Week of February 9th 2025: Winter Conditions
Week of February 9th
We are over the mid-way point of winter, but clearly in the midst of the season. Our region could use some more winter weather as water levels are remarkably low. This coming week had a forecast including some mid-week storms, but as of Sunday morning, they look to be dissipating. That means another great week to get out and enjoy the season. I like being out in the cold - for a while. Like off-season training, it may be less exciting, but it is good to stay in shape. Hopefully, you are following the shop and hearing about upcoming events and other announcements, including the return of the Jim Holland Memorial Tying Jam and the news that Bubba was caught!
Last week saw precipitation and some warmer days raising the water levels, the cubic feet per second, just a bit. By comparison, last year’s flows at this time were between 400 and 500 cfs. Now, it is around 100 cubic feet per second. The low flows and receding ice make for some picturesque fishing, but more water is better!
Mornings are still crisp and cold. I was out early on Saturday morning and didn’t see any activity, but I could see from social media during the week that plenty of folks found fish and it seems that traditional nymph patterns are making a rebound in a market of Euro Nymph patterns. Both are going to work and the size may make the difference on the water, so have a few available to swing or drift through.
The low water temps make for some challenging fishing. Still, I witnessed trout actively feeding close enough to the surface to allow for presentations higher in the water column. Truth be told, I was half certain I was going to get one on a dry BWO or at least an RS2 for about forty minutes on Saturday afternoon after one o’clock on the Musky. By midday on sunny days, the water temps are going to trigger some activity in the midge and nymph communities and the trout are taking notice. I had three trout porpoising within casting distance and tried many a tiny dry pattern and some midges just below the surface, but they either would not take my imitation or I had not found the right size or color. They were not spooky either, as my line drifted over them again and again, with no takes. I went big and small - and no love.
Regardless, the larvae drifts seem to be happening, right on cue, so keep an eye out for some aggressive activity on warm, sunny days when temperatures get near 40 toward the end of the week.
After my high hopes for a February fish on a dry fish diminished with the setting sun, I figured it was time to try a streamer. The wood duck heron, thanks again, Tightline Productions, brought a nice brown to net.
Small midges and micro eggs are the preferred choice for KLG aficionados. For example, if you did not see it - Bubba was landed on a micro egg and with a 7x tippet. You can hear the tale on a video available on the homepage. It takes a deft hand to fight large fish on gossamer lines. Congratulations, Keith!
Little Black Stoneflies are just about to pop off and the little blue winged olives are on deck. Looking ahead in the Hatch Chart, updated recently by Matt Grobert, will be Blue Quill and Red Quill/Hendricksons. Come by for the materials you need for any season.
Whether you are going out or staying in, take care and take it slow! There’s plenty of fish in the river and they’ll be more come spring.
See you out there, Roy B.