TJ_PSU wrote:
After a discussion with a fellow angler, it seems as though I may have been forgetting an important part of my fly fishing due diligence: checking water temps. I never did this before and since I plan on getting out more this winter, I think it will be important. Some online articles say ideal water temps for trout fishing is 45-60. I assume this goes for any location, freestone, limestone water, etc?
TJ
Winter trout fishing is great, and keeping an eye on water temps is always a good idea. In the winter, freestone streams may dip down into the low 30's, not ideal for active fish, but you
can catch trout in this frigid water.
Trout tend to be active when the water temps rise even a few degrees during the day. Usually the best time to fish is in the late afternoon, when water temps peak. With that being said, if the stream is covered with or has snow or ice along its banks, a rise in air temps above freezing can actually can lower water temps by melting into the water; so be aware of that when fishing.
Limestone streams tend to stay warmer and you may opt to fish a limestoner in the winter. We are lucky in PA, we have plenty to choose from in our state.
In general, you will find most success fishing in slower and deeper water during wintertime. Probing the depths slowly with weighted nymphs or adding shot is often a good fishing strategy. You may run into a hatch of midges, BWOs, or winter stoneflies on top, but most times it's fishing low and slow in the winter. Another strategy is slowly drifting, swinging and stripping streamers to cover water and maybe locate fish.
Check out the current
blog on the home page for more tips on when, where and how to fish.
Good luck!