It’s been a see-saw winter with snow, mild temps, more snow, etc. But the calendar notes it is January and any chance to get out and fish this time of year should be considered a bonus.

Despite the warm-ups, the water temperatures on local rivers remain in the lower 30s. Whether you are looking to fish for trout or steelhead, the name of the game is to fish the slower water where fish are kind of doing the equivalent of hibernating. When a fly comes into their window, they have plenty of time to inspect it so leader size and realistic patterns can make the difference.

If fishing streamers for trout, small sink-tips or floating lines with heavily weighted flies is a good approach for a while until things warm up.

Steelhead anglers will find that fishing under a float or indicator might provide the best drag-free presentation right now; fishing a realistic and action-enhanced hex nymph pattern is one of my favorite flies to tie on this time of year.

Not into winter fishing? Here are some ideas on how to spend the new couple of months until the white landscape is replaced with green.

Good luck.

Ted

June’s Big Bugs – With summer comes some of our best dry fly fishing – don’t miss the Drakes, ISOs and Hex
Fall Steelhead – Spring season is almost all booked so be sure to get your fall dates before they too are gone.
2020 Fishing Season – We are booking dates through 2020 – don’t miss the prime times.