Winter Fly Fishing Options

[swizz]

A Tale Of Two Rivers

Got out for a couple days of winter flyfishing and thought I'd share some pics with those of you who might have a touch of the cabin fever.
My friend Tim and I flyfished two different rivers and had a blast!

The first river was like every flyfisherman's dream... great weather and beautiful trout that were most cooperative. The insect hatches were right on schedule and our fly boxes were well stocked with the proper ammunition. Some days work out just perfect, and this was one of them.

The second river, on the other hand, was most uncooperative and the temps never got above 10 degrees. The cold temps resulted in an all-day ice flow and allowed little in the way of controlled drifts essential for successful flyfishing. By 2:30 the ice flows had diminished enough to get decent drifts and maybe get a hook-up. I fought two and landed zero... we both left that one a little disappointed but stronger from the experience.
It was a hell of a lot of work that day and we managed to make lemonade out of lemons.

RIVER A

This is my friend rigging-up at our base station on the first river. It's probably about 9am and the sun's a shining. This was precursor to what would be a most excellent day!


Here are some Rainbows that came out to play... (first two are in-the-net shots, kinda trippy)




Outstanding gill plate color on this one




... and a few Browns showed up as well

[Denise]

High winds are no fun when camping in a tent, good call. Winds have been crazy here in the valley as well. Some days up to 80 mph!

I fish, but its been way too long!! I havent had a chance to learn fly fishing yet though, and we even have one here waiting for us to learn. Makes me think of the movie "A River Runs Through It".
Maybe this summer. I bet I would really enjoy it! It looks like alot more fun than just sitting there waiting on a bite.

[swizz]

I bet I would really enjoy it! It looks like alot more fun than just sitting there waiting on a bite.

Oh yeah, never a dull moment for sure, plenty to keep ya busy. Between casting, mending, catching and untangling one can still find time to daydream though.
I'm headed back there on Weds for more . Might add a few more pics here... although it's hardly "winter flyfishing" in southern WY anymore. Still winter here though. Ski Area closes in about a week so I know it has to give up the ghost soon. I really have the itch for prospecting now too. These trips hold an ulterior motive for me as the route passes my claim. Hopefully when I drive by it's lost a bunch of snow!
We've had some rough winds here this winter and spring but not 80 MPH!!. Wind gusts that bad can really mess with your head. Holy smokes.