Winter Bliss: A Perfect Day With Mykiss, Salmo Trutta and Williamsoni

         

       
             On a perfect spring, summer, or fall day, one would usually not hesitate to jump in the car and head towards crystal clear waters full of hungry fish. I cannot imagine sporting a t-shirt or light fleece and trudging through refreshingly cool water in the pursuit of my obsession. To sit down next to a near perfect fishing hole with the pleasant feeling of the sun hitting my back and neck sounded heavenly. It's the sinuous, warm breeze often providing a harmonious rhythm along side the undulating tone of water. The creatures that hide themselves while I make haste begin to reveal themselves as I sit motionless near the bank. Mule deer, whitetails, moose, and otters are a few critters that I share these waters with. Even birds and waterfowl, as meager as they seem, will cause me to stop what I'm doing and stare with appreciation. It's days like these that "fishing" may not be why I am out here at all. I might as well leave the pole in the car, but catching a fish would be a nice bonus on such a perfect day.

         This winter feels especially cold, much colder than last year. Cabin fever has set in. I know that fishing follows the same aspects during the winter as my activity outdoors declines. The fish slow down and the fishing isn't worth writing home about if the temperature is below thirty-two degrees. At the first glimpse of a thirty-eight to forty degree day, you can bet that I will be heading towards my escape.

          This particular mid-winter outing was a blessing for not only my sanity but for my overall quality of life. To some, fishing is as I explained previously, a good reason to enjoy the outdoors. But for others, fishing satisfies the soul. Setting out to accomplish the task of reeling in a beautiful specimen from a beautiful, untainted body of water is something we've tried to express in articles for decades. No longer are we fishing for the survival of our families but for sport. A half day jaunt into their world only to succeed in what we set out to do is a very good feeling. Walking in and out of mother nature's world only to catch, photograph, and release trout; leaving no sign or trace except for the digital files I take is a win in my book. On this mild day in January, I found all of this remains true to me and a very blissful experience followed.

         The middle of winter submitted to a wonderful fifty degree day. I was lucky enough to be off of work on this day and I knew just what I was going to do. I arrived at the river around noon. It was nice to leave the jeep without gloves, a mask, or a hat. I didnt care how the fishing was, the day was too perfect to be indoors. I remember having the feeling that I was the only person fishing or perhaps the first person to fish this river since fall of last year. The woods and stream had a remarkable vibe that day. The instant that I stepped into this world something engulfed me, I started to get that feeling deep inside. This wasn't the picture perfect day like I had been dreaming about but it was its own unique blend of pristine serenity and beauty. I had miles of shimmering river that was mine to fish alone, which I generally enjoy. Not to say I dont enjoy fishing with friends, but fishing alone is what I enjoy most. While I made my way to my honey hole, which is about a mile walk around tight bends and through several crossings, I had spooked several mule deer which in return spooked me. Eagles gazed down at me as I passed under their perches. I thought I could toss them a trout and make some friends out here. On this day I was happy to be outside and with all I've seen I could have left happy. Then I started thinking about why I was here. I had the urge to catch fish.

       As simple as the phrase "catch fish" sounds, its really quiet deep. This was no task of simply putting on a lure and casting for fish. I was in predator mode, trout slayer mode. It was such a perfect day, however I had yet to please my urges. If I had brought a partner with me it would've been hard to hide my excitement. Like a bass angler sizing up his competition during a tournament, I too was sizing up my opponent; the river. Many say when it comes to trout fishing, that slower is better. Its taken me two years to focus on this idea. Fishing slow for trout can mean fifty different things. Today, me being slow means walking and moving slow while near water that holds fish. I also vowed to myself to fish each hole with more patience, allowing nearly four times the length of time I would usually fish one spot. My bad habits include making ten casts and moving on to the next hole or run. My theory today was conjured with the idea of catching the most fish possible (have to catch as many as I can). The ideology behind the fishing slow is good for a few reasons; mostly because the trout were still cold and a bit lethargic. Fishing slow gives the trout more time to see and consume my flies. It paid off very well.

