Short Answer
Trout still feed in winter, but they are slower and more selective. Fishing is usually best in slow, deep water during the warmest part of the day, using small or natural offerings fished near the bottom at a slow pace.
How Cold Water Changes Trout
Trout are cold-blooded, so low water temperatures slow metabolism and reduce how much and how often they feed. They conserve energy by leaving fast riffles for slow water and may need food to come directly to them. That is why patience and slow presentations matter more than covering lots of water.
Where to Find Winter Trout
- Deep pools and slow runs: fish stack up where the current is gentle and the water is deep enough to feel secure.
- Tailwaters and spring creeks: water below dams and spring-fed streams tend to stay more stable in temperature, and often fish better in cold months.
- Slow edges and eddies near deeper water.
- Lakes and reservoirs: near shore in sunny shallows, or deeper off drop-offs, depending on the water.
Best Time of Day
Late morning through mid-afternoon is often best, when the sun has warmed the water a little. Early morning can be slow and cold. Pay attention to water temperature if you can measure it, and to sunny days after cold spells.
Techniques
- Go slow: drift and retrieve more slowly than in other seasons.
- Get down: use enough weight to get your offering to the fish in the deeper water, adding split shot or a weighted nymph.
- Fish thoroughly: work each likely spot with several drifts before moving.
- Stay in control of line: cold fingers and light bites mean you should watch your line or indicator closely.
Flies, Baits and Lures
Midges, scuds, small nymphs such as Hare’s Ear and Pheasant Tail patterns, and worm imitations are traditional winter flies. For spin anglers, small jigs in natural colors, worms and small spoons fished slowly work well. See the best bait for trout guide for bait rigging, and use light line as discussed in best trout fishing rod.
Is November Good for Trout Fishing?
November often fishes well, as it sits between fall and true winter, though conditions vary by region. See is fall good for trout fishing for the lead-up, and note that some fall-spawning fish are present, so avoid disturbing redds.
What Is the 80/20 Rule in Fishing?
It is a saying that roughly 80 percent of fish are in about 20 percent of the water, or that 20 percent of anglers catch most of the fish. It is a rule of thumb, not a precise measure, but it fits winter well: find the few good spots first.
Seasons and Regulations
Some waters are closed in winter, some switch to catch-and-release, and fishing out of season is illegal where seasons exist. Check your state or provincial rules before heading out.
Cold-Weather Safety
Dress in layers (see what to wear to go fishing), keep spare dry clothes and be careful when wading, as cold water raises the risk of hypothermia and icy rocks are slippery. Avoid walking on ice unless you know it is safe. If the river is high and dirty, see fishing for trout in muddy water.