Here in Colorado and in many places throughout the country, we enjoy great year-round fly fishing. There’s no need to wait until spring. Enjoy time in the outdoors and keep your fishing skills sharp throughout the winter season.
Over the past few years, we’ve published a handful of articles and videos about winter fly fishing skills, gear, and tactics. While a few of the specific products mentioned might have come and gone, the advice is still solid. Here’s a roundup of some of our best winter fishing content to help you enjoy your time on the water in the New Year… Click the blog titles below to open up each blog.
3 Critical Layering Pieces for Every Angler
One of the first and most important parts of having fun fly fishing this winter, is a good layering system. The more comfortable you are, the longer you’ll be willing to stay and the more success you’ll have. Focus on the fishing. Not on being frozen.
In this article from the fall of 2020, we outlined the key layering pieces that you’ll want to consider, which materials to look for and what pieces to consider. Check out our current Men’s Clothing and Women’s Clothing for the latest pieces that we carry.
Dry Fly Fishing in the Dead of Winter – A Quick Guide
It is often news to anglers that dry fly fishing in the winter is even possible. Sure, midges and nymph rigs are the norm this time of year. But don’t miss the opportunity to fish dry flies on some of our favorite tailwaters.
This article was originally published two years ago, and it offers some helpful tips on how to take advantage of winter dry fly fishing opportunities.
Tailwaters in the Winter: The Approach and Where to Begin
We are fortunate to enjoy some excellent tailwater fishing here in Colorado, with year-round opportunities. Tailwaters are those stretches of river below dams, creating relatively stable water flows and temperatures, even through the winter months.
In this article, which was published just a year ago, we asked the crew here at the fly shop for their winter tailwater fishing tips. Click the link above to see what they had to say.
Winter Fishing Tactics: Go Big or Go Small
This time of year, we often find ourselves fishing under an indicator, or fishing small nymphs on a tight line. And there’s not much in between. As you approach the water this winter, we’d recommend experimenting with streamers, in addition to the standard tailwater midges and small nymphs.
Our team created this video back in the winter of 2020. And while it’s more entertainment than offering any specific tips, it’s a fun look at winter fishing here in Colorado.
Tactics for Winter Fishing: Getting Your Flies Down Deep
One of the most important keys to success when fly fishing in the winter, is depth. It’s crucial to get your flies down into the strike zone quickly.
In this article and accompanying video, our friend and former fly shop crewmember, Davis James, shows us how to create a great rig for winter nymphing.
Tips for Tailwater Fly Fishing
Tailwaters offer excellent fishing for big trout. But they can be notoriously finicky. In fact, it’s often said that if you can master the trout fishing on our South Platte tailwaters here on the Front Range, you can successfully fish for trout just about anywhere.
This article is now a few years old as well, but it offers some helpful tips, specifically for targeting picky tailwater trout.
Our Favorite Flies for Late Winter and Early Spring Fishing
Anglers Can expect these winter fishing conditions to persist well into the spring. But as the days become longer and the temperatures gradually warm, trout will become increasingly active over the next several months.
As you practice your fly fishing skills, check out this article for some of our favorite fly recommendations for this time of year.
Contact Us With Questions
If you have questions or if you need help getting started, please let us know! We’d be happy to show you our favorite rigs, flies, and tactics for successful winter fishing. If you live here in the Denver area or along the Front Range, visit us at the fly shop and Boathouse. Otherwise, give us a call at 303-794-1104. And have fun fishing this winter!
