With the winter trout season opening in early January in the southeastern part of Minnesota, there is plenty of opportunities to chase some winter trout. Chasing trout in the winter can be one of the most rewarding ways to fish for trout. Trying to get that perfect cast and line handling in gloves aren’t the easiest tasks to achieve, however, but once that cast is made and a trout accepts your fly, it’s super satisfying. It makes all the frustration of trying to get the right presentation in the cold worth it.
Here are our top five flies for winter trout.
#1. Green Caddis
I recently added this pattern to my arsenal and it has yet to disappoint. This pattern is quick, easy, and simply catches fish. I have found that even with a small midge trailing behind, trout prefer this fly.
Hook: #12 Caddis Hook
Bead: 7/64″ Gold
Thread: Olive or black 8/o
Body: Olive Hare’s Ear
Rib: Green Uni-Floss
Collar: Black ice dub blended with plain old black dubbing
#2. Thread Midge
Another simple but efficient fly. This fly has been a standard in trout boxes for generations, but it has earned its keep in the vests of serious winter trout anglers. I always toss this little guy trailing behind a larger beaded nymph.
Hook: #16-22 Curved shank or Nymph hook
Thread: Black 8/0
Body: Thread (any color)
Rib: Ultra Fine Wire
Head: 5/64″ brass or glass bead (optional)
#3. The Scud
Scuds are an important food source for trout in nutrient-rich spring creeks and tailwaters year round, making this a necessity for your winter box. This pattern doesn’t need to be followed exactly, as the basic profile is the most important part.
Hook: #12-20 nymph hook or scud hook
Thread: Black 8/0 UNI
Bead (Optional): Standard brass or tungsten bead.
Body: Mix of equal parts gray ice dub, cream antron, and dark hare’s ear dubbing, picked out.
Shellback: Ziploc bag strip or scud back
Rib: 6X tippet or ultra-fine wire
#4. Greedo Nymph – Tiny Black Stonefly
Tiny black stoneflies are one of the few hatches encountered during winter months. This stealthy little nymph loosely imitates a stonefly getting ready to emerge. Toss it behind a heavy beadhead nymph under an indicator to entice wary fish.
Hook: Size 22-16 midge
Bead: Black glass
Tail: Black or Chocolate duck flank feather (though any dark feather works)
Wire: Gold ultra-fine
Body: Black hare’s ear dubbing
Wing bud: Goose biot, clipped
Thorax: Mix of black hare’s ear and black ice dub
#5. Pink Squirrel
The Pink Squirrel is a Wisconsin pattern that has earned a cult following among Driftess Area trout anglers. Traditionally tied on a curved scud hook with spiky hare’s ear or squirrel dubbing, the Squirrel is a productive pattern year-round in Driftless creeks.
Hook: #14-16 Nymph
Bead: 3/32″ Black or Gold
Tail: 3 strands of crystal flash (root beer)
Wire: Gold ultra fine
Body: squirrel or hare’s ear dubbing
Collar: Hot pink ice dub (can be tied with any color pink)
None of these patterns need to be followed to letter. Remember, it’s the basic profile that you are trying to achieve. I will note that this list has no dry flies in it. That is due to the fact that, at least in Minnesota, winter hatches are semi-rare and can be hard to fish. Of course, if you’re lucky enough to come across a steady hatch in the winter, note the size and color and try to match it best you can. Usually, a small dry fly will work. However, trout will still eagerly take nymphs and small midges during winter hatches. Hopefully, these flies will help you to catch more winter trout!
Tight lines and good luck on the water!
Noah
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