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SWITCHING GEARS
It hardly seems like winter here in southern Arizona, but even here the decreasing day length results in longer and cooler nights. This is a reminder, even here, that winter has arrived and for anglers this means that it is time to switch gears.
Neil,
I have a tendency to use a lot more streamers and wooley buggers during the colder months. You would think that the fish would be a little more lethargic but, no. If the creek is open, I have had some very aggressive follows and takes. I've had trout bee-lining across the surface of a pool and snapping at the streamer 3 or 4 times. I believe a lot of it has to do with them being hungry - post-spawn. You may see some rises to midges(?) mid-afternoon, even if the creek is almost frozen except for a 5 or 6ft. open channel. The fish do have a liking for some of the deeper slots, and can be stacked up like cord wood in them. I agree with you that you can find them in the shallows, if there's enough bugs to entice them and the water/air temp rises. As the old saying goes: you find them where you find them!! Dress warmly and keep the felt side down!!!
Best regards, Dave S.