Berkshire Cty. winter fly fishing?

[DRYFLYPHIL]

Hello BFF,

has anybody done any winter fly fishing in the area. I usually don't fly fish much after late fall in my years past. But was considering expanding my season into the winter months. There's always Steel head fishing over in NY during the cold months. But because of my inexperience of the cold weather Fly fishing, I'm not sure I'm ready to jump that deep into it yet. ( no pun intended )

I'm a Housi fan during the typical fly fishing season. But any suggestions of areas, rivers, and usual productivity would be appreciated.

Happy New years to all, with my very best regards...............Phil

[flyfishinchef]

I can't say what's fishing well in the berkshire area right now....but yesterday and sunday the north fork of the colorado was on fire. size 20 bwo's were killing it. It's 17 degrees right now, about 7 degrees warmer than it was at this time yesterday. The hell with skiing, gear is already in the car, looks like another day on the river!!

[flyfishinchef]

by the way I'm running a winter guide special out here through march....anyone crazy enough to get out here fishes for free...as long as they don't mind the fact that i'll be fishing as well and you have to tie on your own flies...

[Mark Patenaude]

All the trout in your usual spots are still there. Just go small. Look for the slightly warmer days and for the midge hatches. If you have scuds, orange is a great color during the winter. When all else fails, drift nymphs right on the bottom.

[AgMD]

Phil,
A buddy and I used to fish the Battenkill at least once every Jan. -- just to say we done it. We never caught anything but we had fun. About the time we entered our 50's, we began to feel that we did not need that much fun. We still hunt the LL Salmon every Nov. Last year the water was usually about 40 -- 42*. One morning the water was 35*
Some observations.
ALWAYS-- have an extra set of warm dry clothes and a few large fluffy towels back at the car -- ALWAYS
Fish familiar or easy water. Wade easy---in cold weather you may be a bit less graceful than usual. This is not the time to push the envelope.
When your feet begin to stop hurting -- get out now -- you are developing "stump foot". Not horribly dangerous medically, but it usually leads to a dunking because you can't feel the rocks under you. See recommendation about extra dry clothes.
Know the signs for hypothermia. If you fish with a buddy ( recommended) agree that you will watch each other for the signs.
One of the early signs is diminished mental capacity -- you get stoopid. Sometimes too stoopid to see that you are becoming hypothermic. Hypothermia kills.
This can be a good time of the year to consider using a wading staff.
A quart thermos of hot coffee/chocolate/sweet tea is a medically recommended method of restoring core temperature. A welcome delight after a few hours of fishing in the cold, essential first aid if you are now wearing the extra set of dry clothes.
This summer I will have a LOUD whistle in my vest. I fish alone a lot and even if I am fishing in downtown Pownal, it might be a slim chance of any one ever hearing me if all I could do is yell. The Acme Thunderer is one of the best whistles, the plastic version is preferred in winter.
If all this makes winter fishing sound dangerous -- it shouldn't. Winter fishing is needn't be any more dangerous than July fishing.
Nymphs and wets, fished low and slow.
AgMD

[6wt]

........phil,
hey lets pick a weekend day that warms up into the upper 30's or 40's with some sun and go for it.

[DRYFLYPHIL]

Hey there 6wt,

Sounds like a potential plan!!! We'll keep an eye on the future weather & temp forecast, and try to plan a day. As time goes on, it should really get easier with picking a nice day. With the sun getting higher in the sky, ( Yes! Spring is coming, "finally") and other then these past few day w/9 degree temps, days should get warmer.

Last week, I actually just bought , though not delivered yet, a new Redington RS4 3wt (med fast-fast action) myself for very short money (Cabela's Bargain cave). I wanted a moderately priced 3wt with more zip then my Orvis Trident TL full flex. My Trident was/is limited to dries for the most part, but I wanted to widen that 3wt range a little for nymphs or small WB's and such. So I think it worked out good.

Hey! I know you've already tried & used your Orvis Zero G (7wt?), but did you try that Helios switch rod yet? How did it work?

[6wt]

The ZG is a 10' 7wt, love that rod. I did use the switch 11' 8wt great rod also but more than I needed for the low water and steelhead. Especially where we fished this last time as the fish are right in front of you. I got it primarily for salmon and striper fishing at the cape.

I almost picked up a 4wt. Your new rod sounds nice.

[DRYFLYPHIL]

That's great that you @ least tried the switch & you like it. But it will probably be super nice under the right conditions where you can really appreciate it.

So what 4wt?

[6wt]

.....I was looking at a scott rod.

[DRYFLYPHIL]

A Scott rod...............Nice!!!!!!!!!

[flyfishinchef]

which model scott? They are all sweet!

[6wt]

...it was a V2 I think....ended up not getting it.


Phil how about Sunday afternoon?

[DRYFLYPHIL]

6wt,

I'll need to get back with you for Sunday afternoon.


Regards..............Phil