This guest blog comes from Aspen Outfitting Company, a family run business that has been operating since 1969.
As many visitors know, Aspen is home to some of the best Fly Fishing in North America! Although you may think of Fly Fishing as a warm weather affair, you should know that our local trout readily eat flies during the winter too! If your legs are tired from long days of skiing, winter Fly Fishing is a great way to take a day off the slopes. Aspen Outfitting Company, a family run business that was founded in 1969, is one of the valley’s best resources to learn about winter fly fishing and continues to be voted Aspen's Best Fly Shop and Guide Service year after year!
Here are three reasons we think you should try winter Fly Fishing!
1. It’s a great way to get outside! It’s peak season on the mountain, but if you’re looking for some solitude, fun, and stunning scenery — winter fly fishing has everything you need!
- Trout are cold blooded, so during the winter they are most active in the late morning through the afternoon when the water temperatures rise. This means that we fish during the warmest part of the day. Dress in your ski layers, and we’ll provide warm Gore Tex waders, rods, reels and all of the other equipment that you’ll need.
- Bald eagles, elk, deer and other wildlife are common sights on the snow covered banks of the river this time of year! With less people out and about, you’re more likely to spot some wildlife that you wouldn’t see otherwise.
2. The trout are hungry! With less people out on the water, the trout see fewer flies and reduced fishing pressure. This makes them less wary of fishermen, and can lead to some of the most successful fishing days of the year.
- Winter Fly Fishing is a relatively well kept secret, so not many people are out there this time of the year. That means that you’ll likely have your pick of spots on the river, and some very active fishing.
- Trout feed on a variety of insects during the winter, and cold tolerant bugs like midges are an abundant food source for trout this time of year.
3. There are a lot of fish! We’re lucky to have 45 miles of Gold Medal Water, with thousands of fish per mile, right in our backyard. During winter months, trout congregate in slow, deep pools where they can stay out of the strong current and eat lots of bugs!
- When you find one, you often find many — so get ready!
- Right now, the river is low and crystal clear. As fishermen, we can use this clarity to our advantage. “Sight fishing” is when you can see the fish interact with your flies and have the added excitement of knowing exactly what the fish is doing! As an added bonus, you are often able to “sight fish” to multiple trout at once because the fish are concentrated this time of year!
With snow-covered banks, icicles dripping with sunlight, and the dazzling flashes of a wild trout tugging on your line in clear cold water- what’s not to like? It’s a magical experience, and once you try it, you may find yourself reaching for a fly rod instead of your skis! If you have any questions about Fly Fishing, Clay Target Shooting, Upland Bird Hunts or any of our other unique outdoor activities, give Aspen Outfitting Company a call! You can also stop into their boutique in the lobby of the St. Regis Hotel or their Fly Shop outpost in “downtown” Woody Creek, next-door to the world famous Woody Creek Tavern. Click here to catch up on Aspen Outfitting Company’s latest adventures!
Tag us in your fly fishing adventures on social @AspenCo for a chance to be reposted on our social pages and website!
