Fly fishermen world over place almost mythological import on fly selection - there may be times that fly selection truly does take on mythological qualities, but winter fly fishing is not one of those circumstances.

We tend to agree with the many others who have written before us that the concept of “going back to the basics” probably best describes winter fly selection. 

Your winter fishing for the next 4 to 6 weeks in particular will be overwhelmingly subsurface / nymphing - a decent selection of San Juan worms, Midges, Pheasant Tails in all their variations, Princes, Sow Bugs, Scuds, and Hares Ears will cover almost any circumstance.  We agree with those who feel a smaller bugger can be useful in the winter, and carry a decent array in our winter box too.  For those so inclined an egg pattern can produce also. 

We’re probably too optimistic this time of year, but we do have a few Griffith’s Gnats in the box just in case we find some risers working midges coming off - a Griffith’s with a Zebra trailer is our favorite initial set in that circumstance of late.  It won’t be too long before you might see a BWO coming off……

Strategy is obvious - given their slowed metabolisms during the cold winter season, trout are oft podded up in deeper runs with slow to moderate current, expending minimal energy to feed on the larva and nymphs that are present on / in the stream bed.  Nymphs need to be fished deep and slow (think split shot), most likely beneath an indicator. 

It’s fair game to throw your favorite “magic fly” - but it certainly will improve your odds to have a good selection of these aforementioned flies in your box when you head for your favorite winter water. 

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