Such a helpful video! I learned a lot and the drone point of view was money! Thank you so much for taking the time to make this. I'm excited to get out and apply what I learned.
The proof that instinct, scientific reasoning (e.g. hydrodynamics) and practicing familiar fishing spots comes all together in making us more successful and efficient anglers. Another very interesting video 👍
Great guidance!! Best video I've seen on reading water in the winter!! Well best video on reading water period that I have watched, it's just great you did it in the winter. I fished in a similar winter situation 2 days ago and did not have any luck. If I had saw this video before making the trip, I'm sure I would have caught fish. Thank You!!!!
Thank You! I wish I had time to do more water breakdown videos. They take time and effort to pull off but I love doing them. Breaking down water is by far the most fun part of fly fishing for me! Good luck this year and I'm glad you binged the Euro Nymphing Series! 😂
Thanks... I wish I could have done it for the other holes. That was the plan but my phone battery died :( For my future videos on reading water there will definitely be drone footage!
Thanks! I would have done that for the other holes too but my battery on my phone died. Lesson learned for next time.. bring a power bank to charge the phone.
Been watching the whole series and it’s been nothing short of excellent! Knowing how to read water and staying away from unproductive water is key in putting fish in the net! Sometimes we all get excited and try and fish as much as the river as possible! But keening in on the deeper and slower pools will up your chances considerably! Great stuff again and tight lines !
Those deep pockets that cause the "down shift" always fool me the first time. I've recently learned to look for the small bucket eddies and to let my fly just sit in them. They're usually not big enough to hold more than a couple of fish but they often get overlooked for the bigger pools; probably because indicator rigs get pulled right through them.
Great safety advice! Glad to see the logic behind the exact area’s holding fish. As always, the details are clearly explained, make sense, and then proven to produce fish! Very impressive! Thanks for another great learning video.
Thanks! Something that will separate the great anglers from the rest is the desire to pay attention to the little details and when something works you figure out why and apply it to new waters. Reading water is probably the best part about fishing for me! Absolutely love when I connect with a fish when I just know there has to be one there! 😀
Great footage and useful examples on how to approach water. There is a lot out there on reading water but there is next to nothing in the means of reading water sub surface. This series keeps getting better. Thank you!
Thanks you! I definitely appreciate comments referring to what else is out there because I don't honestly watch a lot of it. You guys give me the insight from all of your research and comments. So Thank You!
From an ancient angler...So grateful for your fine work, as I'm learning SO much ! You are a natural as an Instructor. White Dog becoming this buckeye's "go-to" !
Thank you! As I was editing it I really felt the drone footage was key... which I intended it to be. Unfortunately, my phone battery died so I didn't get drone footage on the other holes. I have more videos planned for reading water and the drone will be key for those too!
Thanks for the video! Another great one! I really learn a lot every time you put one of these up. It got skunked on a well known river just last week because I hadn't read the water properly (I now know) when if I'd focused on a couple spots nearby, but just slightly different I might have had much more success. Finding the spot where it slows down is a great tip!
Finding the water that is slow on the bottom is CRUCIAL for winter fishing!!! Pay attention to what happened when you start having success and you will start building your experiences on how to read water and how to be successful! Good luck!
Yeah... slick bottoms and round rocks make for tough wading! The older I get the more I think about using one regularly. I don't use any kind of studs on my boots either... that is probably my next step.
Extremely educational and informative. Everybody, novice or avid will gain things from this and actually all of your vids! Great to see that stream caught trout can be had at this time of year! Nice job all around !
Fascinating and full of fantastic and focused info. I guess a staple of understanding life is you can't really know what hot truly is unless you've experienced varying cold. Changes in velocity is key, it aligns with shallow vs deep, modified by obstacles/friction. What I took out of this is another important piece of the puzzle, moreover, upon reflection is much more fundamental than it first appears. Your ability to read water and "think," both like a fish as well as insects doing their thing all aligns and exposes their use of motion. Using your weighted fly as an instrument to judge 'slow down' or changes in velocity, which indicates a change of depth is certainly something to either confirm or deny visuals. To rush the process of observation in haste to fish, is actually counter productive and often results in a negative effect and wasted time & energy, like chasing shadows. It brings luck as well as frustration more & more into play. Fish & aquatic life are masters and adapters to their environment, they have to be, otherwise they wouldn't exist. Sorry to rave on, but this stuff is true living to me and is nature doing her thing. We are part of nature too and are allowed to engage within it, just don't use intelligence for destruction is all I ever ask. Great fishing Bryan, thank you.
This was a great video, super informative and fun to watch! And I think what you said about safety in the winter is super important. I also really liked when you showed how to fish different holes in creeks, that was really cool!
Definitely wear a neck warmer when the temps are below 25 degrees. Your neck generates/ loses a lot of heat.. I have also tried toe warmers in the waders and it works well for me since I have lots of room.
Definitely agree with covering your neck on cold days! I just got a shirt for Christmas from Aftco that will be great for this! It covers the neck completely and can pull up above your face and has a hood too. I tend to walk a lot when I fish so I warm up easily but when it gets really cold that shirt will be killer!
Tremendously useful instructions. Thanks! When you fish two flies, one more natural and the other more of an attractor, which should be the point and which the dropper?
