Many folks pack up the rods and fly boxes when the chilly whispers of winter run through the air and dream of warm spring days throwing mayflies to rising trout, but just because the fly anglers leave the river in the winter it doesn’t mean the fish stop feeding. Winter fly fishing can be the most productive time to wet a line and also the most enjoyable. The crowds have disappeared from the banks and you can find miles of rivers to yourself. Winter is a great time for beginner anglers to learn the river and try new tactics. Granted, some places do not allow winter fishing due to frigid temps, but usually, you can find a mild winter day to head to the river in most places.
There are a few tricks and tips that will come in handy when fishing in the winter that will differ from the balmy temperament of peak-season trout fishing. The right gear, flies, and knowledge is needed to land fish consistently as the fish change their behavioral patterns to adjust for the slower winter months.
Where to fish in the winter?
Winter brings cold temps, especially in the northwestern United States, and fish change their position in the rivers and streams to adjust to the movements of the seasons. But the various stream types, such as freestone rivers, spring creeks, and tailwaters have different characteristics during the winter. Plan your approach in consideration with he current bug activity, water temperatures, and flows..
Freestone Streams
Freestone rivers are undamned, free-flowing streams that usually have drastically different winter temperatures compared to spring, summer, and fall. These streams produce the lowest water temps and in turn, the fish are often the least active and most lethargic.
Trout in freestone streams will find adequate holding water that is deep and slow. To survive the winter they must suspend any unnecessary activity that does not include inhaling any insect that drifts within a few inches of their mouth. Look for fish in steady currents that will move food toward them without putting undue stress on the fish. If there are any warm water influences to the streams, like springs, then it can be beneficial to fish these areas as trout will seek out water that holds a consistent temperature.
The water temperature swings drastically with the weather, so avoid fishing during the start of a cold snap as the fish may not be acclimated to the steep drop in water temperature. Try to pick a day that has seen a consistency in water temperatures. Also, it's not very fun to constantly pick ice out of the guides on every cast or feel the water freezing to your waders. When fishing freestones, be aware of ice shelves and avoid fishing from them. They can collapse from your weight and it can be fatal if you get sucked into the frigid river.
Additionally, fish are lower in the river system in the winter. Fish move up and down the river from the headwaters to the mainstem due to temperature changes and flows. Fish will often congregate in the mainstem of a river to take advantage of the highest food availability and warmest temperatures. Do not waste your time fishing headwater tributaries late in the winter as they usually lack the biomass to support large populations of fish.
Spring Creeks
Unlike freestones, spring creeks have a nearly constant water temperature throughout the year which makes them a premier location for wintertime fly fishing. Bugs and trout are active all year long and good dry fly action is always a possibility. Spring creeks come in a variety of shapes and sizes but in general, they require a stealthy approach with good presentations and light tippets. The water is crystal clear and the fish are much more likely to spook at a splashy cast or shadow on the water.
However, due to the consistent water temperatures, the bug hatches are much easier to anticipate as long as there are no extreme changes in the weather. You can expect blue wings and midges to be hatching in most spring creeks. But more importantly, the aquatic insect larva remains more active in the warmer water and will be a much more viable food source for the trout compared to freestone streams where the insects also slow down due to lower temperatures.
Tailwaters
Tailwaters are an extremely accessible and productive option for fly fishing during the winter months due to consistent flows and water temperature even in the coldest months. Water held back in a reservoir has a stable temperature and changes slowly so there is a great chance you will find active trout within a few miles of a dam.
The most famous rivers in the world are tailwaters, such as the Madison, Green River, Henry’s Fork, Lower Deschutes, and Missouri. These rivers are known to produce high numbers of quality trout and thousands flock to fish these rivers in the peak months. But in the winter months, they can be barren of fishermen and the fish are still very catchable. These rivers produce massive amounts of insect life and the wintertime can produce fun and challenging hatches. Stalking fish slowly sipping emerging midges on a snowy day can be extremely rewarding and fun fly fishing. Plus, you can admire the scenery without a parade of boats floating through your water.
Tailwaters have a similar variety of insects as spring creeks, but they differ from region to region. Have a good variety of scuds, midges, baetis nymphs, stonefly nymphs, and worms to target dam-controlled streams. As always, check with your local fly shop on the best patterns for your home waters. No one knows the fisheries better than the people who make their living fishing the rivers.
Go To Flies For the Winter
1. Tungsten Beaded Pheasant Tail
The classic pheasant tail is a no-brainer when heading to the river, especially during hatches of BWOs during the winter months. Have a variety of sizes and don’t be afraid to go small or add flash.
2. Egg Pattern
A winter staple that will work in most places that have populations of anadromous fish, spawning trout in the fall (like browns and brook trout), and whitefish that spawn in the early winter to early spring. Eggs represent a high protein meal for hungry trout in the less plentiful days of winter.
3. Zebra Midge
Another staple, the zebra midge, should be found in any fly angler's box. They are an extremely likely food source for trout in the winter as they remain active in colder temperatures and hatch every day of the year. They can also be good for picky trout that refuse bigger offerings.
4. Film Critic
A great mayfly pattern that can fool tricky trout focusing on cripples or emerging mayflies. For winter months the BWO colors will work the best. BWOs tend to emerge once the air temps have risen. Look for rising fish on relatively warm winter days with good cloud cover.
5. San Juan Worm
A worm pattern is a must-have attractor during the fall to spring months. Aquatic worms also change colors throughout the year so make sure to have a variety of colors on deck. Wine and red are some of my preferred colors during the winter months.
6. Jigged Wooly Bugger
Slow-rolling a streamer near the button of runs can be an extremely effective way to pick up opportunistic winter fish. When fishing streamers in the winter it is important to work them slowly through the water as fish are reacting slower and less willing to chase fleeing prey.
7. Griffiths Gnat
The Griffiths Gnat is a great fly for a large midge hatch. Midges are tiny insects and fish often focus on a clump of adults rather than an individual. This pattern does an excellent job of imitating a tasty clump of midges.
8. Parachute Adams
The Parachute Adams is a go-to for any mayfly hatch. Focus on smaller sizes in the winter. The parachute makes the fly extremely visible and can make a great addition when fishing a double-dry setup.
9. Scud
Scuds exist predominantly in tailwaters and spring creeks. Bring these in a variety of colors and sizes to imitate the plentiful food sources trout prey on all winter long in these bodies of water.
10. Perdigon
Bright and dense, the perdigon is a must-have for targeting deeper pools and runs during the winter. They sink incredibly quickly and make a great addition to any box whether you euro nymph or not.
Odds and Ends For Winter Fly Fishing
Winter fly fishing requires a few more pieces of clothing and accessories than jaunts to the river in the middle of summer. I recommend bringing an extra pair of clothes in case you dunk yourself in the water. There's nothing worse than being stuck on a river in wet clothes in the middle of winter. Additionally, adding fingerless gloves to the kit will help keep you fishing longer and more efficiently.
Catch-and-release tools can also be effective as well if you want to avoid getting your hands wet. They easily capture the hook and pop it off the lip of the fish. Another tip, which I rarely do myself but constantly see recommended, is bringing a towel to dry the hands after releasing a fish.
Remember, the fishing doesn’t have to stop when the snow hits the ground. Take a trip to your local river to see how it changes from season to season and expand your fishing knowledge. You might be surprised at the quality of fishing that can be found.
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