Do Trout Really Eat in the Winter?

I never believed fly fishing in the winter was a real thing. I scoffed at the talk in the fly shops and claims of winter being a favorite time to fish. It is hard enough to catch trout in the peak hatch season, let alone during the barren winter. Sure, I believed there were people who would venture out on an unseasonably warm winter day and catch a trout or two on midges. But I never really believed anyone could have consistent success winter fly fishing for trout.  

I had always been a three season fly angler. At the first sign of winter, I put the fly rod away and focused on my second love, skiing. It wasn’t until recently that I discovered the amazing opportunities winter fly fishing has to offer.

Seeing is Believing

A successful day on the water, any time of year, requires confidence. I never had the confidence go out fly fishing in the winter. I had to see it to believe it. Scott Major of PA Woods and Water turned me into a believer. Many of his videos highlight him having success in the dead of winter on the same Pennsylvania streams I fish.  

Scott’s videos gave me the confidence I needed. It wasn’t until I saw it with my own eyes that I ever gave winter fly fishing a chance. Now, like the guys at the fly shop I didn’t believe, winter is one of my favorite times of year to fish.

Fishing With Focus

In the winter, there’s something comforting about knowing there are limited hours to fish. I don’t feel compelled to arrive at the river before sunup. I don’t have to leave my house at 3:30 a.m. like I do in the summer. I can take my time traveling–not worrying about missing that prime morning window. Winter fishing often gets better once the sun has had a chance to warm up the water a bit.

Once on the water, I know darkness will end my day in late afternoon. When I gear up and hike in, I know I’m committing to five or six hours of intense fishing. The finite time on the water helps me focus. It keeps me from second guessing my tactics. I know I’m going to dead drift nymphs exclusively. My time will be spent searching for tail outs and slower pools where trout are more likely to hold in cold water temperatures.

Solitude of Winter Fly Fishing

If you are willing to brave the elements, you will often be rewarded with solitude when fishing in the winter. Even some of the most popular sections of a river are left alone this time of year. This is yet another reason why I have become so fond of winter fly fishing. Most days, I don’t see another angler. I’m not concerned about fishing water that someone else trapsed through. There’s no chance of a kayaker floating by or a caravan of inner tubes. It’s just me versus the trout. That’s the way I like it. There’s no better feeling than knowing I’m the first person to walk along a snow-covered trail on my way upstream.

Winter Fly Rod & Reel Set Up

Most of the time I prefer the versatility of a mono-rig. In the winter, I rely on my euro-nymphing set up. Both options allow me to use a tight line nymphing system to target trout underneath. In colder temperatures, I prefer the feel of the euro nymphing line over monofilament. I likely won’t be compelled to change over dry flies in the winter. So, I commit to using the euro-nymphing set up which consists of a 10 foot 3-weight nymphing rod with an over sized reel spooled with a euro-nymphing line. I like a more powerful euro nymphing leader in the winter to help defend against wind. So, I opt for a 20-pound butt section that tapers down to 3X or 4X tippet.

Winter Flies

My favorite winter fly is an Eggstacy Egg pattern. I usually pair that with a smaller pheasant tail, thread frenchie, or Walt’s Worm. I also really like to use a variety of perdigon patterns in the winter. Most often, trout will take the egg pattern. If they don’t take the egg, I at least think it gets their attention. Once you have their attention, they will often go for the other, more realistic option. Many anglers refer to this as the “Show and the Dough.”

If the “Show and the Dough” isn’t moving fish, I will often tie on something a little meatier. I’m a big fan of the Stone Pony by Old Dominion Trout Bum. Sometimes, you need to present a bigger meal to get trout to move in colder water temperatures.

Landing Fish in Cold Water

I do everything I can to keep my hands dry when I’m fishing in the winter. I rely on the Ketchum Release Tool when I can to help me remove my fly from the fish’s mouth. The Ketchum Release Tool easily slides down the tippet and unhooks the fly preventing you from having to handle the fish and get your hands wet.

You can use the Ketchum Release tool with or without a net. For smaller fish, I will often use it to release fish with out even netting them. With larger fish, I can use it to unhook the fly right in the net. Keeping your fingers from getting numb is important!

Keeping Warm

Keeping warm when fly fishing in the winter can be a challenge. But it is a necessity for a successful day on the water in the winter.  It all starts with a good moisture wicking base layer. Avoid cotton at all costs. Cotton kills—especially when you are on the water in the winter. I like to go with a fleece or wool mid layer and finish it off with a wind resistant outer layer. Recently, I discovered merino wool clothing.  I am particularly fond of merino wool socks. Keeping your feet warm is the hardest part. Thick merino wool socks really help. Also, I purchased an extra set of wading boots one size larger than I normally wear. The air in the extra space creates a layer of insulation that helps keep my feet warm.

I purchased a merino wool beanie that really keeps my head warm. A good pair of fishing gloves is also a necessity. Hand warmers strategically placed in the gloves on top of your hand will help keep your exposed fingers from getting numb. You have to find a way to be somewhat comfortable in the cold so that you can focus on fishing.

Being Prepared for Winter Fly Fishing

Fishing in the winter requires more preparation than any other time of year. I’m normally a minimalist, but in the winter, I carry safety gear. There is real danger in cold temperatures. One misstep while wading can result in a dangerous situation if you’re not prepared. I like to keep moving in the winter, searching for slower water types. As a result, I often end up further away from my vehicle than other times of the year, which is why I need to be prepared.

Fishing with a Pack

Winter is the only time of year I fish with a pack. My pack is filled with survival gear I wouldn’t normally need. Hypothermia can kill. I don’t ever want to find myself in a dangerous situation, miles from the safety of my vehicle. So, the night before, I prepare my pack. I stuff a dry bag with a change of clothes and a lightweight towel. I pack a first aid kit, a head lamp, and some fire starters.

Also, I carry a Jetboil backpacking stove. The Jetboil rapidly heats water for dehydrated meals. It also has a coffee press attachment. The experience of streamside coffee on a cold day sometimes is enough to motivate me to get out there. But if you are ever in a dangerous situation and need heat, the Jetboil stove can also help get a quick fire started. So far, I’ve never needed to use it for that purpose!

Becoming a Year-Round Angler

I now consider myself a year-round angler. Since the start of 2020, it’s been my goal to catch a trout in every month of the year. As we are about to head into 2023, my streak is still going. I never would have believed I could have so much success fly fishing in the winter. But it has truly become one of my favorite times to be out on the water.

While my expectations are not the same as the height of the hatch season in the spring, I now confidently approach my days on the water in the winter. I don’t rely on luck; rather, I focus on dead drifting confidence patterns in slower water types. Each winter trout feels just a little bit more of an accomplishment than any other time of year.

Thanks for reading! Spend more time on the water!

Have a great day!

Jeff Smecker

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