Midges, both dries and nymphs, may work well for you. Around here (Middle Tennessee) dries in light (white or cream), dark (dark dun or black), medium or blue dun, and grizzly are traditional. Brown and badger might work for you as well. All of the traditional dry colors, plus brown, seem to be common as nymphs.

I agree that buggers and other streamers are good patterns for a year-round box. But try different things. I had a good day with bluegill using dark-colored parachutes in size 10 or 12 tied with greatly oversized hackle one December day. Admittedly our Decembers are probably a bit milder than yours. It was in the 50s F that afternoon.


Regards,
Ed