Ah, winter in the High Country. Frigid temps, short days, frozen rivers and a strong desire to hibernate through it all. Although the diehard angler will still battle the ice and snow in order to land a few trout,* many spend their winter months tying flies, daydreaming about warmer weather or partaking in seasonal activities
Winter Fly Fishing
40 posts
Michael “Sal” Salomone Approaching the river in winter can be an intimidating fly-fishing experience when the water is as clear as glass and slowing from freezing. However, it can be extremely productive if an angler is aware of the conditions and presents flies with focused intention. Vail Valley Anglers’ professional […]
Since the new year is often a time for goal setting and preparing for the upcoming year, here are 9 new years resolutions for anglers in 2019.
Give the gift of guided fly fishing this winter. It might be the best kept secret but winter time fly fishing in the Vail Valley is really really good. The local water stays fishable throughout the year, providing anglers with fly fishing opportunities all the time. So after a morning […]
One of the most critical aspects of fly fishing and often one of the easiest to overlook is the fly line itself. Anglers regularly look to their fly rod for casting performance. When that falls short, they reach for the rod rack to alleviate their lack of proficiency. In reality […]
In the fly fishing world, typically we classify fish holding rivers/streams in three different categories, tailwaters, freestones, and spring creeks. So how do they differ and why should we care? Well, in fact, each classification is very different and typically supports different biology based on the amount of oxygen, vegetation, entomology […]
Tourists have landed in mountain towns across the Rocky Mountains and are looking for activities. Skiing is the main draw and reason for being in the mountains during the snowy months. Providing the opportunity to explore the mountains through other venues deepens ones appreciation for the high country. Snowmobiling and […]
For those that are willing to brave the cold and fish in the winter time, the rewards can be sweet. Hungry fish and empty streams are just a few of the benefits of winter fly fishing, but if you are cold, it can be a miserable experience. Sometimes, having the […]
We shuffled through the early December snow towards the river bank. A cold front settled into the Colorado high country dropping the air temperature below freezing. Steam rose from the surface of the river and melted into the sky. Undeterred by the cold, the small group of Vail Valley Anglers […]
Guest contribution by Ray Kyle, Vail Valley Anglers Shop Supervisor and Fly Tying Instructor. You can find him published in the Vail Daily newspaper weekly through the summer and monthly through the winter. For us, there is no end to the fishing season here in Colorado. Others pack away their […]
Winter fly fishing This a concept that is foreign to most people. The mountains are full of snow, freshly groomed runs greet the eager ski and snowboard crowd and the hot chocolate is flowing. Who has time to fish? The truth is, winter fly fishing offers some excellent opportunities to […]
Winter Fly Fishing Gloves Any angler that braves the cold to enjoy winter fly fishing knows that often times the hands are the first body parts to freeze. Here in the Vail Valley, we are accustom to below-freezing temperatures and constant snowfall, well into April. Many fishing product companies like […]
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