Noob Question – Ozarks Trout In The Winter?

[Aaron J Scott]

Since I'm still in my infancy with this whole fly rod thing, what should I know about hitting our trout streams in the winter? I don't mind getting out in the cold for a while and would rather spend a nice winter day out on a stream than in front of the TV. Any tips, techniques, locations and fly suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Zach Bearden]

Usually in the winter time water levels are lower and much clearer. There are some exceptions to this but that is generally what happens.

Go with a lighter tippet, smaller flies, and a lighter rod if you've got one. You don't want to go to set the hook on a fish and your rod to be too stiff and break your tippet. If you can't get a lighter rod get a shock gum leader by Rio. Of course this isn't set in stone as you could fish a large fly in the winter and still catch plenty of fish. Oh, and you might try a longer leader in ultra clear water. Maybe some Fluorocarbon?

Some really good flies are Serendipitys, zebra midges, and try some griffiths gnats when you the fish are on top of the water eating midges. Winter fishing is exciting. There aren't as many people out there, and the fish are always eager to eat a midge or two.

[Ham]

Find someone to go with you that has experience and can show you the ropes.

I'm not sure where you're located, but take a look at the Rim Shoals website. There is a gentleman named Henry that goes out with folks for a MINIMAL fee that would help you a BUNCH.

When conditions are half right at Rim, you'll catch a BUNCH of fish.

[hoglaw]

Lots of people on here with more experience than me as far as numbers on the tailwaters go, but I don't fish them in January-February without bringing plenty of white wolly-buggers or arkansas beadheads. Whether the shad kill is on or not, I always seem to hook a couple of bruiser browns on white this time of year.

[laker67]

Aaron,

The only difference between winter and summer fishing is the amount of clothes that you wear. Speaking of clothes, always carry an extra set of everything in case you get wet. The trout have to eat 12 months out of the year, so the same flies you use in July, use in January. As far as tippet goes, if you use 7-6-and 5x all year, then you're set for every situation. I have never had good success with shock tippet. Usually you get a poor hook set with shock leader attached to the light tippet. Learn how to set the hook for the size tippet you are using. With 7x its a movement of the wrist. It won't take long to get the hang of it. Sowbugs, wooly buggers, zonkers, and egg patterns will catch fish anywhere, anytime, night or day. As far as landing big fish on light tippet, I like the challenge because it makes you play the fish and not try to hoarse him like you would a bass. I have landed 28 fish over 10 on 7X, and one over 20 on 5X. With the rainbows natural instinct to move upstream in the fall, fish near springs and other tributaries in the winter. As Zach or someone said, the crowds will be lighter in the winter, at least on the streams. Your chances of finding undisturbed fish will be better. Winter fishing is a most enjoyable experience. Good luck and keep us posted.

[troutchaser]

I'd also recommend some egg patterns. For some reason, they work better in winter regardless of the fact that there's no spawn to speak of around here.

As far as gear, I use the same stuff in winter as the rest of the year and I don't have any trouble.