| Cameron Larsen | | | | can't seem to keep them dry long enough to |
| It is winter time now. One step on the frozen | | | | make them worth the effort. I can cast |
| porch steps first thing in the morning removes | | | | adequately with either hand, and will sometimes |
| any doubt of that fact. Winter time brings on | | | | tuck my free hand inside my waders by my |
| many thoughts, holidays, dark afternoons, football | | | | chest. |
| on TV and for me some of the best trout fly | | | | To me a hat is virtually as important as waders, |
| fishing there is. That's right trout fishing, winter | | | | and I layer shirts, remembering my vest will also |
| steelhead fly fishing has been around a long time, | | | | provide some warmth. Don't forget the inside, a |
| and gets more popular every season. But the | | | | nice hot thermos of coffee, has brought many a |
| truth of the matter is trout fly fishing can be | | | | sigh of satisfaction. |
| excellent, the crowds are down to non-existent, | | | | Fishing: |
| the scenery and wildlife are plentiful, and it makes | | | | Winter trout fly fishing requires some |
| those long days of early spring with non-stop rain | | | | adjustments. Plan on sub-surface fishing primarily. |
| and overflowing rivers more tolerable. | | | | The warm afternoons like I mentioned above will |
| | | | produce Blue Wing Olive hatches in many |
| Winter fly fishing demands a little timing and | | | | locations, and midges hatch year round as well. |
| planning on your part. One nice thing is, the | | | | Some dry fly action can occur, especially on |
| weekends aren't crowded, so you really don't | | | | smaller streams where options are less for trout. |
| need to ask the boss for time off, to really get | | | | But by and large plan on fishing nymphs. And plan |
| some peace and solitude. But other planning does | | | | on fishing them deep. Depending on the size of |
| need to be done. The first thing is checking your | | | | water, a split or two is mandatory, and perhaps a |
| local regulations. Many, many places now offer | | | | sinking tip line. I usually use two flies, one as a |
| year around trout fly fishing. A good portion of | | | | dropper. Good patterns include, imitations of food |
| this is probably catch and release, but that only | | | | sources that are available year round like San |
| helps in further reducing the crowds. Some areas | | | | Juan Worms, Chironomid Pupas, Disco Midge, and |
| allow only lakes to be fished year round, some | | | | Wd-40's. General nymph patterns like Hare's Ear |
| only allow rivers, but most places will allow | | | | and Prince Nymphs, will work to imitate the |
| something to be fished year round. | | | | occasional nymph that might come in the trout's |
| After you have your areas selected, you must | | | | path.. Streamers also make excellent winter flies, |
| really get an idea on the weather. Mild winter | | | | including Woolly Buggers, Muddler's and Mickey |
| days, specifically afternoons, can provide some | | | | Finn's. Don't forget that like trout, small fish and |
| shirtsleeve fishing opportunities. Coastal regions | | | | nymphs metabolism is slow as well, and they are |
| that rarely get snow or ice, need to be checked | | | | apt to stick to the bottom, and out of the main |
| more for river levels. Three or four days of | | | | current. |
| steady rain can really put a river in at unfishable | | | | Winter fishing usually means clear water. I use |
| levels. It is also rarely enjoyable to fish in well | | | | lighter tippet than normal, because fish seem |
| below freezing temperatures. Even if you can | | | | more easily spooked. Trout's metabolism makes |
| dress warmly enough, the ice on the guides make | | | | them want to seek out pools near the bank that |
| casting nearly impossible, and the slickness of | | | | are warmed by the sun, so they are more |
| entering the river is extremely dangerous. | | | | vulnerable. I usually forgo strike indicators as well. |
| Extreme care should be taken when wading in | | | | Also remember that due to the slower |
| general, one slight misstep, can send you into the | | | | metabolism, the fish will be sluggish. They often |
| river, dangerous all year, this is multiplied by the | | | | will bite gingerly, hook-ups will be primarily in the |
| cold air temperatures in the winter. Also light is | | | | tongue. As trout may often go after several small |
| much less, making it difficult to see the river | | | | insects in one mouthful. So rigorous setting of the |
| bottom while wading. So step very cautiously. And | | | | hook is not required. |
| always fish with a partner. | | | | They are not likely to chase food down, as this |
| OK, enough of the warnings, when to go is what | | | | will burn more calories then they will take in. |
| we are after. I prefer a nice period of dry | | | | Especially when fishing smaller patterns. While small |
| weather, with mild afternoons. I rarely fish in the | | | | pattern are very effective, in fact the first choice |
| early morning, in the winter, but if you can get a | | | | of many winter angler's, they need to be fished |
| fogged over morning with nicely rising afternoon | | | | deep, and in front of the fish. Dead drifting |
| temperatures that reach in to the 40's, you have | | | | nymphs is my first choice. If no luck I will try |
| a day to hit the water! | | | | swinging streamers, second. I mend my line as |
| What to wear: | | | | soon as it hits the water, to ensure a drag free |
| A few years ago I switched to breathable | | | | drift, and wait for the gentle take. I let the fish do |
| waders and I actually have never been more | | | | the setting. |
| comfortable while winter fishing. I layer | | | | Once landed the winter fish might need more that |
| underneath with two or three layers of thermal | | | | it's usual care before allowing it to swim free. |
| wear, including one layer of fleece pants. I can | | | | Landing fish should be quicker do to their lower |
| move much better than in neoprene's, and there | | | | energy, and then one must make sure the fish is |
| is no clamminess to bring on chills. Socks are also | | | | 100% revived before it's release. |
| important silk liners with thick winter socks work | | | | Summary: |
| for me. I have a roomier pair of wading boots | | | | There you have it, like all forms of fly fishing |
| specifically for winter to allow for the extra bulk. I | | | | winter fly fishing takes a little practice, and a lot |
| also don't cinch my boots down too tight, as that | | | | of patience. But the surreal beauty of winter |
| seems to cut off circulation, nothing will ruin a | | | | combined the solitude it brings, makes this an |
| fishing trip quicker than cold feet. | | | | especially rewarding time of year, to flog the |
| Many angler's wear fingerless fleece gloves. I like | | | | water. |
| them only if there is a biting wind, otherwise I | | | | |