Top 10 Reasons Winter Fly Fishing Class

by Kenny Romero

Angler’s Covey Guide, Kenny Romero, will be teaching the two-part Winter Fly Fishing course this Friday and Saturday, January 10 and 11. Often called “The Secret Season,” winter offers unique opportunities for the fly fishing angler. Here are Kenny’s Top Ten Reasons to Fly Fish in the Winter (drum roll please!):

10. Smaller crowds: Most people just don’t like the cold, so this keeps them away from the river. Smaller crowds mean there is more water to fish!

9. Dry fly action: There are still hatches in the winter that produce great dry fly action. Winter dry fly fishing can be productive and it is always exciting!

8. Trout are eating: Trout eat every day, just not as much as the height of summer. With the right flies properly presented, winter time can be the best time of year to fly fish. This class will offer strategies and tips for rigging and presenting the fly to the fish.

7. Tailwater rivers are flowing: Even on the coldest days, rivers flowing out of dams (tailwater fisheries) rarely freeze. This allows for year round fishing.

6. Discover new structure on familiar waters: Lower water flows uncover hidden structure. Lower flows allow you to gain an understanding of rocks, boulders, logs and other structure that you may not know about while fishing higher water. Knowing where the fish are is key. The streamside class on Saturday will help develop a keen eye for reading the river.

5. Fresh scenery: Winter time provides a whole new environment compared to the warmer seasons. Your old “familiar spots” take on a whole new look and a unique beauty that can only be experienced a few months of the year.

4. Use your own tied flies: There isn’t the diversity of aquatic insects in the winter compared to the other seasons. The majority of a trouts diet in winter are small midges. Midges are very easy to tie and are very productive flies. Many fish are caught on basic flies that may include only three materials, a hook, thread and maybe a bead. Give it a try! Fly selection – size, color, stage – will be discussed in the lecture portion of the class and at streamside.

3. Opportunity to catch big fish: Under smaller flows, trout will “pod” up a bit more and this includes bigger fish. Having the right gear with the right presentation can produce some of the biggest trout of the year.

2. Hone your techniques on subtle strikes: Winter fly fishing can hone your presentation and hook setting technique. Winter “takes” (bites) can be very subtle, so setting the hook quickly and precisely will serve you well all year. During the streamside class, you’ll have the opportunity to hone the skills necessary to hook, play, and net the fish under more difficult conditions – which will be directly impactful through the rest of the year.

1. Develop a new aspect your fly fishing journey: Winter fly fishing is a very unique experience that, when done well, can provide fish on a consistent basis allowing the fly fisher to enjoy the sport year round! 2020 is the year for you to grow as an angler – why not start (or re-start) your journey now?

The lecture is Friday night, January 10, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. The streamside portion of the class will take place on Saturday, January 11 – location and start-up time will be discussed at the lecture. There is still space, so sign up now on our calendar: Winter Fly Fishing Lecture and Streamside Class.