Winter Fly Fishing
PARADISE BY MIKE MCKENNA | PHOTOS BY SILVER CREEK OUTFITTERS
“It’s really important, especially in the winter, to be a thoughtful angler, to be a good Idaho angler,” Pete DeBaun said. “Big Pete,” as he’s known, has been a fly fishing guide for over four decades. Many of those years have been with Ketchum’s legendary fly shop, Silver Creek Outfitters. An ordained Presbyterian minister, Big Pete certainly knows how to preach the gospel about fly fishing. “Idaho has the most gracious anglers I’ve ever seen,” said Big Pete, who’s fished in over 40 countries. “Idaho anglers are friendly, thoughtful and respectful. They respect the resource, respect the fish and want to protect the experience for others to enjoy for years to come. And if they’re not acting that way, then they don’t know what Idaho is all about.” Idaho and Sun Valley in particular, are all about fly fishing, even during the winter. In fact, some
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of the best angling of the year in the mountains of south-central Idaho happens as winter gives way to spring. There are two impressive species to chase after–trout and steelhead. Trout “March is one of my favorite times of the year to fish,” Big Pete said. The Big Wood and Big Lost rivers are both open to catch and release fishing until the end of March. Swinging streamers and bouncing nymphs beneath the surface are both effective in any weather, as the majority of what trout eat is subsurface. But there’s nothing like catching fish on dry flies. “Winter fishing is an interesting deal. When you’re a dry fly guy you’re searching for that hot fish, the one that’s got the energy to feed off the surface. Then you have to sneak up on it and make a near perfect cast,” Big Pete said. “It’s a challenge, but it can be very rewarding.” The reward is a big part of what Big Pete is trying to help redefine about fishing. “I always give my guests a set of rules before we go out, especially in the winter. One of them is redefining what a catch is,” Big Pete explained. “It’s not about bringing a fish to hand. It’s about getting that fish to take your fly, coming tight, and the relationship you have in that moment with that animal. As they say, ‘the tug is the drug.’”
