Go to the local stream or river this winter to keep those off-season fishing technicians keen-just like the anglers on the salmon river. (Photo courtesy of ROGER PHILLIPS/IDAHO FISH & GAME)

A rainbow caught on Henry's Fork in the Snake River during winter fishing.

Ask almost anyone, if they are standing in two feet of water at 33 degrees and Snow somehow finds out from behind their base layer, it sounds like their thoughts about good times, you might get a resounding denial. At this time of the year, anglers want to hide their fishing rods and hang up the waders until next spring. The turnkey fireplace next to the 55-inch flat screen did not make the decision any easier.

But for those who are willing to put on the thickest neoprene for wading, open a shop on the icy river bank for a few hours and fuss with the frozen guide, there are still many opportunities to hone their fishing skills and appreciate Aida Beautiful winter scenery in Holland, and caught a few fish.

Benefits and strategies of winter stream fishing

Fishing in rivers and streams during the coldest time of the year has several benefits. First, you may own the entire river bank. For a few people, fishing is a secondary activity of other winter hobbies, such as tying flies, skiing, or making a pot of peppers in a slow cooker. Find a beautiful river where you don’t have to worry about the crowds in summer, it shouldn’t be too difficult.

Look for the slow and deep waters where trout and white fish are most likely to inhabit, and consume as little energy as possible. Look for slow pockets or pools at the edge of fast-moving water where food will float past the main stream.

Just because fish move slowly in winter does not mean they are still looking for a relaxing meal. Insects are scarce in winter, but this does not mean that they still cannot be used as a food source for slow-moving fish. Fish can be very picky at this time of the year, so display and food size are crucial.

As a general rule of thumb, use smaller baits and flies than in spring and summer.

The same is true for Tippet. In winter, the river flow slows down significantly, and tends to decrease and clear. This means that fish are easier to see directly through poorly executed presentations. It is wise to reduce the size of the treadmill you usually run in spring and summer, for example, 4X to 5X.

After setting up the rig, it is best to try different techniques, which you may not have tried in the warmer months before.

Dead drift is important in winter, because trout will not chase flies in cold water. To drift completely, simply let the slow-moving currents bring the flies to the surface (dry flies) or just above the surface of the water (bait, nymphs, midges). If you see dimples on the water, the fish may be feeding on floating insects, which are most likely tiny midges or mayflies.

In winter, stream fish occasionally show dry flies, such as midges or olive mayfly. Save yourself a few grams of extra weight and leave the box of dried flies at home. A small midge or a small olive mayfly will be the only desiccant you need.

If you are fishing for trout or hardhead fish, try to keep the flies above the water column to swing the flies. Hardhead fish and trout usually feed upwards, so well-positioned flies swinging in the upper part of the water may attract their attention.

If fish do not like small flies like midges and stone flies, then it can be said that putting a streamer there to test the water may not do any harm. When presented slowly, the streamers look like a hearty light meal, but don't expect trout to chase them as vigorously as in summer.

The only thing sweeter than catching a big fish in the middle of winter is to catch a big fish in the net after 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep in the middle of winter. Unplug the alarm clock. Disable the phone’s sleep reminder. Cook an extra pot of bold roast, then slam extra waffles. Winter fishing means one thing for many anglers: sleep. At this time of the year, figuratively speaking, the fish will be with you.

For most winter fisheries, fish will not be caught until mid to late morning. Unlike the peak conditions in summer, fish are most active at noon on sunny days and even longer on cloudy afternoons.

It's easy to see how excited it is for people to submerge their southern hemisphere in icy water in order to catch a fish, but don't worry (and for a long time) when you encounter a local river or flow late in the morning.

Now that you have a good rest and know what to try on fish, you can find them here. See Fish and Game’s fishing plan to learn more about each location.

Boise River: Don't ignore this river in the late season, because the low flow in winter actually makes it easier to enter and wading than in summer. It has a healthy population of rainbow trout, whitefish and brown trout. But don't expect fish that are easy to be fooled, because they are under great fishing pressure.

Boise River South Fork: This popular area under the Anderson Ranch Dam hasn’t become less popular in winter. The water flowing from the reservoir provides stable conditions, with thousands of trout per mile making it a destination for late-season anglers. Trout and whitefish tend to be above average in size.

Banks to Horseshoe Bend: This part of the Payette River supports an extremely diverse fishery, including mountain whitefish. White fish can easily accept well-made bait, flies or bait. They are aggressive when they are hooked and taste delicious, but it is undeniable that they are a bit bony. Anglers have many access points along this river.

Omu River: This river has long been a popular place for trout fishing in winter. It rarely freezes, and if you fish on the right day, you can catch trout on dry flies. Bring your mosquito and Betis pattern.

Malad River: This stream with a steady stream of water is an interesting winter fishing spot because it is easily accessible from the Hagerman area and there are many trouts. Bring your light tackles because they tend to be small, but they are rich and lively.

Lower Lochsa River and Selway River: Both provide good opportunities for whitefish fishing in winter, as well as trout fishing opportunities.

San Joe River: This river provides winter fishing opportunities for trout and whitefish fishing.

North fork of the Coeur d'Alene River: Whitefish and trout can also be fished downstream, and can be reached in winter.

The Snake River below the American Falls: This part of the Snake River has produced some excellent trout fishing in recent years, and many others. The relatively mild climate and flood discharge from the dam make this fishing activity easy and productive in winter.

Snake River (Tilden to Shelley): This area is expected to stock nearly 40,000 rainbow trout in November. Thousands of fish will be released near Tilden, Blackfoot, Firth and Shelley.

Portneuf River: The upper part is your best choice. Fish and Game provides multiple passage areas so you can reach the river.

Snake Henan Cha: Trout fishing here all year round, unlimited rainbow trout. There are also many opportunities to catch white fish in winter.

Don’t forget to buy a new fishing license in 2022. Don’t worry about it after one year. There are also three-year licenses and the new automatic renewal of Fish and Game, so you don’t have to worry about about is where you will go fishing next.

Connor Liess is a public information specialist for the Idaho Game and Fishery Service.

(Photo courtesy of JOHN HECKEL/IDAHO FISH & GAME)

A rainbow caught on Henry's Fork in the Snake River during winter fishing.

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