Fly Fishing for Trout
Many of our delayed harvest trout streams such as Back Creek and Passage Creek have exceptionally good midge fly hatches during the winter. This can provide some excellent fly fishing for trout. I find this very exciting because the trout are very selective on the flies they will take. It is exciting to walk through a snow covered field to approach a flat pool and see a dozen delicate dimples on the surface of the stream which form as the trout sip in the adult midges.
For serious anglers, this can be addictive. I’ve seen my son Jeff hardly move out of his tracks for two hours as he fishes to midge feeders. I admit that taking a cruising rainbow trout over 20 inches long on a size 20 dry fly is exceptionally gratifying.
I find the greatest number of midge feeders during the last two hours of the day. If the trout shows a delicate dimple on the surface when he sips in a natural midge, he is feeding on the adults. The Mr. Rapidan Midge Dry in size 20 works well here. If the trout is showing a splashing or swirling riseform, then the trout is feeding on the emerging midge as it heads for the surface.
Listen to my podcast for the fly rig I use in these conditions and the technique.
Bass
Many of the bass streams are too cold in the winter to fish. Most anglers take advantage of this time to tie flies for the upcoming season. When tying underwater flies for bass there are some things you need to keep in mind.
- Tie and/or design flies which look like the natural foods the bass feed upon.
- Use tying materials that will enable the fly to act like the real bait.
- Keep your flies streamlined so they cast and perform well.
- Avoid fly designs that have excessive appendages sticking out of the sides. Real long pinchers, stiff legs and wings can be a nightmare to cast accurately and can twist a leader.
I prefer to use good breathable materials such as rabbit fur, marabou, ostrich herl and soft saddle hackle.
Fly Fishing in January can be very rewarding. Just be sure to dress appropriately and be careful when wading along the streams. Often you will have the stream to yourself.
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