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.
