weekend 365 days in the future. So, act now. Maybe the guide has an opening. If it is in a premier spot on  a popular spring weekend, seeing it free in the last weeks of the year is a real opportunity.

Unfortunately, there are deals to be had.

With the Coronavirus and the imposed restrictions, the travel and hospitality industries have been hit harder than most. There are enormous financial implications for the business owners and their employees. Some money is better than no money, so there are deals that you can take advantage of  right now. Lord willing, this season will be behind us soon. But pandemic aside, there are always economic fluctuations you can  take advantage of if you want a slight break in what can be a steep price.

If you don’t do it now, you might not do it.

Every spring, I am so happy to be out an on my local water that I really don’t consider weekends in far-off places. Then, I get to late fall and think of the trips that would have been fun and doable. If possible, commit. Pick a weekend, send in a deposit, and have something to look forward to. It might feel like it is forever away. That is much better than the “never” that would come with another year of hemming and hawing.

Put it on your Christmas list.

Do you have everything? Of course you don’t. Do you have everything you need? Probably. Instead of another sweater or some novel gadget, give your family a few guides and lodges that you’re interested in. The professionals would love helping your non-angling spouse the help they need to set you up. Then, come Christmas morning, you’ll have something that doesn’t clutter up your garage or closet.