From the River’s Edge • by Janice O’Shea

"Winta" Fly Fishing

Winter fly fishing in Colorado, despite the cold, can be productive and a chance to fish in solitude. And of course the best places, if not the only places to fish during the winter months, are the tail waters. Many factors come into play that keep tailwaters open. Some of which are: constant water flow with warmer water being released from the reservoir, the length and width of the river system, the air temperatures, and tributaries.

Our guide service uses the North Fork of the South Platte River during the winter months for trips. This river comes out of Dillon Reservoir, but it also has tributaries from Kenosha Pass. For most of the winter, this river is ice free with the exception of ice along the banks. On this particular river system, I’ve noticed that trout start their interest in feeding at a 38 degree water temperature. Of course the fishing isn’t what it would be at 50 degrees, but interestingly enough, we are catching trout at those temperatures. On another river system, 40-45 degrees may be a starting temperature for catching trout. These temperatures hinge on not only the movement of insects above and below the water, but also the trout’s metabolism. Getting started at 9:00 or 10:00 AM and fishing until 3-4:00PM is best in the winter.

Most of what an angler will be using are midges and nymphs, therefore fishing below the surface of the water will be the most productive technique. When nymphing, whether in summer or winter, I like to use 2 micro-ball indicators about 4-6 inches apart from each other, and on the leader depending on the depth of the water. Yarn or balloons are also good to use as they are more sensitive to strikes. Two indicators give a better drift and a fighting chance for the angler to detect subtle strikes; setting the hook on the slightest hesitation. I like to use a 7 1⁄2 foot 4x leader, but I will also cut that back to 6 feet. The less line, the better the line management and the quicker hook set. Trout in cold water will not make a big effort to take the fly, and the strikes will be extremely subtle. The tippet length should be minimal; 10 inches to the first fly and 10-12” to the second fly. Split shot is placed on the knot just above the first fly.

When sight fishing trout, try shortening the casting and drifting length. I try to pick one trout out and fish to it. I’ll shorten my drift and cast 3 feet in front of the trout, drift the fly to the trout, and pick the line out if the fly has passed. I’ll either watch my indicators or watch the fly underwater.

I use tight line nymphing; no line on the water and I stand as close as I can to the trout without spooking it. Using as little line as possible between you and the trout can increase the odds of a hook-up.

As well as using tapered line during the winter months, I like to use a 6 lb. monofilament line that I have on a reel. It is called Stren Hi-Vis Gold, and is super limp and low memory. I then attach about 20” of tippet to that and attach the flies. I’ll try fishing it with or without indicators. I have had great success with it. It is harder than dickens to cast because of no taper, but it has proven successful, especially on the Blue River.

And last but not less important is that you dress for the occasion. Keeping the body and hands warm is essential. Common sense should be practiced at all times regarding cold temperatures. Take a break from fishing if you are cold. Stay warm and let it snow!

About the Author
Janice O’Shea has fly fished for more than 20 years, and has turned her passion and commitment for the outdoors to guiding and teaching Fly Fishing in Colorado. Janice established her company, Trout Trips, LLC, 8 years ago, and is anxious to share her knowledge and provide a memorable flyfishing experience for you. You can contact Janice at 303-518-4337, or www.trouttrips.com.