Winter Delayed Harvest Tips

Finally we have a break in the arctic weather, the rivers are thawing and the fish are hungry.  After a month of the coldest weather I have ever seen in the mountains the Watauga Delayed Harvest has finally thawed enough to make a cast into the water, not on to the ice. 

One good thing about all this cold weather and ice is the pressure on the fish has been non-existent  which means the fish will not be quite as selective.  Try bigger patterns, something that will catch their attention.  Imagine yourself sitting in 30 degree water your not going to want to move for something unless its worth it!  Behind that big fly you can put your killer, a small bluewing nymph or a midge larva or whatever deadly fly you have found to work in the past. 

The fish sit deep this time of year so don’t be afraid to drag bottom.  Adjust your indicator constantly so you have your flies at the right depth.  Find depressions in the river bottom where they can get out of the heavy current and congregate. 

I hope these suggestions help out and if they don’t make sure and go by the shop and complain to the management.

Good luck and happy hunting,  Matt