Sunday, December 9, 2018

Adjusting to Winter Fishing


My blogging takes a hit during the winter months, mainly because of the weather. I'm not a fan of cold weather and it's a good thing that I don't live in the colder regions of the U.S. My hats off to all you guys who brave the frigid temps to wet a hook.
The winters here in Alabama go through what I call the yo-yo effect; high temps for a couple of day verses extremely lows for a couple of days. On those warmer days is when I try to be on the water. I forget about those factors that may cause the fishing to be slow this time of year. I'm just glad to be enjoying the outdoors and sharpening my casting skills for the coming spring.
The Sipsey is getting a lot generation now due to the all the rain we are experiencing. Any trout that is released at the dam now is usually flushed miles down the Sipsey where a boat is needed to land a trout or two. The waters below the 69 bridge are too deep to wade and the banks are covered with trees and brush. When the generators are running the tailrace can rise 10 to 15 vertical feet in a matter of minutes, meaning lots water moving fast and furious down the tailrace. We are in the our third day of rain as I type this post meaning heavy generation for this next week. Three thousand rainbow is supposed to be released at the dam Thursday. I have a feeling most will be washed down stream, due to the heavy rains we are getting. The long range forecast for the deep south is living up to the projection, a wet winter!!
This may be my last trout to land on Walker County Lake until March 1st. The lake is always closed during the winter months. 
You never know what you'll land using the fly rod. Catfish are usually on or near the bottom of the the lake this time of year.  The Flashback Pheasant Tail was the fly that got the most attention. 


11 comments:

  1. Bill winter fishing indeed changes a lot of things. For me my start time is drastically different, sometimes not leaving the house until 10. Time on the water is only maybe 2 hours, as well as flies used.
    Nice going on your success.

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  2. You can always come out and visit Jason. Plenty of fishing out here.

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  3. Alan
    I'm looking forward to Spring which is my favorite time of the year!!! thanks for the comment

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  4. Mark
    Jason actually fishes more here now that he gets more time off. Thanks for the comment

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  5. Hi Lester
    I only land those catfish by accident, and this one was supposed to be a trout. The only time I fish for the catfish is when I'm on Smith in the summer months using dead crickets--wow do they stink, which the catfish love. Thanks for the comment

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  6. Bill, I hope the weather cooperates this winter and allows you to enjoy some time on the water. You're right, we need to adjust to winter conditions and, when we do, there are some fine benefits to going out. Be well, and happy holidays!

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  7. Cool. (No pun intended). I've never caught a catfish on the fly before. That's kind of interesting bycatch. Glad to see you taking advantage of the conditions while they are still somewhat favorable. Winter fishing takes on all different forms depending on the part of the country, but I'm certain everybody will agree it's not as productive as in the warmer months.

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  8. Michael
    Winter fishing is a down time for me because I'm limited as to where I can fish a fly rod. Heavy generation effects the tailrace and Smith Lake and of course Walker County Lake is close during the winter. I was lucky to get to land the few trout and of course the catfish that nailed the PTFB last week on the lake. I'm looking forward to Spring fishing. Thanks for the comment

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  9. Walt
    I hope I get a few days during the next couple of months to fly fish the Sipsey. We really need a break in the rain here which will limit the generation. Thanks for the comment

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  10. I'll take a cat anytime. Planned to go for trout but got into some rod building. Have a few issues with the ankle or maybe the leg. We'll see but hoping to get out soon.

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  11. Josh
    Hope the leg/ankle gets better before the real action starts in the Spring. Catfish on the fly is a lot of fun for sure. Thanks for the comment

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