          I fished my honey hole harder than I would have during warmer seasons. This spot was like a control in an experiment. If I couldn't take my time and catch fish here, I wasn't going to have much luck anywhere on this river. Normally I will fish with general flies that I know work; san juan worm, girdle bug, leech, eggy, blue midge etc. but this day I managed to retie a few times until I found something that worked. I managed to slow down, be patient, cast, cast, retie, cast, retie, repeat, repeat repeat and it paid off! I landed six trout once I  had figured out what they were eating. The fly of choice by hungry trout happened to be a number twenty-two olive midge nymph. They were going nuts for it! I finally dialed into exactly what they were feeding on.

        During my walk back to the jeep, a small riffle of water quietly flows into a 15x10x3ft pool and catches my eye. A stealthy approach gets me within viewing distance and I see nothing but cold dark water seemingly void of all life through my polarized glasses. Should I keep moving or gamble wasting time on such a small pool? Maybe they were holding tight against the sides. I plan my assault, observing everything about this deep little pocket of water such as how I imagine the bottom to be, possible depth, current, obstructions, fish flashes. First cast into what seemed like a hopeless, lifeless body of water and I get snagged. The snag suddenly turned into the shape of a golden silver torpedo as he started to fight, reflecting light off his sleek body. I was just stoked! I was amazed at how many trout and whitefish were in this small pool or water. Life was literally thriving everywhere. From there on, every hole I stopped at held many, many fish. They were stacked up in these holes which I had fished so hard on my way to the honey hole. The right fly was the game changer it seemed. I took my time and landed a dozen fish and hooked twice as many on my way back.

       While my trail merged with another, I spoke with a fly fisherman who was just getting back from fishing upstream. We exchanged info. In that I learned he hadn't had the great day that I did. The empty hole in my soul was now stuffed with satisfaction of a day well fished. We walked back to our cars together talking about what a great day we had. I showed him what I had used to catch my trout and he was happy to be informed. We had a lot in common I realized in just those few minutes we chatted. We were the few who yearn for such days, and the only ones taking advantage of this particular day. I knew that despite this older gentlemen being skunked, he had just as great of a day as I did. I took a moment to reflect these thoughts. More often than not we're out there alone. It's either a guide with a client or a couple when I see pairs. I love this place because of fly fishing, if not for fly fishing I wouldn't fully experience it. I feel fortunate to have discovered the world of fly fishing and trout in big sky country. Fly fishing has mended with my spirit just like the connection of a mighty trout through a fly rod.          Tight lines all!

     

River Fishing Trout: Winter Months

        River fishing trout in the winter months can be challenging and unpleasant. The weather can contribute to regular difficulties and make fishing much harder for a novice like myself. The wind is much colder on the exposed parts of the body such as face and hands. It's already hard enough fishing on a windy day for a beginner, let alone being warm while doing so. The water temperature of the streams are at an all time low. Putting ones hand in a cold river to release a fish can ruin the rest of the day if you cant get warm and dry. The lack of sun in the winter also factors into making it a harder time to fish. The fish are most active in the winter when the sun is at its highest. The longer the sun is shining on the river, the more the water heats up. During the winter solstice is probably one of the most difficult days of the year to fish. I'm not saying fishing is impossible on this day, its just that, with the lack of daylight, the water is going to stay very cold. Obviously, this very cold environment causes trouts metabolism to slow and they do not need to feed as often. With the bite being off during this time of year, many anglers don't want to fuss with the cold, and sometimes fierce winter weather. Remember, many trout anglers wade IN the water. A few hazards come into mind such as ice chunks and ice flows. If you lose your footing and fall below the surface, hypothermia can very quickly take your life.

       
          So the action is dull and the weather stinks, right? Well no. River fishing in the winter can be a rewarding experience. In Montana, like many other trout states, the mountainous terrain causes for unforeseen weather fronts and ever so changing weather reports. Most of us aren't going to run out to the river when there's forty mph winds or whiteout conditions, that would just be stupid; but for the love of trout, some will do it. You need to find yourself a day where temperatures are thirty degrees or more. I find that if the outside temp is below thirty degrees, trout fishing is very slow. There will be plenty of days where it is warmer than thirty degrees. So bundle up and bring what you need to stay warm. Later I will explain how to multiply your factors for success during this difficult time of year.

