Winter fly fishing presents unique challenges, but with the right preparation, you can still land some great catches. Here are some key tips to ensure you stay warm, safe, and successful this winter season:
1. Sleep in: The best time to fish is when the water has warmed up, so sleep in and avoid those cold mornings! 2. Insulate: Layer up with wool or synthetic materials to stay warm. Avoid cotton, as it traps moisture. 3. Electric Gear: Electric socks (iHood, Gerbing) are great for warmth! Keep your feet toasty without worrying about wet conditions. And consider an electric vest for your core. 4. Gloves & Hand Warmers: Gloves are personal, but always bring extra pairs and hand warmers for breaks. Remove them when handling fish, and use tools to safely release fish without getting wet. 5. Stay Warm: An insulated hat helps prevent heat loss from your head. A good face mask is also key to avoid frostbite in extreme cold. 6. Finding Fish: Look for sunny spots where fish are more active. Trout often hang out in slow, deep pockets next to faster moving water. 7. Tippet & Fly: Use a 6X fluorocarbon tippet for nymphing, and 7X monofilament for dry flies. Stick to smaller flies (18, 20, 22) like midges, copper johns, or pheasant tails. 8. Ice in Guides: Avoid breaking ice off with your hands—this can damage your gear. Instead, dunk your rod in the water to clear ice buildup. 9. Stay Safe:
Know the local fishing rules and regulations! Winter catch-and-release periods vary by state. In MN, some SE State Parks and areas are catch-and-release only from Sept 15 to April 12. In WI, trout streams are catch-and-release from Jan 4 to May 2. 11. Handling Fish: Cold water means fish are slower and need to conserve energy. Keep fish wet and minimize handling. Use barbless hooks to release quickly and gently. Avoid air exposure to prevent fish gills freezing. Stay warm, fish safely, and enjoy the quiet beauty of winter fly fishing. If you have any questions or want more tips, don’t hesitate to reach out! Tight Lines!
4 Comments
Joe chovan
1/15/2025 08:05:46 am
Thanks for recap.
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Brent Porter
1/15/2025 08:12:00 pm
Glad you found it helpful.
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craig vanderah
1/15/2025 08:16:21 am
Hi Brent, saw your comments on winter fishing. For me the crux are my hands. Feet & body are fine. I look to go on days where the temp at least hits 35 and the wind will rarely break 10 miles an hour. It also seems to me that spring creeks are best for less ice and more active fish.
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Brent Porter
1/15/2025 08:10:21 pm
Hi Craig,
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