Early Spring Stream Angling Jim Wright
Trout are cold-blooded creatures and are active in relatively cold water conditions. Generally, trout need water temperatures between 35 and 75 degrees to survive. And just as in summertime angling, the stream thermometer will give you an idea of how productive winter and spring ďŹ shing may be (see chart, below).
TEMPERATURE:
EFFECT ON TROUT:
80 degrees
Lethal to trout
70
Trout seeking cold springs & tributaries
65
Feeding slows
60-63
Optimum temperature
55
Trout become active & looking upward toward water surface
40-50
Trout sluggish, feed sporadically, and look for food on stream bottom
IMHO, the ideal flies for cold water angling are such creations as the Killer Bugger, midge, and worm imitations or any small dark kebari. But considering the chart, nearly anything that looks like a meal, and that sinks well could mean success.
20
Try using a weighted kebari, but be sure to size it for the weight of the rod that you are using. Choose a copper wire underbody for lighter rods, shallower depths, and warmer water. Move to a brass or tungsten bead head for heavier rods, deeper or colder water. The best tackle goal is to use the lightest weight kebari possible (given the conditions) to avoid any unnatural appearance. Trout are less biologically active in cold water and won't move very far for a meal. Timing is important. If water temperatures have been steady, but then a cold snap drops them again, it's better to put the gear away and spend time with the family or play video games. Wait a few days for sun and high pressure to raise water temps again. Water temperatures often follow air temperatures but take a while longer to have any effect. A big however; if rising air temperatures cause snow to melt into the streams, it often has the opposite effect, chilling things down again. Rivers that have a steady water flow usually ďŹ sh best. Rapidly rising or falling water levels tend to turn trout feeding activity off, sending them to cover. Accurate casts to the most likely holding lies becomes very important. The most productive holding spots are under deep undercut banks and exposed roots or overhanging vegetation. Along with deep holes and plunge pools, these spots will often hold the largest ďŹ sh in a stream.
