fly fishing tips · How To · Tactics · winter flies · winter fly fishing · Feb 24, 2025

Cracking the Code: Proven Tactics for Late Winter Fly Fishing Success

Winter fly fishing isn’t just about enduring the cold—it’s about unlocking the secrets of a season that tests your skills and rewards your persistence. While many anglers hang up their rods when the mercury drops, those who brave the chill are often treated to serene waters, uncrowded rivers, and the thrill of outsmarting fish at their most elusive. As we move into late winter, from mid to the end of February, fish behaviors begin to shift, offering new opportunities for those who adapt their strategies.

The Late Winter Challenge: A Season in Transition

By late winter, fish are still in survival mode, but subtle changes in daylight and temperature start to trigger more activity. Their metabolism remains slow, yet they may begin to feed more consistently as they prepare for early spring. This means your approach still needs to be precise, but you can start to experiment with slightly more movement and varied fly selection.

To succeed, focus on three key elements:

Finding the Fish: Understanding where they stage as winter transitions to spring.
Refining Your Presentation: Adapting your technique to warming water and changing feeding behaviors.
Seasonal Fly Selection: Introducing patterns that anticipate early spring hatches while still matching the winter menu.

Where Do Late Winter Fish Hold? (Spoiler: They’re Not Hibernating)

Fish don’t disappear in winter—they just relocate to spots where they can conserve energy and stay safe. Here’s where to look as February unfolds:

1. Deep, Slow-Moving Pools

These areas continue to act as winter sanctuaries, but fish may start to move toward shallower edges as the sun warms the water.

Pro Tip: Focus on the bottom third of the water column in the morning and gradually test higher as the day warms.

2. Tailouts

As late winter sun triggers insect activity, tailouts become more productive, particularly on mild afternoons.

3. Eddies and Backwaters

These calm areas remain reliable for food collection, but fish may start to become slightly more aggressive in taking drifting insects.

4. Undercut Banks

Fish love the cover and slightly warmer water found under overhanging banks.

5. Spring Seeps

Groundwater inflows remain key areas, especially as fish seek out consistent temperatures and oxygen levels.

The Subtle Science of Late Winter Fly Presentation: Adapting to Active Fish

Fish may still be sluggish, but they are starting to show more interest in food. Adjust your presentation accordingly:

1. Nymphing: The Winter MVP

Rig up with a weighted nymph (think Zebra Midges or Stonefly patterns) and fish it deep, but introduce occasional lifts to mimic emerging insects.
Use a strike indicator to detect those barely-there takes.

2. The Slow-Motion Streamer Retrieve

Small, dark streamers like Woolly Buggers remain effective, but adding the occasional twitch can entice more aggressive strikes.
Add occasional pauses to mimic a lethargic baitfish.

3. Dry Flies for Sunny Surprises

By mid to late February, Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) may start to appear on warmer days. Have a size 18-22 Parachute Adams or BWO Emerger ready.

4. The Dead Drift with a Subtle Jig

Fish your fly with minimal movement, but don’t be afraid to introduce a slight jig to imitate an emerging insect.

Late Winter Fly Selection: Bridging the Seasons

Your fly box should still include winter staples, but begin incorporating patterns that anticipate early spring.


Midges	Nymphs	Eggs	Small Streamers	BWO Patterns

Midges: Tiny but mighty. Go for sizes 18-24 in black, red, or olive.
Nymphs: Pheasant Tail, Hare’s Ear, and Stoneflies (Sizes 14-18)
Egg Patterns: Especially effective in tailwaters or near spawning areas.
Small Streamers : Think dark and subtle, like a black Wooly Bugger or a Sculpin pattern.
Blue-Winged Olive Patterns: As hatches begin, carry emergers and duns (Sizes 18-22)

Pro Tips for Late Winter Success

Follow the Sun: Fish are most active between 10 AM and 4 PM as temperatures rise.
Be Patient: While fish may start to move more, they still won’t chase aggressively.
Adjust Depth Often: Fish may feed higher in the column on warmer days.
Stay Subtle with Gear: Use 5X or 6X tippet for delicate presentations.
Dress for Changing Conditions: Layers are key as temperatures can swing dramatically.

Final Thoughts: The Late Winter Advantage

Late winter fly fishing bridges the gap between deep winter and the promise of spring. With slightly more active fish, increasing insect activity, and the continued solitude of cold-weather fishing, it’s an exciting time to be on the water. Adapt your approach, fine-tune your presentation, and embrace the transition—it just might lead to some of your best fishing of the season.

Ready to test these late-winter tactics? Grab your gear, brave the elements, and share your experiences with us using #jhflyco. Tight lines and warm hands this February!