The Fly Guide | December 2025
The Fly Guide: DEC 2025
5 New Year’s Resolutions Every Fly Angler Should Make in 2026
As we flip the calendar to 2026, it's time to reflect—not just on missed hooksets and broken 5X tippet—but on how we can become better, more intentional anglers this year. Whether you're chasing trout in technical tailwaters, carp on the flats, or smallmouth in your home river, here are five resolutions to make this your best fly fishing season yet.
Fish More Local: This year, skip a few of the long drives and explore water close to home. That slow-moving ditch? It might hold carp. That farm pond? Largemouths. Rediscover the adventure in your own backyard—you might be surprised what swims there.
Keep a Fly Fishing Journal: Start tracking your outings: where you fished, what flies you used, water temps, weather, and how the fish responded. Over time, this becomes one of your most valuable tools—and a fun way to relive great days on the water.
Commit to Conservation: Pack out more trash than you bring in. Volunteer for a stream cleanup. Donate to local watershed groups. Our fisheries need more than just our casts—they need our care.
Master One New Technique: In 2026, pick one skill to sharpen: Euro nymphing, mousing at night, double-hauling, tying your own flies, or casting a two-hander. Progress feels great, and adding one new trick to your game can change everything.
Introduce Someone New to the Sport: Share the water. Teach a friend, a neighbor, a kid. We all started somewhere, and there’s no better way to fall in love with fly fishing all over again than seeing someone else experience that first eat. Our First Cast Program is the perfect place to start.
Fly fishing isn't just about catching fish—it’s about being present, appreciating wild places, and always learning. Let 2026 be the year you grow as an angler and a steward of the water.
How to Fish Nymphs in Winter: Cold Water, Hot Drifts
When winter sets in and trout metabolism slows, dry fly action fades—but nymphs? They still catch fish. In fact, nymphing is the most consistent way to connect with trout through the coldest months. You just need to adjust your tactics. Here's how to dial in your winter nymphing game.
Think deep & slow: In cold water, trout hug the bottom to conserve energy. Your nymphs need to get down—fast and low. Use heavy flies (like tungsten beadheads or jigs) or add split shot if necessary. A slow, natural drift along the bottom is key.
Downsize your patterns: Winter trout are less likely to chase big bugs. Instead, they feed selectively on small midges and mayfly nymphs. Reach for #16–#22 zebra midges, pheasant tails, or WD-40s. Sometimes, one well-placed tiny fly outperforms everything else.
Fish the soft water: Avoid fast riffles—trout won’t burn calories fighting current in the cold. Focus on deep pools, slow seams, and gentle tailouts, especially in the warmest part of the day (late morning to early afternoon).
Use a senstive indicator or tight line set up: Winter takes are often subtle. A small, low-drag indicator or a Euro nymphing leader helps detect even the softest bites. Watch carefully—many winter eats feel like nothing at all.
Be patient, stay stealthy: Trout in winter aren’t moving much, so success often means presenting flies to multiple spots slowly and quietly. Wear dull colors, move cautiously, and make each drift count.
Discover new trout waters this winter
Winter may seem like an off-season for many anglers, but it can actually be a fantastic time to explore new trout waters and sharpen your skills. The quieter fishing pressure and clear, crisp days open up unique opportunities to discover hidden gems. Here’s how you can find new trout fly fishing spots during the winter months:
Research Online Maps and Apps: Start with digital tools like topographic maps, fishing apps, and state wildlife resources. Look for rivers and streams marked as trout waters, paying close attention to accessible sections. Some apps also show water temperature and flow data, which can help you pinpoint spots trout may favor in colder weather.
Scout from Roads and Trails: Winter’s bare trees and lower foliage make roadside and trail scouting easier. Drive along lesser-known country roads or forest service routes, keeping an eye out for promising water. Pull off where safe to inspect access points, riffles, and pools that might hold trout.
Check Local Hatchery Releases and Regulations: Many states stock trout waters year-round, including winter months. Review local hatchery schedules and fishing regulations to find public waters stocked recently or open for winter fishing. These areas often provide excellent chances for success and discovery.
Talk to Local Anglers and Guides: Even in winter, local fly shops and guides remain valuable sources of information. Drop by, ask about lesser-known spots, or inquire about recent trout activity. Anglers you meet on winter outings can also share tips and even invite you to try new waters together.
Observe the Weather and Water Conditions: Cold fronts, snowmelt, and water clarity shifts influence trout behavior. After a period of stable cold weather, clear water and steady flows often bring trout into predictable lies. Use this knowledge to time your explorations and increase your chances of finding active fish.
Prepare for Winter Conditions: Finally, ensure you’re equipped with proper gear—waders, layered clothing, and traction aids—to stay comfortable and safe. The more prepared you are, the more time you can spend discovering and fishing new waters.
Winter’s slower pace offers a special chance to connect deeply with the water and explore new trout fishing landscapes. By combining research, observation, and local knowledge, you can uncover fresh winter trout fly fishing adventures that others overlook. Happy exploring!
