Winter Fly Fishing Techniques

The key to winter fly fishing success is being able to stay warm. The key to staying warm is staying dry. Make sure your boots and waders are water tight before going fishing during the winter. A leaking pair of waders will end your winter fishing trip real quick.

Another tip, is to get wading boots that are a size or two bigger than you would normally wear to allow more room for two or three pairs of socks. Don't tie your wading boots up too tight either. Leave them a little on the loose side so you don't cut off the circulation in your feet.

Layer your clothing under your waders. A pair of long insulated underwear and jeans is normally enough to keep you warm if you have a good pair of waders. I use breathable waders as opposed to neoprene. I used to wear neoprene waders in the winter, but I found that I tended to sweat in them, and then I would get cold due to the moisture of my own sweat. So, I switched to the breathable waders that I wear during the rest of the seasons and I haven't had any trouble staying warm.

A loose fitting tee shirt, with a long sleeved tee shirt over top, and then a sweatshirt under your rain jacket should be enough to keep your torso warm under most winter conditions.

Don't forget your gloves and a hat. We aren't trying to be stylish we are trying to stay warm, so make sure you have a good pair of gloves and a warm hat.

Due to the colder water temperatures trout are more lethargic during the winter months. However, they still need to feed and are more than willing to accept an offering if it is presented properly in their narrowed strike zone.

Occasionally, insects will hatch in the winter and trout will rise to the hatching insects, but the most productive and most dependable winter
fly fishing technique is to drift nymphs close to or bouncing off the bottom under a strike indicator.

Some popular winter nymph patterns include the pheasant tail, golden hares ear, midge, stone fly, and the prince nymph. Downsize your flies in the winter and use sizes in the 12 - 20 hook size range. Remember, just like the fish, the insects or nymphs metabolism is slow during the winter and the nymphs have not grown to their full size yet. With this in mind, smaller flies are generally better during the winter.

As mentioned above, the trouts metabolism is slower in the winter and they can be somewhat lethargic. They will not want to move very far to get a meal. Look for slow running pools close to the bank and slow moving deep runs below riffles and rapids. The trout will generally be holding tight to secure cover in these areas out of the main current, so it is imperative that you get your fly or flies close to or bouncing off the bottom.

I also recommend using lighter leaders and tippets in the winter since the water is generally more clear during this season. Dropping down a size or two will keep wary fish from being spooked. Also, try using a double rig. Rig up two flies under a strike indicator about 12 to 18 inches apart. This will allow you to cover more water and also give the fish more options. Be sure to set your strike indicator at a distance that will allow your flies to be very close to or bouncing off of the bottom.

Winter fly fishing is a great way to get outdoors during the winter. If you can keep yourself warm you have conquered the biggest challenge of fly fishing during the winter. Usually, your favorite river or stream will not be as crowded, which is one reason why I like to go fly fishing in during the winter. Fly fishing during the winter can be fun and exhilarating. So why not give it a try?