Snow on ice in the Little
Pigeon River means the water
is cold. In fact it measured 32
degrees F. It is pretty but
means fishing may be a little
uncomfortable.
Pigeon River means the water
is cold. In fact it measured 32
degrees F. It is pretty but
means fishing may be a little
uncomfortable.
Rainbow Trout are just slightly
more at home in cold water
than the brown trout but not as
much as the brook.
more at home in cold water
than the brown trout but not as
much as the brook.
Winter:
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
| Fly Fishing the Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
Water Temperatures:
Throughout most of the winter the water temperatures will usually fluctuate between
40 and 55 degrees. This is one season when a thermometer is mandatory item of
equipment. Water temperatures below 40 degrees F brings on tough fishing
conditions. It is still possible to catch trout but fishing definetly requires some
special tactics and methods. When the temperature of the water is in the low forties,
catching trout can be more difficult than when conditions are optimal but it is still very
possible provided you use the right techniques and strategies. Contrary to what
many anglers think, fishing can actually be good, meaning it is possible to catch
several depending, of course, on many other factors. When the water temperatures
range from 45 to 50, the trout will feed well enough for fishing to be termed "good"
but the dry fly fishing will be limited. However, there will be a few days when it is in
the high forties that fish will rise to the surface to take a dry fly. This is especially true
if something is hatching and that too is possible. If the water temperatures are
ranging from 50 to 55 degrees, trout can be quite easy to catch on the dry fly or below
the surface.
Effects on Trout:
Since water temperatures are usually cold during the winter, this is a good time for
us to discuss the effects of cold water and water temperatures. Trout are cold-
blooded creatures. Their blood is basically the same temperature as the water.
Unlike us warm blooded creatures, they don’t feel cold or warm. Our body
temperature should be about 98.6. When the air is 30 degrees, for example, we feel
the difference and that is cold. Trout are not affected in that manner. They don’t run
around the stream looking for warm water. Their metabolism is affected however. It
becomes low and they move about much less than they do in optimum water
temperatures. The cold water contains plenty of oxygen even in locations where it is
still. They can live well in the still or slower moving areas of the stream and this is
what they tend to do when the water is cold. They do not expend the energy
necessary to fight fast water. If they did, in the freestone streams of the Great Smoky
Mountain National Park they would probably expend more energy than they could
obtain from the limited amount of food.
The key is to put the fly close to the trout. They are not going to run down their food.
Changes in Water Temperature:
The change in water temperatures can effect the feeding habitats of the trout more
so than the actual water temperature. When the temperature of water that is too
warm for trout changes quickly to ideal water temperatures, the trout can suddenly
begin to feed actively. However, when water temperatures drop from ideal to very
cold water temperatures, the trout seem to have to adjust to the change before they
will again feed on a normal basis. Usually it will take a day or two for everything to be
normal but this is dependant on many other factors. When we say normal, we don't
mean necessarily that they will eat as much food as they did in the warmer more
ideal water temperatures. They won't. They don't need to. They will change their
feeding habits and sometimes change their feeding locations and food they
consume.
Locating Winter Holding Water:
Exactly where calm water or water that is moving slow exist in a stream can be very
deceptive. It is fairly easy to detect from the surface but there are also many areas of
the stream beneath fast moving water where the water is moving slow. This is
usually areas of the stream where boulder or larger rock create an eddy effect
beneath the surface. You can spot these areas on the surface but you can’t easily
spot them beneath the surface. You will also find trout in the slow areas of pools. At
times they may also tend to congregate in shallow, show moving water adjacent to
the faster water.
Don’t expect the trout to be in fast runs holding and feeding in the strong currents.
This takes a lot of energy and requires a lot of food. However, don’t be fooled by the
water in the runs. Some of the water down among the rocks may be moving rather
slow. The trout may be lying in these type of spots even though the water above them
is moving fast. The temperature of the water in such areas can also vary from that of
the surface water temperature.
Cold Water Fishing Methods:
As one angler I know put it, the trout are in simi- hibernation when the water is below
forty degrees. To catch them you have got to slow down your fishing presentations.
Don't be guilty of thinking that cold water means slow or poor fly fishing. Trout can be
caught in good numbers and of large sizes in very cold water. The cold doesn't
bother the trout near as much as it bothers the angler. Some anglers stay at home
and tie flies thinking it is next to impossible to catch trout. Others go fishing but fish
the same way they did in May.
In case you are having a difficult time in understanding this, we will put it this way. If
you continue to throw your Royal Wuff or Parachute Adams dry fly in the fast pocket
water when the water temperature is less than 45 degrees, don't plan on having a
great day catching fish. You probably won't.
