Fly Fishing for Trout in the Winter
Winter Trout Fly Fishing
by: 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.
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
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