Winter Fishing Tactics
Winter is officially here and with that comes a change in tactics and options. This time of year requires anglers to be more considerate of where and how they’re fishing, but it shouldn’t discourage you from getting out on the water. With the right approach and lures, you can still get some great fish in the net.
With the water temps dropping, fish will change what they forage on. There’s generally less forage and bugs coming off the tailwaters and mountain streams. However we are starting to move towards the bugs that do come off in winter. Midges, blue wing olives and small black winter stoneflies are still very active. Midges and blue wings are the most active during winter months so they are some of my favorite go-to patterns.
I’ll typically choose something like a size 14 pattern in warmer months– but in winter, I rarely go above a size 16. Running attractor patterns with a smaller, more natural fly behind that helps fish key into the flies. As temperatures drop, fish metabolisms drop as well, so they will move less to eat. It’s important to focus on really covering the water well. Getting active and covering water will help land more trout in the winter. Trout can still be found at the head of runs in feeding positions but they will move back to slower portions of the run to expend less energy. You can find trout stacked up in the slower portions and with a nice presentation you can find good success.
Don't be afraid to make several drifts over a run since trout are less likely to move to eat your fly. You want to make sure that fly is in their zone. As you make your drifts, shift the pattern of the drift each time slightly if you can to cover water and attract trout that may be lingering but hesitant to expend energy.
It’s important to note that trout handling in the winter should be quick. When temps are below freezing, keeping them in the water is best. If you are going to grab that hero shot make sure its quick so their gills do not freeze! Our first priority when handling fish should always be a safe and healthy release.
If trout aren’t your thing, musky fishing during Virginia winters is another great option. The musky love the colder temps and it's one of your best chances to catch the largest fish of the year. Musky will be in their wintering holes, and unlike trout, it's the time of year to really up size on your flies. Big sucker patterns are some of my best productive flies this time of year. Musky also love a crappy day so don't be afraid to fish on snowy, cloudy days. Musky fishing is never easy but during winter you’re able to present your flies to several fish sitting in wintering holes, increasing your opportunity to get a hungry fish. Musky fishing is never a numbers game but it can heart pounding excitement watching a 40 inch fish smash your fly boat-side.