Think midges and BWOs. If you concentrate on slower water than you would during the rest of the year, foam lines, back eddies from about 10-2. Personally, I prefer fishing dries, even during the winter & those are the places & times I'm always looking for fish.
If you're nymphing, you can extend it a bit.
"Some people fish their entire lives without realizing it's not the fish they're after."
I would not over look streamers. Very slow strips or just drifting them can be very effective if you can get it to where the fish is holding.
I take alot more time finding ideal conditions. Trout DO eat year round but they will not work to get food. Good holding spots that have a food source and if there is a little cover all the better. Under cut banks and slow riffles with lots of pockets are my first spots to search. If you can get the fly right under their nose you have a better shot. This is where multi fly rigs are great with one weighted nymph, a non-weighted nymph or wet, and a soft hackle near the top or a dry fly on top.
Pools can be hit or miss. When I do fish them it is big flies with sinking line, works great or not at all.
Always have midges, olives, and caddis all size 22 and smaller, with some 7x tippet.
Stay Warm,
Joe
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