If you correctly fish imitations of midge larvae and pupae, small stonefly and mayfly
nymphs, in the right locations in the streams, you may catch just as many and just
as big of trout as you did in May.
Hatches:
There are fewer hatches in the winter months than any time of the year. By the same
token, there are more nymphs and larvae in the water than any other time of the year.
The streams are literally full of crawling aquatic insects.
Midges:
Midges are about the only aquatic insect hatch that occurs in the winter months. This
is not including some of the late winter hatches of blue quills, quill gordons, etc that
may occur in the month of March. It does not include some of the Blue-winged olives
and Little Blue-winged olive hatches that may occur during the winter months. With
these exceptions, however, the midge is king in so far as hatches are concerned.
The big key to this is to not worry about the hatches and worry about what is in the
water that is going to hatch.
Little Black Winter Stoneflies:
The Little Black Winter Stoneflies, Capniidae family stoneflies, sometimes called
Snowflies, will hatch during the worst days of winter. Sometimes these stoneflies
are wingless. You will see them crawling around the banks and even in the snow
during the winter months.
Blue-winged Olives:
Blue-winged Olives, some of them in their second part of their bi-brood year, will
hatch. These hatch will usually be sparse and inconsistent varying greatly with the
changing weather. If it is a warm, rainy or cloudy day, look for them.
Little Blue-winged olives:
There are also some of the Little Blue-winged olive species that will hatch in the
second part of their bi-brood year. My guess is that some of these may be tri-
brooded but I have not verified that and it is really not important. Just be prepared
with some 18-22 size floating nymphs, emergers, duns and spinners. Some of
these species hatch under water and dive to deposit their eggs.
Blue Quill:
The Blue Quill will show up before the winter season is over provided the water gets
about 48 degrees F. and stays there for two or three days. Look for them in the
current edges and slower, more moderate water near the banks and in eddies.
Quill Gordons:
The Quill Gordon may or may not show up before the winter season is officially over
depending on the weather. The water temperature needs to stay about 50 degrees
or better for a few days. Hatches can occur from the first to the middle of March so be
prepared in case they do. This strictly depends on the weather.
Little Grannom:
One of the first caddisfly hatches you will notice in the winter is the small dark
colored caddisfly. They look black but are actually a very dark brown. These are about
a hook size 20. You will first notice them crawling around the rocks and boulders in
the stream. These little caddis hatch when the water is between 45 and 50 degrees.
They pupae is the main stage to imitate.
Little Brown Stonefly:
The Little Brown Stoneflies species of the Taeniopterygidae family will hatch before
winter ends. After all, these are called Winter Stoneflies by many anglers.
Little Black Stonefly:
The Little Black Stoneflies species of the Taeniopterygidae family will also hatch
before the winter season is over. These are also referred to as Winter Stoneflies.
Streamers:
Do not forget about streamers. If the water is cold, keep them on the small side and
work them slowly. Select the color based on the water clarity. If it is stained use a
bright shade of color and if it is clear use a more subdued shade of color. The light
conditions must also be considered.
Copyright 2007 James Marsh
Throughout most of the winter the water temperatures will usually fluctuate between
40 and 55 degrees. This is one season when a thermometer is mandatory item of
equipment. Water temperatures below 40 degrees F brings on tough fishing
conditions. It is still possible to catch trout but fishing definetly requires some
special tactics and methods. When the temperature of the water is in the low forties,
catching trout can be more difficult than when conditions are optimal but it is still very
possible provided you use the right techniques and strategies. Contrary to what
many anglers think, fishing can actually be good, meaning it is possible to catch
several depending, of course, on many other factors. When the water temperatures
range from 45 to 50, the trout will feed well enough for fishing to be termed "good"
but the dry fly fishing will be limited. However, there will be a few days when it is in
the high forties that fish will rise to the surface to take a dry fly. This is especially true
if something is hatching and that too is possible. If the water temperatures are
ranging from 50 to 55 degrees, trout can be quite easy to catch on the dry fly or below
the surface.
Effects on Trout:
Since water temperatures are usually cold during the winter, this is a good time for
us to discuss the effects of cold water and water temperatures. Trout are cold-
blooded creatures. Their blood is basically the same temperature as the water.
