Welcome back to Tying Tuesday! This week, we’re in the studio with our very own Yukon Cornelius—Kyle—bringing you a step-by-step tutorial for the tailwater crusher: Johnston’s Don King UV Midge! This fly is a true prizefighter for technical tailwaters, featuring a UV wing and a sleek body that make it a game-changer when it comes to outsmarting trout like a pro.
💥 Tie it. Fish it. Love it. #TyingTuesday
Winter Fly Fishing: Tips and Tricks for Fishing Emergers on Technical Tailwaters
Winter fly fishing on technical tailwaters can be incredibly rewarding, especially when targeting emergers. Tailwaters often maintain consistent water temperatures, making them an excellent destination even in the colder months. Here’s a guide to help you effectively fish emergers in these challenging conditions:
Understanding the Winter Hatch
- Key Hatches: Focus on midges and, in some waters, blue-winged olives (BWOs). These insects remain active in winter and their emergers are a staple in trout diets.
- Emerger Stage: Fish are often keyed in on the emerger stage of these insects as they struggle to break through the surface film.
Fly Selection
- Match the Hatch: Choose patterns that imitate midges and small BWOs in their emergent phase. Examples include:
- Midge Emergers: RS2s, WD-40s, or Zebra Midges with an emerging twist.
- BWO Emergers: Barr’s Emerger or Juju Baetis.
- Size Matters: Winter flies are small, typically ranging from size 18 to 24. Keep a variety of sizes to match the hatch precisely.
Tactics and Presentation
- Dead Drift: Achieving a perfect drift is crucial. Fish are more lethargic in winter and will not chase poorly presented flies.
- Use an indicator or tight-line nymphing techniques to maintain control.
- Focus on the Film: Emergers are often taken just below or within the surface film.
- Use a greased leader to keep flies in the film or consider a dry-dropper setup with a buoyant dry fly.
- Adjust Depth Frequently: Use split shot or weighted flies to target fish feeding just beneath the surface.
- Keep adjusting your rig until you find the depth where fish are actively feeding.
Reading the Water
- Slow and Deep: In winter, trout hold in slower, deeper runs to conserve energy.
- Tailouts and Slicks: Emerger activity often happens in soft tailouts and slower eddies where insects accumulate.
- Look for Subtle Rises: Watch for dimples or subtle rises indicating fish feeding on emergers just below the surface.
Gear and Rigging
- Long Leaders and Fine Tippets:
- Use a 9-12 foot leader tapered to 5X or 6X to avoid spooking wary fish.
- Split Shot and Weight:
- Minimal weight helps keep your presentation natural. Adjust as needed based on current speed and depth.
- Indicators:
- Small, subtle indicators like yarn or airlocks prevent splashy presentations.
Seasonal Considerations
- Timing: Fish during the warmest parts of the day (10 AM to 3 PM) when insect activity and trout metabolism peak.
- Stealth: Winter waters are clear and fish are skittish. Approach carefully and use natural-colored clothing to blend in.
- Keep Moving: Cover water efficiently. If fish aren’t responding, change your fly or move to a new spot.
Fly Patterns for Winter Emergers
- Midges:
- Griffith’s Gnat
- Black Beauty
- Top Secret Midge
- BWOs:
- RS2 (olive or gray)
- Sparkle Dun
- CDC Comparadun
Final Tips
- Keep it Small and Subtle: Winter fish are selective and won’t respond to large or flashy flies.
- Observe and Adapt: Watch for changes in fish behavior or insect activity and adjust your strategy accordingly.
- Stay Warm: Invest in good layering, gloves, and a thermos of hot coffee. If you’re uncomfortable, it’s hard to focus on the fish!
Fishing emergers on technical tailwaters during winter can test your skills, but with patience, precise presentation, and the right flies, you can enjoy some fantastic days on the water. Good luck, and tight lines!
• Hook: Tiemco 2488, Size 16
• Thread: Semperfli classic Waxed, 18/0, Black
• Rib: UTC Wire, Small, Silver
• Wing: Hareline Krystal Flash, Pearl
• Head: Hareline, Super Fine Dub, Adams Gray
Looking for Stocking Stuffer Ideas: 2024 STOCKING STUFFERS
Check out some of our favorite Fly Tying Gear:
- Vise – Dynaking Barracuda Deluxe Pedestal Vise
- Scissors – Kopter ABSOLUTE Blade Micro Serrated Edge Thin Point
- Bodkin – Dr. Slick Jumbo Carbon Fiber Bodkin
- Whip Finisher – Tiemco Midge Whip Finisher
- Tool Kit – Umpqua Dream Stream Plus 7 Piece Fly Tying Tool Kit
