January Open Water Fly Fishing Northern Illinois

The guys who got fly rods from Santa this year are lucky because they can take them out and try them out on local open water right now instead of waiting till the end of March or taking a trip south.

The local long range forecasts puts highs at 39 or above and few overnight lows below freezing all the way out to 1/13. This weather creates a rare opportunity for us to fly fish local open water in January. Problem is that it is so rare that I have no idea where to start. Any suggestions?

Try to find a shallow flat near some deeper water. Fish the flies very slowly. One inch slow strip with 5 second pauses. Use more realistic flies than impressionistic flies at this time.

I like leeches and hares ears type flies.

If this does not work then go to the deeper water and try that with a bead head fly to get deeper.

Rick

I like to fish ponds as opposed to larger lakes as well, because there's less water you need to search.