Go slow for WNC trout

These anglers were fishing with Asheville Fly Fishing Company when they caught this trout.

WNC’s big trout are willing to bite

February fishing in western North Carolina can be challenging, but according to Tony Lohr of Asheville Fly Fishing Company (828-779-9008), it’s also the best time to catch bigger fish.

“The cold months provide opportunities for anglers seeking quality over quantity,” said Lohr, who suggests using weighted leeches, sculpins and articulated streamer patterns paired with a weighted line or a sink tip this time of year.

“Try getting that big fly down in the water column. Alternate your retrieves to see what presentation might activate a trout,” he said.

He also said anglers should slow down in the winter.

“During winter, a trout’s metabolism slows, and while they do still feed, most are less voracious than they were during those warmer fall days,” he said. “It is very possible to see fish rising to midges, caddis or small stoneflies during winter afternoons. But you’re more likely to spend the bulk of your time deep nymphing, slowly presenting flies to lethargic fish. Make sure your presentations are precise.”

For this type of fishing, Lohr suggests anglers use rods in the 5-weight to 6-weight range. He said even a 7-weight is reasonable for chasing trophy trout.

“You can also use the 5-weight if you happen to come across some rising trout,” he said.

For anglers pursuing numbers of trout rather than size, he said a 4-weight will do for making delicate presentations with long, fine leaders.

Warmer is better

Lohr said when it’s brutally cold, trout will predictably search for the warmest water.

“Although trout do prefer cold water in general, during the coldest months, they may seek water that offers an extra degree or three of warmth. The slower, deeper water offers just that,” he said.

Trout often hang out in the tailouts of deep runs or pools, he said, and some will also position themselves near slack water.

He also said anglers need to keep an open mind when searching for trout. And that means not overlooking water that may not be ideal by conventional wisdom.

“It’s important any time that you are on the water to stay creative and look for water that may hold a fish or two that other anglers may just walk by,” he said. “Trout do not read the same articles or watch the same YouTube videos that we do. So they are quite unaware of the exact position in the river they should be holding.”

Another bit of conventional wisdom also doesn’t hold this time of year, he said. Getting on the water early is not so important right now.

“I’m always an advocate of fishing early. Getting up early assures that I start in the spot I prefer, and I may find mutliple preferred locations vacant, before the late risers wader up and get on the water,” he said. “But the truth is, despite the diligent efforts exerted to assure my early arrival to an ‘A’ spot, I sometimes find winter trout less cooperative in the morning than I would like.”

Anglers getting a late start, he said, should still expect to find fish willing to bite.

“During the winter, trout may be more active later in the day, when the water temperature rises a few degrees,” he said. “This is when the bulk of the few winter hatches may also occur, which can stimulate the appetites of some of those dormant fish.

“The good news for late risers is that you don’t have to get up quite so early in insure fishing success. And because there are fewer anglers out during the winter, you still may get first crack at some prime locations.”

Although deep and slow is usually the name of the game this time of year, Lohr said it’s not at all unheard of to find some fish sipping on the surface, especially during a stretch of unseasonably warm weather.

“If you are lucky enough to stumble across some fish sipping the surface, I offer the same slow and easy advice,” he said. “That fish slurping gnats or No. 24 grey midges in slack water has no stomach for poor presentations, oversized flies, or heavy tippet. Stay stealthy and adjust your presentations and offerings accordingly.

“If you’re not getting bites, slow down and down size.”

About Brian Cope 3066 Articles
Brian Cope is the editor of Carolina Sportsman. He has won numerous awards for his writing, photography, and videography. He is a retired Air Force combat communications technician, and has a B.A. in English Literature from the University of South Carolina. You can reach him at brianc@carolinasportsman.com.

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