lmost all these flies are small; a size 16 would be a big one. But nymph and dry-fly fishing can be fun and effective in the height of winter. Most of your nymphs should be small. This is the time of year to dress warm and use neoprene waders. ... some vegetation, such as in many spring creeks, you'll generally need only two ...
Classic Pro Tips:
8 Must-Have Flies for Winter Fishing:
1. Zebra Midge, sizes 18-24. “Without a doubt, one of the best flies for the winter is the zebra midge. ...
2. Jujube Midge, sizes 18-24.
3. Egg Patterns, sizes 14-16. ...
4. Pheasant Tail, sizes 18-22. ...
5. Parachute Adams, sizes 20-24. ...
6. Tungsten Head Rainbow Warrior, sizes 18-22. ...
7. Brooks' Sprout Midge Emerger, sizes 20-24. ...
8. WD-40, sizes 20-24
https://news.orvis.com/fly-fishing/must-have-flies-winter-editionJust a handful of staple patterns will get the job done during the winter months.
We are very fortunate in Colorado that we have the opportunity to fish 365 days a year. And though we are now in December and it’s probably time to put away that hopper box until next summer, don’t think that there aren’t plenty of fishing opportunities throughout the state. In particular, tailwaters—or sections of river below a dam or reservoir—offer your best chance during these winter months. Oftentimes, these sections do offer some specific technical challenges, but their relatively consistent water temperatures and food sources lend themselves to fish that are hungry, big, and willing to eat your fly! Notable winter tailwaters in Colorado include the South Platte—below Spinney Mountain Reservoir, below Cheesman Reservoir, and in the Deckers area—the Big Thompson River, the Blue River, the Frying Pan River, the Yampa River, and the Taylor River.
When Trouts Fly Fishing Outfitting Manager, Dave Lovell, was asked about his favorite winter flies, he said with a smile, “I keep my winter fly selection pretty simple: give me a few different flavors of a few key seasonal food sources—such as the midge and Baetis—and I’m ready to hit the water with confidence. Even more important than your fly selection is maintaining that drag-free drift and set to everything. Don’t over-think it!” As Dave is quick to point out, maintaining a good presentation has a greater influence on the fish than specific fly selection. At any point, there are generally a number of flies that a fish will be willing to eat, but even the most perfectly selected fly is useless if the drift is sloppy or unnatural.
That said, the Trouts team has assembled a handful of their favorite “must have” flies to keep on hand through these chilly months. Though there is no shortage of fantastic flies that work, our guides have compiled a basic list of patterns that we will almost always have on the water, November through February.
Must Have Flies: Winter Edition:
Below is our list of seasonal flies for the winter months. You will certainly notice these flies are all on the smaller side and only simulate a couple food sources, but that is the nature of the beast when it comes to fly fishing in winter.
https://www.fishingstage.com/t-12068-1.html.