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15 February 2005
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Winter Midge Fishing in Colorado
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For those of us that don't put the rods up at the first threat of snow, winter fishing is a time when there are few other fishermen and fish that may not be as selective as they are during the summer.
The most effective fishing at this time is with midge larvae and emergers. Midges continue to hatch year round, and the fish key in on these hatches. Look for Ouzels (also called Dippers) to fly along the shorelines, or dive into rapids. This is your first indication that bugs are hatching. The second indication is rise forms on the surface as fish take emergers just below, or in, the surface film.
I fish double fly rigs most of the time, and it's no different in the winter. If there is surface activity, I'll rig an emerger above and a midge larvae below, with a small strike indicator about 5 feet above the top fly.
Depending on water conditions and how spooky the fish are will dictate whether I use fluorocarbin tippet. I don't like how stiff it is in in cold weather, many times coiling on the surface, but if the water is low and clear you may need to use it.
I usually start off with a very small split shot about a foot above the bottom fly, and casting up and across the seam, let the flies float back towards me. Any time the indicator hesitates or wobbles, I set the hook. You'll probably have 25 false strikes for every real one, but if you don't attempt to set the hook you won't catch anything.
It is not unusual for us to have 8 or more fish to hand before lunch using this technique on the Big Thompson River near Estes Park, but even when things are slower, the scenery is unmatched.
Tight Lines,
Chris Conway
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