Winter Fishing Tips, Staying Comfortable, and Guide Picks

Winter fly fishing in Western North Carolina is a quieter, more intentional season. One that rewards patience, a willingness to slow down and a little pre-planning for both fishing and safety concerns. As water temperatures drop, the trout’s metabolism also slows down, and fishing success relies on thoughtful presentation rather than just hoping for the best…although that can still occasionally work! For anglers who embrace the reality of winter, WNC offers some of its most peaceful and technical fishing of the year. 

Let’s go over a few highlights of what can align you for success on the water during the Winter. Some may be obvious, some might be a new trick for you to learn! 

Fishing Tactics:

Trout tend to hold in deeper runs, soft seams, and slower pools where they can conserve energy during this time. Nymph rigs can be the reliable go-to, with small, natural patterns like assorted midge patterns (I personally love a Jedi-Master or Slim Shady pattern), blue-winged olives, and softhackles producing consistently. Longer leaders, light tippet, and clean drifts are critical when fish are this selective. Think of fishing in the summer when those fish get super picky…it’s similar…except freezing! Dry fly fishing still has some opportunities, depending on the day. On warmer days with a glimpse of sunshine, you may experience a good hatch, although they do not typically last all too long. If you want to dry fly fish, watch the forecast and take advantage of those prime days! Streamer fishing in the Winter can go one of two ways: you catch your trophy trout that is on the hunt for fueling calories…or, you may get skunked. Isn’t that streamer fishing in general though? Ha! Don’t be scared to switch up sizes, colors and retrieval methods on streamers either, they are certainly worth rolling the dice on if you are interested in quality over quantity. 

Staying Comfortable on the Water: 

It’s no secret or surprise that if you take a dip into icy water, your fishing day is probably going to be cut short and you’ll be heading back to the house prematurely. However, prepping for your day and expecting the unexpected can save you in more ways than one. 

My preferred set of clothing for a frigid day on the water includes the following: A wool baselayer set consisting of a long sleeve shirt and thermal pants. If you haven’t used Hot-Hands adhesive body warmers, you are missing out big time. I take one and stick it on the inside of my secondary layer, facing my body. I typically put one on the backside of my torso, as well as my front torso. On really really cold days, i’ll even stick one on the thigh part of my thermal pants. That little extra kick of heat will keep you SO much more comfortable throughout the day. Extra tip–expose those warmers to some air about 30 minutes before using them and they will get extra hot! Up next, your secondary layer. I prefer to use layers that still allow me to move as freely as possible, instead of really bulky layers. For your top, the Skwala Fusion Tactical hoodie is perfect for this. While thick to retain heat, the material still moves really well and doesn’t feel restraining in any way. For bottoms, I love a thick pair of joggers over the thin thermal bottoms. Top it off with your favorite puffy jacket or wading jacket and you should be set. Freezing hands are also no fun, so here’s a guide hack! Wear your usual gloves that keep your hands warm, but add a surgical style glove over top of them to keep them dry…because wet gloves don’t work! I love a neck gaiter and toboggan as well to finish it all off!

Additionally, I highly recommend keeping a backup change of clothes, towel, blanket, first aid kit and some form of warm liquid like tea or coffee (…or whiskey also does the trick!) in your vehicle. If you take a dip, you can easily change into warm clothes, enjoy some streamside comradery, and get back to fishing. Always let someone know where you are going to be fishing, what time you will return, and stick to that plan. While we all do some crazy things to enjoy the outdoors, no trip is worth dying for. Prepare for the worst, and enjoy the best. 

Overall, don’t consider winter as an “off-season” in WNC. The scenery, stillness and slow pace of this time of year is special. Don’t let it slip by without enjoying God’s creation at least a few times on the stream. 

Other Winter Guide Favorites, Linked to Our Online Store!

• Skwala Fusion Tactical Hoody
• Grundens Gortex Boundary Wader (mens and womens!)
• T&T Avantt II Fly Rod
• Ross Animas Fly Reel
• Scientific Anglers Trout Stealth Leader & Tippet
• Filson All Weather Duffle