A warm winter day on the Gallatin River

         Lets say its late December and you've got the itch. Most public streams in Montana are closed this time of year and all that remain open are the big, vast rivers. Here in Southwest Montana, I have been fishing the lower Madison River and all stretches of the Gallatin River this last winter. I've had a lot of success! No matter where you go, as long as there are trout, you will hook up in the winter. If you have many options to choose from you should find which river would fish best in the winter. All rivers are different. Some have minerals which feed micro food which brings more trout food in the system. Some are tail waters or spring creeks which tend to be much warmer in the winter. These warmer bodies of water will have more active fish this time of year. The Madison River and all spring creeks will be significantly warmer. Regardless, wherever you find yourself putting on your waders, I'm willing to bet it is scenic and beautiful.

         I mentioned before that multiplying factors for success is important. Its simple. The more you do to make your presentation viable to winter trout, the more likely you will catch them. First we need to know that, since trouts metabolisms slow down in the winter, trout need to gain the energy they lose, plus some, while pursuing food items. Trout are constantly deciding whether or not insects or small fish are worth the energy to move and chase. It takes a small trout less energy to move further to eat than it takes a large trout, therefore the offering needs to benefit the fishes energy output. Small fish are less likely to chase a big minnow or sculpin and more likely to eat several small insects instead. Big trout, I've noticed, will go out of their way to eat a small trout. The energy output is high but they gain enough to satisfy their metabolism longer. Large trout will also be taken on the smallest flies this time of year but it needs to be presented close to the line the fish is concentrating on. Big baits, such as F-7 or F-11 Rapala, jigs, and large streamers will catch some big fish this time of year. The right small fly will also consistently catch trout.

Big trout/big crank bait

         Another thing you'll want to know is where the fish are this time of year. Out of all of the rivers I fish, this rule tends to stay the same. Trout are in deep holes, or deep slow moving runs. The brighter the sun is shining, the shallower the fish will move. Google Earth has been a big help for me this time of year during the hunt for deep holes along the Gallatin River. Every deep hole I've found has held many large trout. I found it was difficult to get my streamers and flies deep enough and resorted to crank baits and jigs. If you're fishing water where fly fishing is comfortable, the smaller the fly the better, and big streamers will produce.

Copper john #18

         The baits. You cant beat prince nymphs, zebra midge, or copper johns # 18-22. On sunny days I use dull colored flies and on overcast days I will throw shiny, flashy flies. I am still a very beginner dry fly fisherman so I cannot write about the subject in depth. There will most certainly be hatches on calmer days. If you notice many fish rising and you want to participate, try to match your pattern with what you see and go a size or two bigger. The fish tend to be less picky in the winter as food isn't as plentiful. So when a big brown trout in a deep hole under a bridge sees my big crank bait slowly chugging along near the bottom, it realizes that its a great opportunity and will quickly accept my offering. Earthly colored jigs such as grey, brown, dark purple, green, and black out fish bright colors. Personally, I didn't have much luck with spinners either this time of year. Black and brown wooly buggers, both dead drifting and with action, caught trout. Egg patterns work VERY well on top of a small dropper. Red San Juan worms continue to produce into winter as well.

            Winter fishing has its ups and downs. There are no birds chirping as the sun throws its rays over the cottonwoods down around your feet. The absence of leaves and green grass make the rivers look baron at times, as a howling cold wind pushes against the surface. If the fish aren't biting, there aren't many other reasons to be out there. Then again, there are days which are exceptional. Sometimes a calm forty degree day can yield thick, heavy snowflakes that fall silently amid the sound of the river. There are days that are unseasonably mild and you'd think that spring is only days away. Many people who spend time in the water during summer are out of town during the winter. The traffic is much lesser than that of early summer, where guides with groups of people from out of town are out and about. Fishing in solitude is one thing many fly fishers seek while catching trout, and during winter, one could certainly find that.

          There you have it. A small portion of the basics that I have learned with a lot of patience and frustration. Starting off with a spinning rod and transitioning to full time fly fishing during winter has taught me some good lessons. Trout aren't as easy as other fish. I expected to catch right on, and yes, with some luck I actually did pretty fair. I think that has to do with the sheer number of trout in the waters around here. Eventually a hungry trout is going to see your fly and give you a taste of the joy they provide. Its not so hard to fool a trout but it's a challenge to keep fooling them over and over again. I will hopefully spend a whole lifetime learning about these beautiful cold water fish.

                                                   I thank you for reading my blog.
                                                                  Stay tuned!