Winter Float Trips with Patrick Weaver

Winter fishing typically means higher water and cold temps. Sometimes standing in
water that is 35° is challenging, even on sunny warm days. A great alternative is to float
bigger rivers in the winter.

Rafts and drift boats navigate higher water in winter and keep you warmer than
standing in the water to cast. Also running bigger rivers in the winter can put you over
larger trout and musky. Many of the large trout winter in the larger river chasing
minnow. These rivers are too big to wade but may be too shallow in the summer to
float.

Preparing for a winter float is not hard, but you need the right gear! Keep layers in
mind. Thermal pants and a top should start the layering. Add a fleece shirt and warm
wool socks for the toes. I like to put a fleece or softshell pants over the thermals. I
don’t want anything too thick, I need to put my waders on top of the pants. The
mornings will be cold, probably in the mid-thirties. I wear a puffy jacket over the fleece
and a raincoat or windproof shell. This system has a waterproof exterior with layered
insulation under it. It will allow me to shed layers as the day warms.

For the head, I like a ball cap with a stocking cap over it. If it warms up enough, I
can shed the stocking cap. The ball cap will help with glare, which will be an issue in
the winter. For the hands, I take 2 pairs of gloves. One is fingerless wool. This is my
favorite fishing glove in the cold. I still have reasonable dexterity and the wool stays
warm when wet. I will also have a full glove for the really cold days. The best pair for
fishing are neoprene but they will sweat if you are rowing.

On sunny days you’ll warm up quickly. If there is wind, the rain shell will buff the
wind. Most of the time you will start peeling layers as the sun gets higher. Usually, I
lose the puffy shell and stow it in a dry bag. Make sure you take a dry bag with an
extra fleece shirt, hat, gloves, and a towel for the unexpected emergency winter dip.
Besides a dry bag, I will take a thermos of Hot Cocoa and some high-calorie snacks like
peanuts. You’ll burn energy on the river and food is fuel to keep warm.

Most of your fishing in the winter will be nymphing or streamer fishing. On big
rivers, I like to use a big nymph with a small one. The bigger nymph is easier for them
to see and to them a bigger calorie bite. If they are picky, the smaller nymph may seal
the deal. For streamers, it is hard to beat a Clouser minnow. I usually fish a chartreuse
and white or olive in white but a black and purple sometimes works.

Fish will tend to be in the slower water in the winter. There are exceptions but
fish the slow water thoroughly, especially when it is adjacent to a drop-off, fast seam, or
structure. Also, slow the retrieves down when streamer fishing. Remember the fish are
cold-blooded and usually a slower retrieve works better.

Tight Lines and good luck!

Patrick