Techniques:

Early in morning, I usually fish banks with steamers. Casting out Woolly Buggers, Woolly Worms, Muddler Minnows, and even a leech pattern or two. One to three feet of water is where I concentrate, while bass cruise actively looking for fish to eat. In spring time by afternoon I have switched to floating bass bugs. The very thing that makes bass fly fishing so fun. Casting one toward a nice looking bass hiding spot, I allow it to sit there for a few seconds. If you allowed fly to ‘pop’ upon landing and have a nice bass picked out, often times this all that is needed for bucketmouth to inhale your offering. Make sure your rod tip is at proper angle to absorb hit, or game will be over before it begins. If after a few seconds ‘hit’ doesn’t occur, begin retrieving your fly at intermittent intervals like would occur in nature. This ‘popping’ action is what attracts bass to your offering. Watch for wake as great hunter is not at all shy, and remember especially trout anglers, bass’s mouth is huge and these animals were built for eating.

Flies:

Well, The Big Y Fly Co. (http://www.bigyflyco.com) is about selling flies, so you didn’t think we would forget that did you. If it is still unclear bass are opportunistic carnivores with huge mouths, that will eat anything. There are usual bass bugs that float like Frog, and Mouse Rat. Then there are divers, that float and then sink when you retrieve them, like Dahlberg divers. And then there are streamers, like Woolly Buggers, Clouser minnows. Furthermore for those hot days or big reservoirs, there are sculpins and leeches, that like bass will seek deep water.

The great Largemouth Bass has soared in popularity like few other game fish. If you haven’t ever experienced fighting one of these, you are missing out on something special. Now introduced virtually everywhere throughout continent on North America, there bound to be some great bass fishing not for from your door.

To me a hat is virtually as important as waders, and I layer shirts, remembering my vest will also provide some warmth. Don’t forget inside, a nice hot thermos of coffee, has brought many a sigh of satisfaction.

Fishing:

Winter trout fly fishing requires some adjustments. Plan on sub-surface fishing primarily. The warm afternoons like I mentioned above will produce Blue Wing Olive hatches in many locations, and midges hatch year round as well. Some dry fly action can occur, especially on smaller streams where options are less for trout. But by and large plan on fishing nymphs. And plan on fishing them deep. Depending on size of water, a split or two is mandatory, and perhaps a sinking tip line. I usually use two flies, one as a dropper. Good patterns include, imitations of food sources that are available year round like San Juan Worms, Chironomid Pupas, Disco Midge, and Wd-40’s. General nymph patterns like Hare’s Ear and Prince Nymphs, will work to imitate occasional nymph that might come in trout’s path.. Streamers also make excellent winter flies, including Woolly Buggers, Muddler’s and Mickey Finn’s. Don’t forget that like trout, small fish and nymphs metabolism is slow as well, and they are apt to stick to bottom, and out of main current.

Winter fishing usually means clear water. I use lighter tippet than normal, because fish seem more easily spooked. Trout’s metabolism makes them want to seek out pools near bank that are warmed by sun, so they are more vulnerable. I usually forgo strike indicators as well. Also remember that due to slower metabolism, fish will be sluggish. They often will bite gingerly, hook-ups will be primarily in tongue. As trout may often go after several small insects in one mouthful. So rigorous setting of hook is not required.

They are not likely to chase food down, as this will burn more calories then they will take in. Especially when fishing smaller patterns. While small pattern are very effective, in fact first choice of many winter angler’s, they need to be fished deep, and in front of fish. Dead drifting nymphs is my first choice. If no luck I will try swinging streamers, second. I mend my line as soon as it hits water, to ensure a drag free drift, and wait for gentle take. I let fish do setting.

Once landed winter fish might need more that it’s usual care before allowing it to swim free. Landing fish should be quicker do to their lower energy, and then one must make sure fish is 100% revived before it’s release.

Summary:

There you have it, like all forms of fly fishing winter fly fishing takes a little practice, and a lot of patience. But surreal beauty of winter combined solitude it brings, makes this an especially rewarding time of year, to flog water.