For many anglers, once it gets cold then it is time to stop fishing. I look at it as less people on the river to compete with for the good spots. Just because the temperature drops doesn’t mean the fishing stops. If you have ever fished in December through February you will know the fish are still there and they want to eat. Great fly fisherman know that in order to catch fish during the late season they need to adjust to a fish’s behavior and adapt your tactics. 

  Here is part 1 how to fish slow moving water during the winter and a few recommended flies to use and tactics to catch big fish.

1. Yes, you can wake up early in the morning and be out there at the crack of dawn, but it is actually better to fish in the midday when the sun has warmed up the water a bit. Fish do not want to move much and burn energy in cold water. Let that sun warm the water up a bit, fish will respond more. Great sunglasses will help you spot fish from a greater distance. See them before they see you.
2. Presentation is key, and as we mentioned fish are a ton less active in colder temperatures, so slowdown on how you retrieve your line. If a fish likes everything and they think it is worth the energy to burn, they will chase that fly.
3. Slow and low water means fish will be in deeper pools. Some sections of a river still might have abut of a current and like me have mentioned they don’t want to burn energy so get that fly deep!
4. Since we are going to get that fly deep, let’s try using a fish’s favorite year round food, the zebra midge. If you have bit of a current near a deep pool then use a tungsten bead head. The weight will get to the bottom a lot faster and it will give fish a lot more time to decide to eat or not. A great color is black stripes on a white body or back body with silver stripes. 
5. Watch your air temperature! If it is below freezing you are going to need to dress warm. Besides waders, a jacket, gloves and hat are important for you. If you decide to release that amazing trout you just caught, keep the fish in your net just below the surface take your picture and then take the hook out of the fishes mouth while it is still under water. Freezing temperatures can hurt a trouts lungs. No one wants dead fish floating downstream. 

Stay tuned for more great tips and tricks to make your winter fly fishing experience better!

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