On the Fly: Can you fly fish in winter?

While we patiently wait for Ullr to turn up the precipitation, there are a plethora of local river runs that remain wide-open as we await better alpine skiing and riding conditions. As travelers see, the snow is a bit on the light side as of now. The flakes will fly in earnest later this winter, but don’t despair if you are in town and not impressed with the amount of snow we’ve accumulated so far. It will come. 

If you are a visiting angler, rental equipment is readily available at most fly shops here. Hiring a local fishing guide will make your day even easier, and all equipment is usually provided in these situations. Most angling skiers bring their rods and waders when visiting, so some fly and location recommendations are the only requirements to have a nice time on the water.  Insect options are simplified in the winter, so having a successful day isn’t as complicated as our complex summertime hatches can be.

Most sections of rivers here from Aspen down to Glenwood Springs remain fishable through the winter months, barring areas that don’t receive ample sunlight. The best example is the renowned Fryingpan River in Basalt, which is a dam-release tailwater that remains open and fishable regardless of time of year. This river is a 365-day fishery, and finding a spot to wet a line is easy.

If you are comfortable skiing, you can certainly stay warm enough while fishing. Simply layer up like you would on the slopes, and we would argue it’s always warmer down low on the river than it would be getting off a ski lift anywhere in the Rocky Mountains. Flies of note are mysis shrimp, midges, blue winged olive nymphs, egg patterns, and small streamers that represent other juvenile fish. 

Grab some information from your favorite local fly shop. There’s nothing stopping you from having a ball on our quality trout streams here in the Roaring Fork Valley if you (and your family) need a break from the slopes.