Winter Spey Strategies – How to find Success when it’s Really Cold!

The past couple weeks in the NW have been really cold by local standards.  Sure we get some cold weather and some snow every year.  Perhaps it’s because I’m getting older but this last bit of cold seems even chillier than years past.  It’s times like this that having a good solid strategy and excellent technique will make the difference.  Being cold blooded creatures, steelhead metabolism slows down when it’s cold- they are simply less active.  To get them on the swung fly, we’ve got to be on our A game!

Winter Spey Strategies-Get the Right Sink Tip

The first thing we have to achieve to have a chance, is to get the fly in the zone where the fish are.  That is, at least half the depth of the water.  The typical set up for this is a spey rod with a Skagit fly line and a sink tip.  On the end of the sink tip should be a short leader; we like 3-3.5′ of 12 or 15lb.  What sink tip to use is very important.  Too heavy and you’re snagging the bottom, too light and you are not in the ball game with your fly nowhere near the fish.

To get the right depth we like to use the “SINK TIP TEST” this is shown in detail in our ebook: “5 Steps to Winter Spey Success”.  Other tools to use are paying attention to when you snag the bottom.  Is it mid-swing, near the end or never?  Try adjusting your sinktip and your weight of fly (unweighted, conehead, small lead eye or medium lead eyes) to get the fly in the zone.

Often when conditions are extremely cold, it’s because everything is frozen.  We haven’t had a warm rain to raise and warm up the rivers.  Snow and ice melt is cold and usually low flows.  This may mean that we’ve got to lighten up the approach.  T8 sink tips with unweighted flies are often the ticket.  T11 sink tips are typical for most of the winter but could be too heavy in lighter runs (less current) and lower water.

Winter Spey Strategies- Managing the Swing

This is where the rubber meets the road and is so often overlooked part of the spey anglers approach!  So many winter anglers get out on the water and swing the same way they do in summer.  The swing is what gets the fish to eat the fly- this is so important.  Managing your swing means adjusting and manipulating the swing speed to ensure your fly is getting deep enough to be viable.  If it’s just under the surface in 33 degree water, you’re not getting bit!

Adjust your swing speed to allow the fly to get deeper but not snag the bottom.  This often means slowing the fly down early in the swing (with a good mend) and then keeping that swing momentum through the swing.

Low clear and cold conditions often means the river is just shallower than during normal flows.  It also translates that there is less current to help carry your fly along and not snag the bottom like there is during normal flows.  In shallow runs you may need to adjust your casting angle more down stream to have an immediate swing.  Consider not mending or even leading the fly in shallow runs that you snag bottom in.  Avoid snagging the bottom in low clear conditions as getting your fly un-stuck can often spook fish.

Click this link to get Clackamas River Water Temperatures.

Winter Spey Strategies- Adjusting your approach

Slow down the swing speed to keep the fly deep but how about slowing down how you move through the run.  In extreme cold water steelhead are less likely to move far for a fly.  Limit the distance you move downstream between each cast to ensure you are covering the water but still moving downstream each cast.  I like about 4′ between casts.  Aim to be methodical and concise in your casting and stepping down between casts to ensure you cover the water.

Winter Spey Strategies- How to Stay Warm

This could be an entire article on it’s own but it goes without saying, you’ll fish better when you are comfortable.  There are so many great products out there now that anglers should not be cold while fishing!  Be sure to wear layers (add more than you think-you can always take them off later).  Heated vests, gloves, socks are all out there and available.  Hand warmers are a home run!  Put one in your pocket and keep your hand warm while your fly is swinging!  There are lots of good products out there.  Don’t be cold and miserable when you don’t have to.

Winter Spey Strategies- What to Expect

You never know, it could be your first cast but don’t expect super HOT fishing when temperatures are in the extreme cold zone.  Setting up with the right sinktip, fly and carefully managing your swing you can have success even when it’s cold.  However, expect this to be a grind; you’ll usually have to work for it.  These times steelhead are not a “gimme”.  Often the bite is slow, soft pull or even just a stop of the fly.  You might even thing your fly stopped on a rock.  Don’t rush on the hook up.  Give it time to develop.

With the right gear and a hard work ethic you can manage your winter swing to success.

Wishing you the best of luck on your winter spey success!

If you’d like to learn first hand how to fish the cold water time of year with the right strategies for success you might be interested in Water Time Outfitters, Steelhead Mastery Tactics Class– This 2 day class teaches you the strategies to catch steelhead!

More articles that can help you find success fly fishing for steelhead:

5 Steps to Winter Spey Success – get our Ebook/video tutorial

High Water Strategies for Winter

How to choose the right fly for Winter

5 Tips to Summer Steelhead Success

Who is Water Time Outfitters?  Water Time Outfitters is a team of guides who offer guided fly fishing and classes on Oregon’s finest waters.  When anglers plan a fishing trip they need to know they’re spending time and money on a great experience.  We aim to surpass their expectations with expert, fun-loving guides and exceptional hospitality, so our guests can focus on their love of fly fishing, maximize their success and take home memories that last a lifetime. See more at: www.Watertimeoutfitters.com