If you’ve been reading our Don’t be a Wuss series of articles on winter fishing this is a follow up and puts it all together to make the most of winter fly fishing.
The reason we fish when it’s snowing and it’s so cold our ears are numb and our fingers hurt, is because its fun and worth it. You’ll be blown away the first time you witness a massive Blue Wing Olive hatch in a full on snow storm or 50+ large trout rising to size 26 midges in temperatures below freezing. The key to doing well in these situations is first, as we’ve already discussed, dress appropriately. Then you need to adapt your fishing style to small fly patterns and light tippets. Then have patience.
A crucial part of fishing small flies and light tippets in any condition is casting within your fishable distance. Judge yourself and your abilities realistically. Accurate presentations are key. Can you make that 30 foot cast, land the fly softly and present a drag-free drift to that fish? If you can, great! If you can’t you need to get closer to your target. Most flyfishers cast more than they fish by simply being too far from their target.
To read the full article click here….
Western Rivers Fly Fisher 