Over the past three months we've been fishing tough tailwater rivers in Colorado. From the Blue to Cheesman, we all know how difficult it can be to get fish to eat our bugs. Here are some flies that I've tied that can be very effective on those tough winter trout.
This midge pattern in a sz. 26 has been one of the most productive film midges I've used this winter. Other anglers have caught many fish on this little guy. The "Ice Midge" is a great choice for tough sipping trout. You can fish below a heavier nymph or just under a small dry fly.
In the spirit of Colorado, this RS-2 type fly offers good film fishing as well. I've fished this guy as a dry as well as effective emerger. I suggest using them is sizes 22 and 24.
The "Midge Magic" offers great profiles in the water. Using fine blue wire and small hackles, you can fish this guy to very selective trout. Some of my biggest winter fish have come from this fly.
Pat Dorsey's "Top Secret" midge has been a great tailwater fly for years. I've made some adjustments to how the wing looks, as well as offering some gold or silver body wraps instead of the traditional 6 or 8/0 thread. Once again fish this fly as the last in a two or three fly rig. When fish are sipping on the surface I fish this behind a size 24 Parachute Adams.
Like the "Midge Magic" I've made this fly even simpler. No hackle, but the addition of black crystal dubbing and a flashback wing-case gives this fly a simple look.
The Haskel/Dudek Midge is a perfect dry fly during the winter months. Z-Lon is a great material for wings because it captures light well. Fish truly key in on this fly. Make sure to use proper proportions when tying in the wings.
Effective winter midge fishing can be grueling, but the results are amazing. Be patient, and confident in the flies that you are fishing. As John Hazel says, "Learn to fish good water well."
Cheers,
A.J.
