Winter Water

It’s what we’re all looking for at this time of year, at least those of us that have already succumbed to the river’s calling. Yes, the fishing season on New Hampshire’s rivers has opened, and that means that the Connecticut River is once again open for business for us anglers. Even better yet, it’s catch and release (barbless hooks, artificial lures) from Murphy Dam going south to Canaan, Vermont for the next three months, so we can “educate” the fish for a little while prior to April 1.

Winter fishing in northern New Hampshire presents challenges. The elements alone can be daunting, with the water ranging in the low to mid thirties, and the air temperature usually isn’t too warm either. The first few days of 2021 have been mild by north country standards – anywhere from 25 to 34 degrees, and it has felt cooler than that when there’s been a breeze blowing back upstream. Still, there’s been a few hours each day that have presented a window for getting out there, so you can imagine where I’ve been.

Winter fishing means outfitting yourself in appropriate gear to be able to handle the cold temperatures. Multiple layers, multiple pairs of socks, winter hat, gloves (fingerless), windproof jacket, fleece leggings, wool sweater – you get the idea.

Once you’re all bundled up, you look something like Ralphie’s little brother in his snowsuit from that movie A Christmas Story. Hand and foot warmers? Yup, you might want to bring some of those along too …

As you can imagine, there’s not a lot of dry fly activity in the winter … or is there? The notorious “Floating Smelt” can be a good pattern when observing actively feeding fish rolling on stunned smelt that are making their way lazily downstream from the dam. The dam chops ’em up and the trout are waiting hungrily for an easy meal, so this pattern can be effective when the fish are consistently feeding on top.

However, by the time you switch your fly and/or line out to cast a Floating Smelt on top, you might wish you had just kept your streamer on that sinking line that you’ve been using so often. The smelt “hatch” can be fickle – here today, gone tomorrow. There’s probably plenty more fish feeding below the surface, whether it is on dead smelt down in the depths or nymphs.

While covering the water is always important, targeting the right type of water is key to having wintertime success. As the water temperature drops, so does trout metabolism, and they generally prefer slower, deeper areas where they can hunker down and conserve energy through the long winter months. Corner pools and deep, slow moving runs can be profitable for the winter angler.

Of course, just because the water looks good doesn’t mean that it is good. It can take a lot of casts to hook a fish, and trout often aren’t traveling too far to pick off their next meal, so sometimes many casts are required to get just the right drift over a willing trout. When it does happen however, it is a thrilling affirmation that you’re a hardy soul that can brave the elements and succeed in tricking winter trout.

It’s not a numbers game either in the winter. Often, success can be measured on one hand, and more often on one finger. Even getting the right drift and having one willing participant, though not landed, can be reason for celebration, especially if you’ve gone through a bit of a dry spell.

When you do land one however, it could be the fish of your season, or more than that – just remember to play it quickly and release it gently to be pursued next winter …