Winter Fishing

Conejos River Anglers
Topic: Winter Fishing
Author: Jon Harp
February 13, 2006

Years ago the fraternity of fly fisherman that had adopted me had led me to believe that fly fishing was to be engaged in from April thru September and the winter was for tying flies and working. It didn’t take to long for me to figure out that the guys at the shops and some fellow fisherman were breaking these rules, and with success I might add. Since that time I have had the opportunity to “cheat” a little myself during these months, in fact it is one of the highlights of my fishing year. Now even the “fraternity” will make the very predictable call each winter after a couple of months away from the water and say ‘hey, that So and So River sounds pretty good this weekend, huh’. For those that are a little adventurous the following is a list of ideas to add some spice to your fishing season.

First of all before we go fishing you need to get some gear. All those fancy jackets, fleece, and serious gear don’t make it out much each summer but without these you will not last at this new venture. Here are is a list of the gear you will need to make this whole adventure fun. 1. Windproof fleece jacket. 2. Expedition weight thermal underwear top and bottom. 3. ExStream Smartwool socks, 3. Fleece mittens that fold back. 4. Windproof ski hat worn over a baseball hat. 5. Water bottle purifier 6. Waterproof Jacket, there are many quality shells but buy a good one and keep it forever. (The Simms G3 and new Rivertek are the best ones I have seen so far.) 7. Another layer on top of light or midweight Capilene underwear. If it is really cold or you get cold easily wear another real light layer underneath on your legs. This gear will keep you comfortable down to 20 degrees or so. And also realize that out here in the west the humidity is low and the sun intense, so 30 degrees can be wonderful.

The most obvious of all winter fishing options is going to one of the many quality tailwaters. These tailwaters release water from the bottom of deep reservoirs where the water stays consistent all year. These fish have not completely figured out it is winter. This consistent water temperature also helps grow billions of small midges, mayflies, and aquatic worms. These food organisms are typically very small so these fish feed, and feed frequently. Most of these rivers are usually very famous and are over run with people during the summer. The winter brings solitude and a wonderful feeling to be standing in the “hallowed” waters of such famous rivers. And the fish can definitely be large! If you have never fished tailwaters then you should hire a guide at least for a half day. These skills that you develop will make you a better fisherman wherever you fish. You will have the options of throwing streamers, deep double nymphing, sight casting with emergers, or casting tiny dries.

Alright we have caught some trout and gotten some cold toes lets flip the switch on the trout and head south! However far it takes to find some beautiful clear water and some sandy beaches. The fly fishing world these days seems to be a little snobbish about “what” type of fish you catch. But I love the variety of the ocean and I love catching fish that I look at and have no idea what I just hooked. If you can take the label off of tarpon, redfish, bonefish, or permit and just go on vacation. These places are beautiful, and loaded with a large variety of fish. The bonus to these fish is they will take a variety of flies. The double bonus is that you might actually see your backing on your fly reel; these ocean fish are very strong. I had a Bonefish on in Mexico last year and the fish that had already been screaming line became even more frantic and suddenly a flash and a thud on the end of the line. A shark had ended up with half of my Bonefish and the flash from the shark was enough for me to feel every nerve in my body. There is very rarely a fly shop to get the latest advice. Just throw in 2 dozen saltwater flies and take an 8 or 9 weight rod and go. You will change your skin color, reset the mechanism, and have a chance to see some incredible fish in a new world. For me it was like discovering a whole new passion!

Are you ready for the ultimate combo of both? Let’s get a passport and head south of the equator. Were back to enjoying the warm air, but the trout just got bigger. A trip to South America or New Zealand will completely change how you look at trout fishing and will make you a better fisherman. Don’t start thinking it is automatically out of your budget. You can stay at a big fancy lodge, fly in helicopters and fish with an exotic guide or you can go with friends, rent a motor home and see the country for a fraction. If you want to catch the biggest trout in the world then head to New Zealand but don’t go unless you are really willing to work on your casting and presentation. These fish are the spookiest, biggest, wild fish I have ever cast to. Head to Patagonia in South America for less spooky fish and spectacular country and fish to the large browns and rainbows found throughout that area. These fish are a simpler task if your fishing skills are still a little fresh. You will need to hire a guide there not just for where and how to fish but because you will need him to row the boat on most of the rivers there. This is not the case in New Zealand where there are many streams and rivers that are easily wadeable. The people of both of these countries are very warm and friendly and most will let you access there private water if you just ask. Be prepared for sitting down to tea or coffee if you venture up to their door!

These ideas are just scratching the surface at all the possibilities of the colder months but you get the idea that there are a lot of options for those of us who fish with a “long pole”. Enjoy your winters!