Does Cooler Weather Mean Fly Fishing is Over Until Spring?
As I look outside today, a brisk northeast wind is blowing and cold rain is pelting the ground. A good day to stay inside! Water temperature has been declining steadily. Should I clean my fly lines and rods and lube reels to put them away for the winter, or is there hope for a few outings with the long rod before spring?
I know some flyroders that think winter is the best time in the Tampa Bay area to catch fish. Does this really apply only to here, or are there other areas of Florida that offer some respite from the winter doldrums? Why should this time of year offer any opportunities to catch fish with our feathered offerings?
Fishing with Capt. Mel last week on a day when we saw only one other boat. Mel said to me, “you live in a great area for winter fishing.” The day was overcast and windy with thick intermittent fog. A wise decision as we headed out from the Marina was to stay close to home and concentrate on flats that were nearby. We were going to fish in the afternoon, when the water temperature is usually warmer, but the forecast was for deteriorating weather conditions later in the day. The tide was just starting to come in.
Our first stop had us catching a few trout, and sneaking up on five or six spooky tailing redfish. One red took a swipe at Mel’s surface offering and quickly sent the others scurrying for deeper water. As the tidal flow increased, the fishing improved. In the four hours we fished we caught and released over fifty trout, many ladyfish and a half dozen three to four pound bluefish. Using light spinning tackle, we were able to cover a large area during a controlled drift in three to five feet of water. Several times when the fish were more concentrated, I slipped a small mushroom anchor over the side making it easier to stay where the fish were foraging on small greenbacks. Baitfish, usually sparse this time of the year, was the key to our best fishing. My eight weight fly rod was used to ply the productive water, resulting in numerous hookups. A lot of the “short strikes” that we were missing on jigs with long tails were guaranteed hookups with flies that were the same size, color, and shape of the greenbacks at our feet.
Game fish are more concentrated in the winter because of shallower water conditions, localized warmer water, smaller bait pods, and wind. Leaving the boat is frequently necessary to improve sustained success. Wading shoes and lightweight waders are constant companions and allow a stealthier approach to keep shallow water fish from spooking.
As long as forage fish still remain in shallow water, flies like Clouser Minnows, Deceivers, and Bendbacks in baitfish colors will work. White, chartreuse/white, and brown/white are staples. Crab and shrimp colors will be more effective as water cools. Earth colors are generally more productive than flies that stand out against the winter bottom background. A little orange mixed with brown is an excellent cold water color. Fish your presentation slower and deeper to increase hookups. Trout will often follow and strike as you lift the rod to cast, thinking their easy prey is going to escape. Reds hit with a hard thump.
Sinking tip fly lines, designed for saltwater conditions, have increased my cold water hookups dramatically. Cortland and Rio products, with clear tips, that I am more familiar with, are used almost exclusively when in water more than two feet deep. A short fluorocarbon leader five feet in length between the fly and clear sinking tip weight forward line is an asset in winter’s clean water. Smaller flies can also be used.
Sand holes can hold some large fish and any grassy flat that has a marled appearance will be more productive after the sun has had a chance to increase water temperature. Cast your fly in these areas and, after sinking, slowly creep your offering along the bottom. Strikes will often occur as soon as movement is imparted. Especially with trout, you may think you are stuck on bottom. A strip strike will reward you with a thumping on the end of your line.
Shallow water fly fishing this time of year can very well turn out to be your favorite. Take your time and pay attention to your surroundings. “Hunt” for concentrations of your quarry. The lower water will give you an opportunity to observe things that are covered with higher tidal flows. Fly fisherman who seek a quality experience will not be disappointed.
