Winter Trout Fly Fishing
Cameron Larsen
It is winter time now. One step on the frozen porch steps first thing in the morning removes any doubt of that fact. Winter time brings on many thoughts, holidays, dark afternoons, football on TV and for me some of the best trout fly fishing there is. That’s right trout fishing, winter steelhead fly fishing has been around a long time, and gets more popular every season. But the truth of the matter is trout fly fishing can be excellent, the crowds are down to non-existent, the scenery and wildlife are plentiful, and it makes those long days of early spring with non-stop rain and overflowing rivers more tolerable.
When to go:
Winter fly fishing demands a little timing and planning on your part. One nice thing is, the weekends aren’t crowded, so you really don’t need to ask the boss for time off, to really get some peace and solitude. But other planning does need to be done. The first thing is checking your local regulations. Many, many places now offer year around trout fly fishing. A good portion of this is probably catch and release, but that only helps in further reducing the crowds. Some areas allow only lakes to be fished year round, some only allow rivers, but most places will allow something to be fished year round.
After you have your areas selected, you must really get an idea on the weather. Mild winter days, specifically afternoons, can provide some shirtsleeve fishing opportunities. Coastal regions that rarely get snow or ice, need to be checked more for river levels. Three or four days of steady rain can really put a river in at unfishable levels. It is also rarely enjoyable to fish in well below freezing temperatures. Even if you can dress warmly enough, the ice on the guides make casting nearly impossible, and the slickness of entering the river is extremely dangerous. Extreme care should be taken when wading in general, one slight misstep, can send you into the river, dangerous all year, this is multiplied by the cold air temperatures in the winter. Also light is much less, making it difficult to see the river bottom while wading. So step very cautiously. And always fish with a partner.
OK, enough of the warnings, when to go is what we are after. I prefer a nice period of dry weather, with mild afternoons. I rarely fish in the early morning, in the winter, but if you can get a fogged over morning with nicely rising afternoon temperatures that reach in to the 40’s, you have a day to hit the water!
What to wear:
A few years ago I switched to breathable waders and I actually have never been more comfortable while winter fishing. I layer underneath with two or three layers of thermal wear, including one layer of fleece pants. I can move much better than in neoprene’s, and there is no clamminess to bring on chills. Socks are also important silk liners with thick winter socks work for me. I have a roomier pair of wading boots specifically for winter to allow for the extra bulk. I also don’t cinch my boots down too tight, as that seems to cut off circulation, nothing will ruin a fishing trip quicker than cold feet.
Many angler’s wear fingerless fleece gloves. I like them only if there is a biting wind, otherwise I can’t seem to keep them dry long enough to make them worth the effort. I can cast adequately with either hand, and will sometimes tuck my free hand inside my waders by my chest.
To me a hat is virtually as important as waders, and I layer shirts, remembering my vest will also provide some warmth. Don’t forget the inside, a nice hot thermos of coffee, has brought many a sigh of satisfaction.
Fishing:
Winter trout fly fishing requires some adjustments. Plan on sub-surface fishing primarily. The warm afternoons like I mentioned above will produce Blue Wing Olive hatches in many locations, and midges hatch year round as well. Some dry fly action can occur, especially on smaller streams where options are less for trout. But by and large plan on fishing nymphs. And plan on fishing them deep. Depending on the size of water, a split or two is mandatory, and perhaps a sinking tip line. I usually use two flies, one as a dropper. Good patterns include, imitations of food sources that are available year round like San Juan Worms, Chironomid Pupas, Disco Midge, and Wd-40’s. General nymph patterns like Hare’s Ear and Prince Nymphs, will work to imitate the occasional nymph that might come in the trout’s path.. Streamers also make excellent winter flies, including Woolly Buggers, Muddler’s and Mickey Finn’s. Don’t forget that like trout, small fish and nymphs metabolism is slow as well, and they are apt to stick to the bottom, and out of the main current.
Winter fishing usually means clear water. I use lighter tippet than normal, because fish seem more easily spooked. Trout’s metabolism makes them want to seek out pools near the bank that are warmed by the sun, so they are more vulnerable. I usually forgo strike indicators as well. Also remember that due to the slower metabolism, the fish will be sluggish. They often will bite gingerly, hook-ups will be primarily in the tongue. As trout may often go after several small insects in one mouthful. So rigorous setting of the hook is not required.
They are not likely to chase food down, as this will burn more calories then they will take in. Especially when fishing smaller patterns. While small pattern are very effective, in fact the first choice of many winter angler’s, they need to be fished deep, and in front of the fish. Dead drifting nymphs is my first choice. If no luck I will try swinging streamers, second. I mend my line as soon as it hits the water, to ensure a drag free drift, and wait for the gentle take. I let the fish do the setting.
Once landed the winter fish might need more that it’s usual care before allowing it to swim free. Landing fish should be quicker do to their lower energy, and then one must make sure the fish is 100% revived before it’s release.
Summary:
There you have it, like all forms of fly fishing winter fly fishing takes a little practice, and a lot of patience. But the surreal beauty of winter combined the solitude it brings, makes this an especially rewarding time of year, to flog the water.
About the author: Cameron Larsen is a retired commericial fly tier and fly fishing guide. He now operates The Big Y Fly Company. http://www.bigyflyco.com. He can be reached at info@bigyflyco.com. This article will appear in the Big Y Fly Fishing E-Zine at http://www.bigyflyco.com/Bigyflyfishingezine.html
The latest information and news on Fishing:
Fishing's been pretty good for anglers able to get around the rains.
Fishing report: Sept. 9
FISHING REPORT
Fishing contest planned Saturday in Corunna
CORUNNA ? A fishing contest with four age categories has been added to the Kith & Kin gala Saturday.
Fishing report: High winds make Michigan lakes tough for anglers
LANSING -- The fishing prognosis for this week doesn't sound any better than last week, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment said in its weekly fishing report.
Fishing Report by Tony Mathos ? September, 2010
I was lucky enough to go fishing twice this week. My first stop was for an evening fishing adventure at Lake Hogan in Calaveras County. Hogan is a great Mother Lode fishing destination that has been overlooked for years.
Fishing ban lifted
Sri Lanka has lifted all restrictions for fishing imposed due to LTTE terrorism making the country?s territorial waters free and open for fishing.
Fishing report (Sept. 9-15)
Courtesy Connecticut DEP INLAND REPORT LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing is variable, ranging slow to good. The best reports are from Candlewood Lake, Mudge Pond, Amos Lake (best at night) and Mamanasco Lake, with fair reports from Lake Wononskopomuc, Bantam Lake (very mixed reports), Quaddick Reservoir (a bit on the tough side, but catches include a 5.7 lb largemouth), Crystal Lake (Ellington), Cedar ...
Fishing gear over the years has improved a lot
The sport of fishing in Arkansas is much changed over the past several decades. Technical advances have been coupled with increased knowledge on the part of anglers.
Fishing training school to close
ONE of the few remaining port based fishing industry training centre?s on the East Coast is to close because its funding has been cut. The Seafood Training Centre in North Shields says it is losing its main £250,000 funding grants and regretfully will have to close its doors in North Shields.
Fishing Report: Saltwater opportunities are available
Some different saltwater fishing opportunities are opening up for Central Coast fishermen just as th