Wintertime Fish Consideration

Winter fly fishing
Fishing and fish in cold weather Wintertime scene in the Shenandoah Valley on the North Fork of the Shenandoah River near Mt. Jackson, VA
North Fork Shenandoah River 1/7/2018 near Mt. Jackson, VA

Fishing and fish in cold weather: Do you fish all year in areas where the thermometer drops below freezing? If you answered yes, you are most likely familiar with freezing fly line, ice forming in your guides and frozen fingers.  If you’re like us getting outside and experiencing the outdoors just feels good.
When the air is cold enough to freeze your fly line or guides, it’s cold enough to harm a fish.  The fish gills, eyes and other soft tissues are extremely susceptible to damage when exposed to freezing air.
When you catch a fish, please limit the amount of air you expose it to before releasing it.
The “#keepemwet” philosophy is the best choice for fish survival, especially when it’s below freezing.