Fish Fail To Appear For Top Judge Sandra Day O’Connor Trades Robe For Rod During Vacation

While in Montana to address University of Montana law school graduates on Saturday in Missoula, Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor took in some fishing at Nelson Spring Creeks and got skunked.

It was a majority decision, favoring the fish.

The weather didn’t cooperate Thursday, and when she returned on Friday there was snow and rain in the Paradise Valley.

“I think it was the weather because the fish just weren’t feeding,” she said.

“I don’t care what the weather is doing as long as the fish are biting,” she added.

Even though the Supreme Court is still in session, O’Connor left her gavel, robe and pressing legal matters behind this week to spend a few relaxing days in Montana.

Over the years, O’Connor said, she has grown fond of fishing in and around Yellowstone National Park and near Ennis.

O’Connor said she grew up fishing the streams and lakes in her home state of Arizona, and admits to having a special love for the West.

“Unfortunately I don’t get out here as much as I would like to,” she said. “We’re in session now but I just sort of snuck away for the weekend, and took a couple extra days to dangle a line.”