Unlike us warm blooded creatures, they don’t feel cold or warm. Our body
temperature should be about 98.6. When the air is 30 degrees, for example, we feel
the difference and that is cold. Trout are not affected in that manner. They don’t run
around the stream looking for warm water. Their metabolism is affected however. It
becomes low and they move about much less than they do in optimum water
temperatures. The cold water contains plenty of oxygen even in locations where it is
still. They can live well in the still or slower moving areas of the stream and this is
what they tend to do when the water is cold. They do not expend the energy
necessary to fight fast water. If they did, in the freestone streams of the Great Smoky
Mountain National Park they would probably expend more energy than they could
obtain from the limited amount of food.
The key is to put the fly close to the trout. They are not going to run down their food.
Changes in Water Temperature:
The change in water temperatures can effect the feeding habitats of the trout more
so than the actual water temperature. When the temperature of water that is too
warm for trout changes quickly to ideal water temperatures, the trout can suddenly
begin to feed actively. However, when water temperatures drop from ideal to very
cold water temperatures, the trout seem to have to adjust to the change before they
will again feed on a normal basis. Usually it will take a day or two for everything to be
normal but this is dependant on many other factors. When we say normal, we don't
mean necessarily that they will eat as much food as they did in the warmer more
ideal water temperatures. They won't. They don't need to. They will change their
feeding habits and sometimes change their feeding locations and food they
consume.
Locating Winter Holding Water:
Exactly where calm water or water that is moving slow exist in a stream can be very
deceptive. It is fairly easy to detect from the surface but there are also many areas of
the stream beneath fast moving water where the water is moving slow. This is
usually areas of the stream where boulder or larger rock create an eddy effect
beneath the surface. You can spot these areas on the surface but you can’t easily
spot them beneath the surface. You will also find trout in the slow areas of pools. At
times they may also tend to congregate in shallow, show moving water adjacent to
the faster water.
Don’t expect the trout to be in fast runs holding and feeding in the strong currents.
This takes a lot of energy and requires a lot of food. However, don’t be fooled by the
water in the runs. Some of the water down among the rocks may be moving rather
slow. The trout may be lying in these type of spots even though the water above them
is moving fast. The temperature of the water in such areas can also vary from that of
the surface water temperature.
Cold Water Fishing Methods:
As one angler I know put it, the trout are in simi- hibernation when the water is below
forty degrees. To catch them you have got to slow down your fishing presentations.
Don't be guilty of thinking that cold water means slow or poor fly fishing. Trout can be
caught in good numbers and of large sizes in very cold water. The cold doesn't
bother the trout near as much as it bothers the angler. Some anglers stay at home
and tie flies thinking it is next to impossible to catch trout. Others go fishing but fish
the same way they did in May.
In case you are having a difficult time in understanding this, we will put it this way. If
you continue to throw your Royal Wuff or Parachute Adams dry fly in the fast pocket
water when the water temperature is less than 45 degrees, don't plan on having a
great day catching fish. You probably won't.
If you correctly fish imitations of midge larvae and pupae, small stonefly and mayfly
nymphs, in the right locations in the streams, you may catch just as many and just
as big of trout as you did in May.
Hatches:
There are fewer hatches in the winter months than any time of the year. By the same
token, there are more nymphs and larvae in the water than any other time of the year.
The streams are literally full of crawling aquatic insects.
Midges:
Midges are about the only aquatic insect hatch that occurs in the winter months. This
is not including some of the late winter hatches of blue quills, quill gordons, etc that
may occur in the month of March. It does not include some of the Blue-winged olives
and Little Blue-winged olive hatches that may occur during the winter months. With
these exceptions, however, the midge is king in so far as hatches are concerned.
The big key to this is to not worry about the hatches and worry about what is in the
water that is going to hatch.
Little Black Winter Stoneflies:
The Little Black Winter Stoneflies, Capniidae family stoneflies, sometimes called
Snowflies, will hatch during the worst days of winter. Sometimes these stoneflies
are wingless. You will see them crawling around the banks and even in the snow
during the winter months.
Blue-winged Olives:
Blue-winged Olives, some of them in their second part of their bi-brood year, will
hatch. These hatch will usually be sparse and inconsistent varying greatly with the
changing weather. If it is a warm, rainy or cloudy day, look for them.
Little Blue-winged olives:
There are also some of the Little Blue-winged olive species that will hatch in the
second part of their bi-brood year. My guess is that some of these may be tri-
brooded but I have not verified that and it is really not important. Just be prepared
with some 18-22 size floating nymphs, emergers, duns and spinners. Some of
these species hatch under water and dive to deposit their eggs.
Blue Quill:
The Blue Quill will show up before the winter season is over provided the water gets
about 48 degrees F. and stays there for two or three days. Look for them in the
current edges and slower, more moderate water near the banks and in eddies.
