Winter Fly Fishing? For Trout?

Winter Fly Fishing? For Trout?
Having grown up on the Great Lakes, and now living in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, I have developed and refined a handful of strategies related to winter trout fishing.
Strategy one: fish for redfish in Louisiana, Texas, or the Low Country. There’s something about not having to pick ice out of the guides on my rod that makes fly fishing a bit more fun, though this recent snowstorm that blanketed much of the South had me second guessing this assumption.
Strategy two: drop in on the International Fly Fishing Film Festival (IF4) or The Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) and watch short films about fishing. Just don’t ask me to remember what “IF4” and “F3T” mean when I’m not on my computer, so I can look them up.
Strategy three: start tying flies. I have decided that for 2025, I’m only going to tie five different fly patterns, and probably only a couple dozen of each. I might do variations of these, but if I can’t get it done with these patterns this year, I’m fine visiting the fly shop, which I do anyway: Parachute Adams, Mole Fly, Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail, Zebra Midge, Woolly Bugger.
Strategy four: read books about fly fishing. Sometimes, I write books about fly fishing. There are actually a bunch of good titles that have come out lately. I know of another really cool one that’s going to come out in Spring 2026…
Strategy five: wait for a bluebird day when it at least feels like it’s above freezing, and the ice has mostly melted off the riverbanks and then it all boils down to three words: Little. Black. Stoneflies. That’s my number one, go-to bug when I feel the need to scratch a trout fishing itch in the throes of winter.
I’m not feeling that just yet, but I expect it will happen eventually.
I should probably go visit the fly shop. – Kirk Deeter
Flylab $25 Lifetime Membership
Flylab kicked off the new year with a new $25 lifetime membership plan.
We built a second “basic” membership–a one-time $25 fee–geared towards everyday anglers, providing introductory discounts and incentives with fly shops, outfitters and brands from our growing list of outdoor partners.
The original $120 plan will become our “pro” plan, intended for travelers and serious anglers looking for higher-end travel and gear incentives.
Flylab “basic” membership: access to our private community, gated content and introductory-level deals, providing meaningful savings on flies, gear, boats, guide trips, schools and travel from the best fly shops, outfitters and brands in the fly-fishing industry. This starter plan is for sensible, everyday anglers. Lifetime plan = $25/single payment.
Flylab “pro” membership: access to our private community, gated content and pro-level deals, providing exclusive savings on travel, lodging, outfitters and the best brands in the fly-fishing industry. This premium plan is ideal for travelers, gear heads and serious anglers. 12-month annual plan = $120/annually.
Both plans should quickly pay themselves, whether you’re adding a few pieces of core gear for the upcoming season, or looking for more serious travel discounts.
Product Buzz
We review the Victorinox Swiss Tool. 2024’s Best Fly-fishing Books from The Mission: “Some are practical, some are reference books, while others are inspirational, philosophical or downright entertaining.” River Songs by Steve Duda. The Klink by Hans Van Klinken. Cast, Catch, Release by Marina Gibson. The Believer by David Coggins. Bitten Hard by Jonathan Boulton. The New Fish by Simen Saetre and Kjetil Ostli. Down River Equipment wants you out exploring rivers in 2025. Check out their 2025 “River Permits” promotion: DRE will reimburse you with Down River Dollars (up to $25 per person). The Fly Shop reviews the Skwala Thermo 350 Hoody. “This is a purposely designed and constructed thermal garment, built for fly fishers. It’s Skwala’s heaviest base layer, made of 95% hand-selected New Zealand Merino Wool.” Patagonia Wader Repair Tour: “The Patagonia Wader Repair Team is hitting the road in 2025 to try to diagnose and repair your seeping seams and pesky pinholes for free.”
Fly-fishing News
Check out the BONEDALE FISHING REPORTS twenty-seven and twenty-eight, featuring legendary guide, Kea Hause, from Colorado’s Roaring Fork valley. From Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: The New Administration’s Day One Actions Include An Assault on Alaska Public Lands. “Aimed at boosting domestic energy and resource production, the order threatens the health of more than 50 million acres of public lands in Alaska…” More from Chris Wood of Trout Unlimited: Let’s Keep Public Lands Public. “Why does it matter if BLM or other public lands are turned over to the states? Because almost all western states are constitutionally mandated to use state lands to generate revenues for schools and roads…” Bob Marriott’s Flyfishing Store and Wild On The Fly Adventure Travel are for sale. Yellow Dog Fly Fishing’s 25 Years of Adventure. David Coggins on Argentina: Angling for the Big Fish That Breaks Hearts. Saving the Last Remaining Los Angeles Steelhead: “Kyle Evans woke up Thursday morning with an important mission: to save every possible steelhead trout from southern California’s Topanga Creek…”
Recent Press
2025 fly-fishing resolutions: “Fish gear more. Push the boundaries or what qualifies as ‘fish art.’ Challenge perceptions and make myself, and others, expand what fishing/fly-fishing can mean. Make more films. Hopefully they’re weird. Hook a couple muskies.” – Jake, Flylab Member
2025 fly-fishing resolutions: “Less is best. I’ve gotten to the point that one good fish is probably enough. I don’t like lead and refuse to drop shot, even though some of the places I fish almost require it to be successful. I grew up catching bream and bass on the fly and want to do it again. Sometimes, floating a beautiful river is almost better than fishing it, because you miss the most important part of where you are.” – Paul, Flylab Fan
“I loved the Bob Lamm profile–he was as good as they get.” – Jerry, Flylab Fan
We’re always looking for Flylab feedback–send any comments, thoughts, suggestions, and we’d love to hear from you.
Scouting Report
We’re hard at work hunting down the coolest new products, brands and partners you’ve never heard of.
Gaspé Coastal offers unparalleled fly-fishing experiences in the heart of Cascapedia-Saint-Jules, Quebec. Nestled in a historic 19th-century house that once served as a bustling sawmill, their lodge combines the charm of yesteryear with the comforts of today. Whether you’re chasing Atlantic salmon in the local rivers, striped bass on the saltwater flats, or native sea-run brook trout, their flexible 5-day, 6-night fishing packages are tailored to make your dream trip a reality.
Flylab discount: 10% off destination travel packages (double occupancy required).
Partner Spotlight
RareWaters is a simple and affordable way for anglers to book private ranches, experience fly-fishing adventures and get away from the crowds. RareWaters connects landowners and anglers together in one place, enabling premium do-it-yourself fly-fishing experiences. Purchase a Season Pass, the “Unlimited Season Pass Membership,” for unlimited access.
Flylab discount: Pro members receive 20% off the “Season Pass Membership.” (~$500 in savings)
If you’re a fly shop, outfitter, fishing lodge or outdoor brand and interested in becoming a new Flylab partner, learn more about our program here. Join the best partner network in fly fishing.
Since 2012, OARS has joined forces with American Rivers and Friends of the Yampa, to host an annual Yampa River Awareness Project (YRAP) river trip. “The best way to protect a river is to be proactive…”