riverman

Was lucky enough to sneak away from work for a few hours yesterday afternoon and try my luck at the mouth of a western trib.  Came up empty but did see a float fisherman pull in a chrome so the fish were there (which I usually suspect is the case when I dont catch any).

The mouth of this trib was fairly still water so drift nymphing seemed a bit impracticle.  Wondered about setting up a float with a pink worm but was trying to avoid going right to the indicator in this case.  In the end swung some wooly buggers and larger nymph patterns slow and low.  Didn't feel like I had the right approach and results seemed to confirm it.  Did snag a couple times so was getting down close to bottom.  Next time I plan on swinging some streamer patterns.

Any suggestions as to what rig might have worked best for a cast and wait scenario in these cold water, open trib mouth settings?

Can we name specific large rivers on this forum that are still open?  Wondering about larger tribs further west towards Fergus and NOTL and if they are open or frozen?  Haven't been out that way in the winter before.

Thanks

Inspiring video!  Todd Moen is one of the better video creators for sure.  Make me want to get out west, beautiful scenery.

Thanks for the link.

Found this article while following another thread and then fishing around as one does...

Many of the comments, suggestions in the previous posts are echoed in this article.  Definitey worth a read for more detail and clarifying a few points as well.

http://www.fieldands...-trout?page=0,0

Please keep your successes posted on this thread as we get into the meat of the winter season.  I hope to do the same!

black stone flies killers during winter. on fly or on pin. my personal favorite is white on chartreuse clouser. only because I caught my first brown on it. Still having  fun fishing double bunnies for pike on soft water marinas.

Sounds like you're not alone suggesting streamers; if I end up on some larger west tribs I'll give it a shot again.  My first brown...pink worm : )  Not quite as sexy as the white on chartreuse clouser!  Thanks for the suggestions.

So remember :  SLOW DOWN, SIZE DOWN, TONE DOWN, PRESENT DOWN STREAM.

Words to remember for sure!  Thanks for all of the other very useful info as well.

I had hoped to get out this past weekend but alas didn't happen.  Went by new fly shop Drift Outfitters instead with the time I had.  Insigtful suggestion of bleached out roe patterns in light pink or white to match any older eggs still floatinga round.  Picked up a few to test out.  Recommend the shop to anyone who hasn't been yet.  Rob and Chris are informed and enthusiastic and the gear slection is pretty impressive.