Quill Gordons:
The Quill Gordon may or may not show up before the winter season is officially over
depending on the weather. The water temperature needs to stay about 50 degrees
or better for a few days. Hatches can occur from the first to the middle of March so be
prepared in case they do. This strictly depends on the weather.
Little Grannom:
One of the first caddisfly hatches you will notice in the winter is the small dark
colored caddisfly. They look black but are actually a very dark brown. These are about
a hook size 20. You will first notice them crawling around the rocks and boulders in
the stream. These little caddis hatch when the water is between 45 and 50 degrees.
They pupae is the main stage to imitate.
Little Brown Stonefly:
The Little Brown Stoneflies species of the Taeniopterygidae family will hatch before
winter ends. After all, these are called Winter Stoneflies by many anglers.
Little Black Stonefly:
The Little Black Stoneflies species of the Taeniopterygidae family will also hatch
before the winter season is over. These are also referred to as Winter Stoneflies.
Streamers:
Do not forget about streamers. If the water is cold, keep them on the small side and
work them slowly. Select the color based on the water clarity. If it is stained use a
bright shade of color and if it is clear use a more subdued shade of color. The light
conditions must also be considered.
Copyright 2007 James Marsh
Winter Time in Cades Cove:
A lonely deer walks across one
of the open fields in Cades Cove
probably looking for food.
Abrams Creek is a good place to
fish when the water get cold. The
underground water coming in to
Abrams Creek helps warm the
otherwise, cold water.
A lonely deer walks across one
of the open fields in Cades Cove
probably looking for food.
Abrams Creek is a good place to
fish when the water get cold. The
underground water coming in to
Abrams Creek helps warm the
otherwise, cold water.
In most parts of the nation fly anglers are sitting at home reading and watching DVDs
about fly-fishing during the winter. Fishing seasons are closed. In the Great Smoky
Mountains National Park you have a very good chance of being able to catch trout
throughout the winter months. In fact, fishing can be great during the earlier part of the
winter season in December. So can the end of the winter season in March. It can be
more like spring that winter in the Smoky Mountains.
Almost a frozen waterfall
found in February in Little River.
This is somewhat unusual for
the Smokies.
found in February in Little River.
This is somewhat unusual for
the Smokies.
Ice in the stream occurs when
there is an extended period of
time the weather is cold. Again,
this does not occur often and
will not last very long.
there is an extended period of
time the weather is cold. Again,
this does not occur often and
will not last very long.
Site Map (Click on Links)
Abrams Creek Fishing Methods Marine Food Species
Anthony Creek Forney Creek Mayflies Spring
Big Creek Freestone Streams Midges Stoneflies
Beginners Recommended Gear Misc N.C. Streams Straight Creek
Caddisflies Hatches Misc Tenn. Streams Streams
Casting Hazel Creek Middle Prong Little Pigeon River Summer Season
Cataloochee Creek Headwater Stream Middle Prong Little River Terrestrials
Cosby Creek Caddisfly Imitations Noland Creek Twenty Mile Creek
Deep Creek Mayfly Imitations Oconaluftee River Wild Trout
Midge Imitations Other Aquatic Insects Winter Season
Eagel Creek Home PH West Prong Little Pigeon River
East Prong Little River Stonefly Imitations Presentation West Prong Little River
Fall Season Streamers Raven Fork Spring Hatch Chart
About Us Terrestrial Imitations Reading Hatch Charts Summer Hatch Chart
Recommended Flies Links Seasons Winter Hatch Chart
Fall Hatch Chart
Abrams Creek Fishing Methods Marine Food Species
Anthony Creek Forney Creek Mayflies Spring
Big Creek Freestone Streams Midges Stoneflies
Beginners Recommended Gear Misc N.C. Streams Straight Creek
Caddisflies Hatches Misc Tenn. Streams Streams
Casting Hazel Creek Middle Prong Little Pigeon River Summer Season
Cataloochee Creek Headwater Stream Middle Prong Little River Terrestrials
Cosby Creek Caddisfly Imitations Noland Creek Twenty Mile Creek
Deep Creek Mayfly Imitations Oconaluftee River Wild Trout
Midge Imitations Other Aquatic Insects Winter Season
Eagel Creek Home PH West Prong Little Pigeon River
East Prong Little River Stonefly Imitations Presentation West Prong Little River
Fall Season Streamers Raven Fork Spring Hatch Chart
About Us Terrestrial Imitations Reading Hatch Charts Summer Hatch Chart
Recommended Flies Links Seasons Winter Hatch Chart
Fall Hatch Chart