Temperatures have dropped and the snow is flying! Fishing can still be had in the area on nymphs when water and air temps climb into the mid to high 30s. The Snake and the South Fork should be the streams you concentrate on. Yes, most of the fish you will hook into are whitefish (which can be fun, you got to admit) but trout can get into the mix if you hit the right holding water with the right flies and in the right water conditions. Low stream flows this time of year, along with cold water temps, cause trout to pod up heavily in tight pieces of holding water. You will find them primarily in riffles, on flats, and in eddies that have some degree of recirculation. If you spot 'em, cast to them. Midges are the only flies that hatch with frequency this time of year, so think of using double rigs consisting of black Ice Cream Cone Midge Nymphs (size 16 to 18), black brassies (size 16 to 20), black or olive Copper Johns (size 16 to 18) and olive or gray Tungsten Midge Pupa (size 18 to 20). Little black and little brown stone nymphs will be getting active over the next couple of months. You can star targeting trout with solid Capnia imitations like the LBS (size 14 to 16) and Beadhead Pheasant Tails (size 14 to 16). There can a fair amount of action on mysis shrimp imitations on the South Fork (white or gray scuds, Ices Mysis, Boyles Shrimp, Lightening Bugs, and Rainbow Warriors, all in sizes 12 to 16), but for the most part it is midge larva and pupa that will work best.
If temperatures do warm up considerably (high 30s and into the 40s), you can get some activity on streamers. Articulated baitfish patterns like Silveys Sculpin Leech in gray, black or olive, or a Sex Dungeon in olive or natural are large enough, and have enough innate materials action, to aggravate even the most lethargic of trout. Strip these on a floating or intermediate line through podding fish and see what happens.
Other Waters
We don't mean to be too broad here, but there are a lot of waters that are in their prime at this time of year. Many of our guides and shop staff have returned from their annual autumn steelhead trips or guiding gigs, but some are staying out there to hit water that is still very much productive. Idaho's Clearwater and Salmon rivers still have a lot of action. In Oregon, December through January are can be good on the lower Rogue and the Umpqua rivers.
And of course, everyone will soon have saltwater on their mind. In December, the two destinations that come to mind are Baja for Roosterfish, snook, and dorado, and the Bahamas for bonefish. You also have warmwater destinations like the Amazon for Peacock Bass and Rio de la Plata for golden dorado. If you are in the Jackson Hole area, drop into Snake River Angler to get more info on these fishing possibilities and the gear you will need. And feel free to call us anytime for information and insight.
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