Winter Fly Fishing Around Montrose: Where and How

Winter might be the best-kept secret in western Colorado fly fishing: empty water, pods of fish stacked in predictable runs, and midge hatches that bring trout up on the right afternoons. Here's how we approach December through March.

Where to fish in winter

Tailwaters and low-elevation freestones stay fishable all season. The Uncompahgre through Pa-Co-Chu-Puk is the local winter staple — consistent flows, open water, and fish that eat small stuff all season. The lower Gunnison fishes on warmer stretches too. Check the current report before you go; winter windows change with the weather.

Slow down and size down

Cold water means slow metabolisms. Fish hold in the softest, deepest water and won't move far to eat. Dead-drift small flies — zebra midges, eggs, small pheasant tails in 18–22 — under an indicator, add weight until you're ticking bottom, and fish each run twice as slowly as you would in June. Takes are subtle; set on anything.

Fish the warm hours

Forget dawn patrol. Winter fishing is a 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. game, and the best bite often comes on the warmest part of a sunny afternoon when midges pop. Watch for tiny risers in slow pools — a Griffith's Gnat over a pod of midging fish is as technical and fun as winter gets.

Rig for warmth, wade less

Layer under your waders (fleece, not cotton), wear a warm hat, and bring a second pair of gloves. Wade shallow or not at all — winter wading falls are dangerous, and most winter fish sit close to the bank anyway. Keep your net wet, keep fish in the water, and pinch your barbs; cold fish handle poorly.

Need flies or a winter setup? The shop's open all season on Main Street — stop in and we'll point you at the water that's fishing.