We’ve been getting a bit of snow lately, and more is in the forecast for the end of the week. We’ll take every flake that we can get! Snow = Trout Habitat!
With the recent snowfalls, it’s a great idea to be prepared on any fishing excursion. Consider carrying a few essential items in your vehicle such as a shovel, tire chains, tow strap, blanket, extra food, water, and clothing, and a fully charged cell phone battery. It doesn’t hurt to be prepared!
Snowstorms and low-pressure systems equate to good fishing on local waters. Calm, dark days can produce some outstanding action.
Most of our local waters are flowing at typical low, winter flows, and this means that anglers should consider a bit of stealth when approaching the water. Long, light leaders are the norm when dry fly fishing; midge and BWO activity will pick up towards the end of the month and into March. Anglers on the Big Wood, Big Lost, and South Fork Boise will need to bring their Silver Creek tactics during the midge and BWO hatches.
When nymphing, it’s hard to beat a small Zebra Midge, Brassie, Rainbow Warrior, Copper John, or WD-40. Black, red, and olive are all productive colors. Don’t forget your favorite stonefly imitations as well. A Pat’s Rubber Legs in black, brown, olive, or purple is an excellent choice.
Streamers can really produce some quality fish during late winter and early spring. For most of our fisheries, a floating line and weighted streamer is all that’s needed to get into the strike zone. If additional weight is needed, small non-toxic split shot added to the leader fits the bill. A common mistake among many anglers who aren’t experienced with fishing streamers is using leaders that are far too light. When fishing streamers, go heavier than you’d expect. 1X, 0X, and even straight 15 or 20 lb. monofilament is ideal. Fish aren’t typically leader shy when chasing streamers, and light leaders such as 4X and 5X will often break on the strike and/or hookset. There’s no wrong way to fish a streamer; dead-drift it, swing it, jig it, or strip it! All of these methods will produce fish in given situations. Remember not to “trout-set” when fishing streamers. A strip-strike ensures a solid direct hook set. While there are numerous effective streamers available, it’s hard to beat a conehead woolly bugger in black, olive, or brown.
Stay safe and happy fishing everyone!