Lots of Snow in Colorado, Time to Winter Fly Fish

Seasons of Change

The seasons have changed here in Colorado, after experiencing one of the best falls I can remember in my 22 years of living in Summit County. We had some unbelievable fall fishing here in the high country. From float fishing late in the season, using hoppers and getting more dry fly takes than on trips in the summer months. To great streamer fishing for large browns to name a few.

Now with over three feet of snow in less than six days, it’s time to think about winter fly-fishing techniques and experiences.

Winter fly-fishing can be some of the best fishing of the year. With few people on the water and hungry trout, that can mean many hook ups and great days of fishing.

You will have to look for open water in the form of dam releases or tailwaters, spring fed streams or streams with low enough elevations that they remain free flowing through the depths of winter.

The main technique for winter fly-fishing, would be nymph fishing. You will need to have a good selection of small flies in your box. From Black Beauties, Miracles, small Pheasant Tails, Jujubee midges, Juju Baetis, Cardinal midges, Egg patterns and more. These are just some of my favorites. Then fish light tippet in 5 and 6X fluorocarbon and make sure you get your flies down with some split shot. Deep holes are what you are looking for and then dredge the seams with your flies and look for subtle takes. If you do all this and I promise you’ll get some hook ups.

Dry fly fishing should not be forgotten as many of the winter fishing rivers have great midge hatches. If you don’t pay attention and watch the water, you could totally miss slurping trout to the midges or “snow flies” as some people call them. Typically you see these hatches during the middle of the day. Don’t be fooled that you need warmer weather to see a good hatch. In fact I have had my best winter dry fly fishing on some of the colder nastier days.

We will be fishing all winter long at Blue River Anglers and would love to show you some of our great winter fly-fishing destinations. We can get you out on the Blue River, upper Colorado, lower Colorado, Arkansas, Roaring Fork, Frying Pan and more.

A winter fly-fishing experience is a great way to get outside and enjoy the Colorado winter or a great way to rest the legs between powder days.

By the look of it so far, we are going to have quite the ski season just make sure you add some fishing days in there to make your Colorado winter experience complete.