3 Tips To Prepare Yourself for Winter Fly Fishing
With nearly 300 days of sunshine annually, Colorado offers ample opportunities for winter fishing. Anglers willing to embrace the cold winter weather reap the rewards of low-pressure conditions and opportunities for peace and solitude along Colorado’s legendary waters. Despite more frigid temperatures, trout remain active, especially during the mid-day sun, providing anglers with a unique experience unparalleled to that of warm-weather fishing.
As the winter weather conditions creep in, preparing for your next winter fly fishing trip ahead of time can ensure a successful, safe, and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re planning your next winter adventure alongside one of our Orvis-endorsed fly fishing guides or are a warm-weather angler looking to try something new, here are a few tips for planning and preparing yourself for winter fly fishing.
Understanding the Challenges of Winter Fly Fishing
Due to Colorado’s unpredictability in weather conditions, winter fly fishing presents unique challenges that require careful preparation and adaptability. Unlike summer fishing, when trout are more active and feeding frequently, winter fly fishing demands a different approach that focuses on appeasing even the most selective trout. Cold water temperatures slow down trout’s metabolism, causing them to move much slower and requiring more patience, research, and perseverance from winter anglers.
With cold temperatures introducing ice to summer fishing spots, finding a good casting area that offers access to warm water may be difficult. Professional anglers at your local fly shop or fly fishing outfitter can often provide advice and information for addressing any fly fishing questions you might have while offering expert advice on gear selection, seasonal fly patterns, and the best fishing spots with open water.
Dressing for Winter Conditions
A little comfort goes a long way. Dress warm and dry, and you’ll spend less time worrying about the cold and more time enjoying the peace of the river. Besides, no one wants to spend their fishing day worrying about hypothermia — a comfortable angler is a happy angler. Here are a few different ways that you can dress for even the chilliest fly-fishing trip:
Layering: Colorado’s winter weather is often unpredictable, regardless of the weather forecast. One moment, it’s freezing; the next, it’s sunny and warm. Layering up your clothing allows you to adjust as needed to stay on top of changing weather conditions. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer followed by insulating layers such as fleece or wool, and cover it all up with a wind and waterproof outer layer. If wading, ensure you are layering from head to toe, including insulating with multiple pairs of socks and long underwear under waterproof waders.
Headgear: As body heat escapes through the head, wearing a balaclava or neck gaiter under a warm hat protects your face, neck, and ears from cold air.
Handwear: Invest in high-quality waterproof fishing gloves or mittens. Practicing your casting technique with and without gloves ensures you can fly fish functionally without being bogged down by the bulk of cheap ski gloves. Keeping hand warmers in your gloves or pockets is also a great way to stay warm when not actively casting.
Footwear: Waders are crucial for staying dry and warm. Opt for insulated waders and layer with thick wool socks to keep your feet warm and dry.
Eye Protection: Polarized sunglasses will help you see through the glare of the water, while goggles can protect your eyes from cold wind and snow. On sunny winter days, snow can reflect up to 80% of UV radiation, increasing the potential for eye damage. Wearing sunglasses can help minimize UV exposure while also making it easier to see the fish in the water below.
Choosing the Right Gear
In winter, trout tend to hunker down in deeper, warmer water. Adjusting your gear and flies to target these sluggish fish can make a big difference in your winter fishing success. A medium-action fly rod with a fast tip is perfect for winter fly fishing. When paired with a smooth drag reel, updates to your fly rod make landing fish a breeze. While dependent on water conditions and time of year, swapping out your floating line with a sinking line can be beneficial as it allows you to get your flies down closer to where the trout are.
Fluorocarbon leaders and tippet make your line virtually undetectable to winter trout. A 5X or 6X tippet is often the best option for presenting smaller, more delicate flies to selective trout. In the winter, many trout prefer the subtle flies — eggs, midges, and small streamers — as they tend to eat smaller bites in their sluggish state. Typically flies at this time of year run on the small side (#18-24).
Investing in an Orvis-Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide
For those who are new to fishing or simply want the full winter-angling experience, hiring a qualified fly fishing guide can be a valuable investment. Local Colorado fly fishing shops such as Fly Fishing Outfitters host year-round guided fly fishing trips with Orvis-endorsed guides. Our knowledgeable guides advise where to fish, what flies to use, and the best techniques for navigating winter conditions.
When choosing a guide, consider one that is familiar with Colorado’s local waters and is familiar with Colorado’s unpredictable conditions. Winter fly fishing with a guide also ensures that your first experience is a safe one. With expertise in navigating winter conditions and water safety, guides can advise and assist you every step of the way. Year-round, in rain or shine, the guides at Fly Fishing Outfitters are prepared to take you on an exciting fly fishing adventure.
Book Your Next Winter Fly Fishing Trip With Fly Fishing Outfitters
Winter fly fishing can be an extremely rewarding experience. From the tranquility of Colorado’s winter scenery to experiencing the thrill of catching yourself a trout, Fly Fishing Outfitters provides everything you need to enhance your winter fly fishing experience. As Vail Valley’s one-stop shop for all things fly fishing, we’ve got everything you need. For more information on our winter fly fishing trips, visit our website or call (970) 845-8090 today.
