Winter Trout
by Dave Anderson
Effective winter patterns to consider trying for the season on selected streams predominantly include nymph patterns. The trout become lethargic in the cool winter moths and try
to expend as little energy as possible. With water temperatures
hovering between 34-40 degrees for most of the winter, trout will not
chase their food down, but will suck it in as it floats by. That is why
nymph patterns are so effective.
Several nymph patterns are effective for southeastern Minnesota. The
basic pattern is the scud, or freshwater shrimp in an orange or yellow
color usually tied on a size 14-16 curved nymph hook. I usually use
this pattern as my main nymph and tandem rig it with a dropper fly (the
traditional two fly system). The scud is effective because of its color
and appearance, not to mention the commonality of it in many streams.
Because water has a tendency to become off color during warmer periods,
the scud is very effective. I usually fish a dropper pattern that
consists of a midge pattern (brassie).
Surprisingly, in the winter months midge activity can be fast and
furious during periods when the surface temperature reaches 38-45
degrees or so. Midges are common to all streams and are an abundant
food source for trout all year round, but especially in the winter.
They are extremely small in size, usually a 20-24 size hook. Brassies
are a common pattern, as well as midge larvae and pupae in a dark root
beer color early in the winter season and black later in the season.
Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear Nymphs in sizes 14-16 are also a must pattern in
the winter months as this fly works year round in almost any
conditions. Its "buggy" look has a great appeal to trout and like the
scud pattern, it is fished near the bottom where the fish are
congregating. It is important to note that lead weight is needed to get
your flied to the bottom of the stream. One of the biggest mistakes for
novice winter fishermen is that they do not get their flies right on the
bottom and drift it close to the trout.
A few other helpful hints for anyone interested in pursuing trout during
the catch and release season with a fly rod include going when the
conditions are favorable. Overcast days with a light or no breeze and
temperatures in the upper 30's to low 40's is what I prefer. There is a
huge difference between 40 degrees and 35 degrees. That small
temperature difference will mean a great deal in terms of fish being
active. Carry a thermometer and check the water temperatures. If they
are unreasonably cold, the fish will not be active and it could turn
into a wasted trip in terms of actually catching fish. Persistence is
the key. Work a pool with your nymph for a while and keep a low profile
as you stick out like a sore thumb on the bank if there is too much
movement. Snow doesn't provide an angler much of a back drop to
camouflage him or herself. Stick with a few basic patterns and work the
runs below the pools where the trout have a tendency to sit in the
winter. They will move up closer to the head of the pool as
temperatures increase during the day to feed, so this means that you
don't have to be on the stream at the crack of dawn to catch trout in
the winter. In fact, I prefer the 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM shift for winter
fishing. The last thing I want to do is sit on a snowy bank with cold
hands and my guides freezing with ice every other cast not catching any
fish.
Winter trout fishing is gaining tremendous popularity. The better
places to go that are legally open in the Whitewater area near Elba,
MN. Near Elba is also Beaver Creek that has a section of it open for
the winter season as well. Check your angling regulations to find out
the specifics of what streams are open for the winter season. Give it a
try sometime, you'd be surprised how easy it can be to catch trout in
the winter.