Winter Fishing technique's

Walsh: the ice you see along highways like Rt 8 in Connecticut looks blue. It seeps out of springs in the ledge rock and cliffs blasted away for highway construction. You know the stuff, check it out.

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Mantis, that was a really nice post. Thanks. Reminds me of some great times in the winter.

Getting back to the gloves... there is an army surplus store near me in Patterson, NY. They sell some fingerless green wool army gloves for $5/pair. The keep my hands warm even when wet and I can tie knots just fine with them. A cheaper alternative to the admittedly more fashionable Orvis version. I tried a pair of Simms with the flip back fingers but found them very clumsy for knot tying and fishing. I cut off the tips and I think the $5 army surplus keep my hands warmer so the simms are collecting dust in the garage.

What do you guys think? I believe trout stack up in the winter just because there is less suitable holding water. For example, if they sit in a deeper pool, the water near the bottom may actually be warmer and more comfortable for them. It's another kind of thermal refuge, right?

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I Think they stack up, you hook one trout in a spot and its usually good for a bunch..I know they dont move to far in the cold water, but neither do I..

Would they be stacking up in the warmer water for metabolic reasons? What I mean is that it takes a bit of warmth to digest food and being in the warmer water would make it easier to digest whatever they are eating kind of like the way turtles and snakes will bask in the sun in the spring. It seems logical enough to me but I am no biologist.

Lopat: Yes, I think that's it. That's the reason trout always seek the most comfortable temperatures. It may also have to do with the amount of dissolved oxygen in water of some temperature and therefore density. I believe this is the key to stillwater success, too.

Let me introduce myself, My name Kevin and I live in the pacific northwest. Spokane Washington. I fly fish for anything that will eat a fly. I have just recently started fishing the czech way and I haven't ever had so much fun. So to my question on this subject.

I have always wanted to fish our Spokane river going through town in the winter, but didn't have a clue where to start. We have redband rainbows and brown trout in the river and it is a freestone river with huge boulders. Where do you feel fish would position themselves in the winter time, and what kind of patterns would you use?

thank you

Kevin

Look for the deeper runs beind the boulders. I know it's obvious but that's where they will go. Look for that water that looks like glass. That's where the water is less turbulent. The ideal current speed in the winter is about walking speed. The fish can be rather lethargic so work the water slowly. More casts and patience usually result in more fish.

Also, if there are pools be sure to fish them thouroughly. Often times the fish will pile up in one spot and if you find them you will find a lot more.

Don't get into the mindset that Czech nymphing is the only way to go. Indicator nyphing often shines during the winter months. Every technique has it's place. Post some pics of the stream. I'd like to see it!

BTW Welcome to the site...