Winter Fly Fishing: Quiet Waters and Fewer Crowds
Most anglers hang up their rods when winter arrives. That’s their mistake - and your opportunity.
My first winter fishing trip was accidental. I hadn’t fished for weeks, was going crazy, and decided to hit the river despite the freezing temperatures. I expected to freeze and catch nothing.
Instead, I had one of the best days of the year, landing several beautiful trout and having the river to myself.
Why Winter Works
Fewer Anglers
Most people are:
- Skiing or snowboarding
- Watching football
- Tying flies for next season
- Dreaming of spring
You’ll have the water to yourself.
Active Trout
Trout still need to eat:
- Metabolism slows, but doesn’t stop
- They feed consistently
- Concentrated in winter holding water
- Less educated from fishing pressure
Beautiful Settings
Snow-covered rivers are stunning:
- Ice formations along the banks
- Steam rising from the water
- Wildlife more visible
- Peace and quiet
Finding Winter Fish
Trout location changes in winter:
Winter Holding Water
Look for:
- Slow, deep pools: Conserving energy
- Tailouts below riffles: Food drifts here
- Deep runs: Out of main current
- Undercut banks: Protection and cover
Avoid
- Fast riffles (too much energy)
- Very shallow water (too cold)
- Exposed, fast runs
Winter Behavior
- Trout won’t move far for food
- They pod up in good winter water
- Feed consistently but selectively
- Slower takes, softer hits
The Winter Approach
S-L-O-W Down
Everything in winter is slower:
- Your movement (don’t spook fish)
- Your presentation
- Your hook set
- Your expectations
Short Drifts
Fish don’t want to move far:
- Cast just above likely holding water
- Short, controlled drifts
- Perfect presentation more important than long drifts
- Don’t line the fish
Light Tippet
Winter water is often:
- Lower and clearer
- Bright sun (low angle)
- Spooky fish
Use 6X or even 7X when necessary.
Winter Fly Selection
Midges (Most Important)
Winter midge hatches are reliable:
- Size 18-24
- Black, red, cream, olive
- Patterns:
- Zebra Midge
- Blood Midge (red)
- Griffith’s Gnat (surface)
- Midge clusters
Small Mayflies
- Blue-winged Olives: Size 18-22
- Winter stoneflies: Size 16-18, black
- Mole flies: emerger, cripple patterns
Nymphs
Fish deep most of the time:
- Zebra Midge: Size 18-22, red/black
- Pheasant Tail: Size 18-20
- Hare’s Ear: Size 16-18
- Egg patterns: Rainbows spawning
Streamers
For larger fish:
- Woolly Bugger: Black, olive, small (size 10-12)
- Scuds: Olive/orange, size 14-16
- Mysis shrimp: If in lakes with freshwater shrimp
Techniques
Nymphing
The most productive winter method:
Indicator nymphing:
- Use a small, sensitive indicator
- Two-fly rig: heavy attractor + small midge
- Deep drifts through pools
- Set on ANY indicator movement
Tight-line nymphing:
- Direct connection to the flies
- Feel soft takes
- More control
- Requires practice
Dry Fly Fishing
When fish rise:
- Midge clusters: Size 18-22 Griffith’s Gnat
- Single midges: Size 20-24, CDC patterns
- Spent midges: Floating nymphs
- Long leaders (12-15 feet)
- Delicate presentation
Streamer Fishing
For large, inactive trout:
- Slow, deep strips
- Woolly Buggers and leeches
- Work deep pools thoroughly
- Winter big fish eat big meals
Clothing and Gear
Layering is Critical
Base layer:
- Merino wool or synthetic
- No cotton
- Wicks moisture away
Mid layer:
- Fleece or wool
- Insulates even when wet
- Zipper for temperature control
Outer layer:
- Waterproof/breathable
- Wind protection
- Hood for head/neck
Extremities
Hands:
- Fingerless gloves for casting
- Mittens for between fishing
- Hand warmers
- Keep hands dry
Feet:
- Wool socks (bring extras)
- Wading boots with good traction
- Consider felt or studded soles
- Watch for ice
Head:
- Wool hat
- Neck gaiter
- Polarized sunglasses (even in winter)
Safety
- Felt soles dangerous on ice: Consider studded boots
- Wading staff: Slippery conditions
- Change of clothes: Keep in car
- Tell someone: Where you’re fishing, when you’ll be back
- Shorter days: Plan accordingly
- Hypothermia risk: Be prepared
Winter Hatches
Midges
- Most consistent winter hatch
- Mornings and evenings
- Size 18-24
- Bring multiple patterns
Blue-Winged Olives
- Overcast days
- Size 18-22
- Duns and spinners
- Can bring fish to surface
Winter Stoneflies
- Small black stoneflies
- Size 16-18
- Crawl out on snow/rocks
- Good dry fly fishing
Early Black Stoneflies
- Late winter/early spring
- Size 14-16
- First real hatch of the year
Timing Your Day
Late Morning to Early Afternoon
Best winter hours:
- 10 AM to 3 PM
- Warmest part of the day
- Most insect activity
- Fish most active
Avoid
- Early morning: Too cold, inactive
- Late afternoon: Temperature drops
- Overcast without insects: Surface activity minimal
That First Winter Day
My accidental winter trip taught me:
- Winter fishing can be excellent
- I had the river to myself
- Fish still eat consistently
- Preparation is key
- The beauty is worth the cold
I caught half a dozen trout that day, including a beautiful 18-inch brown that rose to a size 20 midge. The steam rising off the river, snow on the banks, and not another person in sight - it was magical.
Winter Philosophy
Winter fishing is different:
- Lower expectations (catch fewer fish)
- Appreciate the solitude
- Enjoy the challenge
- Beautiful settings
- Time to observe and learn
Every cast is practice. Every fish is a gift. Winter makes you a better angler for the rest of the year.
Getting Started
If you’ve never fished winter:
- Start on a warmer day: 35-40°F is manageable
- Pick a reliable winter fishery: Spring creeks, tailwaters
- Bring midge patterns: Size 18-24
- Dress properly: Better to be too warm than too cold
- Keep it simple: Nymph deep with small flies
The Rewards
Winter fishing offers:
- Solitude
- Beautiful scenery
- Less-pressured fish
- Time to observe
- Appreciation for the sport
Don’t put your rod away just because it’s cold out. Some of the best fishing and most beautiful days happen when most anglers stay home.
Bundle up and get out there. The fish are waiting.