Tough one...It depends. Most of the time it is about the weight for me. I have the heavier fly on the point. It is rare that I'll put a lighter fly on the point but might do that in the winter to have both flies near the bottom. I would say it also depends on the time of year. In the cold weather you're more likely to get more takes on the point because it is closer to the bottom where the fish are hanging. In warmer water, the fish can be looking up more and can sometimes more easily take the dropper. I guess I don't really choose placement of the flies based on whether one is more natural or more of an attractor and I don't have a great answer for you on that one. If I'm fishing natural flies and don't get takes, I'm usually changing both flies and choosing flies that are more visible or vice versa.
i actually had to go back and see what waders I was wearing on that day 😂 I've used Redington waders for years because I get good pricing on them. But the last time I needed new waders there was no inventory so I went with Simms. I honestly can't remember exactly what model they are. For me, waders need to be lightweight enough that they don't slow me down. I cover a lot of ground when I fish and I often hike into places that are away from the access points so lightweight is important to me. I do tend to wear my waders out quickly because of what I put them through. I typically get 2 years from my waders before they start leaking. Now... my boots are the Simms Fly Weight Boots and I absolutely LOVE them!!! They're sturdy but super light and are no bigger than a hiking boot!
What's your base layer? I went in last month with just shorts under my waders. First winter wading. Thanks for the video. Very informative for winter fishing. 🦦
I wear non cotton long underwear (I think they're under armor cold weather gear or something). Then I have a fleece wading suit from Simms I wear over those.
Another fantastic production! Can’t thank you enough. I noticed that you felt a lot of hits. Do you tend to go by sighter movement or feel more when deciding to set?
Thank you! Strike detection is really a combination of the 2. Certain conditions lend to one over the other sometimes though. I keep a tighter line and rely on feel more in higher/faster water and if I'm fishing closer to me. I'll use heavier flies in those situations usually. In low or clear water conditions I'll use lighter flies and potentially fish further away from me which makes keeping a tight line more difficult or if you keep a tight line in those situations it may affect the drift of the flies and pull them toward you. So I won't stay as tight to the flies which gives you more of a sight detection of the strike. But it is always a combination of the two. Hope that helps.
I've been ice fishing only lately. I need to do more fly tying videos still and I have an advanced video planned for fly selection but wanted more of my fly tying videos done first. Once rivers get in good shape I'm planning on more reading water videos as well.
Excellent info, well presented and illustrated. Super helpful. How are you liking the waterproof pack? Great idea having the removable chest pack. It also seems like it would provide some flotation if you took a spill, although it might be tricky to stay on your back. Anyway, Thanks!
Thanks! I had to have the waterproof pack with all of the camera gear I carry. I had a ziplock leak a couple of years ago and harm a good camera... No more of that. Waterproof bag all the way! I like it because it keeps my gear dry and I like the chest pack part of it. BUT.. it is a single compartment bag which makes it hard to find what you need sometimes. I guess that comes with the territory when using a waterproof bag of that size though. I have fallen with that bag on and it honestly floats and puts you face down in the water. Given that I almost never fish dangerous water that isn't a problem for me.
@@WhiteDogTrailCompany The face down thing would be a concern in big rivers. I really like the roll top rather than a zipper. Smart move. Your video takes the time to really explain where the winter lies are and the overhead shots were amazing. That's one of the joys of wading and euro nymphing, you really learn the topography of the river bed and it constantly surprises me how much we miss from just looking from the bank. Love your channel.
I'm getting ready to make my first attempt at winter fishing. It's so helpful that you take the time so show the water carefully and the drone shots are particularly illustrative! You confirmed my own impression each time. You explained nicely why you skipped shallow water while working your way into the prime holding area but I noticed that you didn't fish the pools from downstream to upstream. Was this because they were just too short a run to do that? Great teaching videos! Thanks!
I typically do fish the holes from downstream to upstream (for pretty much every kind of fly fishing except streamers). In this stretch I did go up stream the whole time but I know the water well enough that I know exactly where they're going to be. Some holes are longer and I did fish my way from bottom to top but just didn't put it in the video. Some spots, like the one with the tree laying down, are very short and you really only get one good drift length. The last pool I completely skipped and went right to the head because I know that's the best spot and I was running out of daylight. So YES... fish downstream to upstream. When you know the water well enough you'll start to hone in on the very specific spots.
@@WhiteDogTrailCompany Oh, that makes sense! Just discovered your site and joined...great content! I"m looking forward to the advanced euro nymphing series! Your tying videos have pushed me over the edge to start tying my own nymphs. I've built two spey rods, so I should be able to master tying...you make it look fun, not too scary! :)
Tying flies really isn't that hard at all. You can make very simple and effective flies! All of my flies are simple ties and they all catch lots of fish! Plus, it is so hard to buy flies that are heavy enough. When you tie your own you can make the exactly as you want! That's why I tie.. It's the only way I can get what I want.
YES!!! I intended to do several of these types of videos where I break down a section of river and go over the conditions, time of year and how to read it and be successful. I even recorded one this summer but had a few technical difficulties that made it impossible to produce 🙄 My sound completely cut out in important sections and another important section recorded in slow motion... totally screwed up the ability to do the video... But I promise... more of these are coming!
In the U.K. we don’t fish for trout during the winter due to spawning. Grayling becomes the sport. Reading winter water , is it the same despite we are targeting grayling
We don't have grayling anywhere near where I live but it is on my list of fish to catch on the fly! One day! Where I live, they used to not allow fishing in the winter except for certain sections but most states have been opening it up to catch and release fishing over the past many years. Some rivers don't support natural reproduction unfortunately and I'm not entirely sure why. Others do, but I don't think they are seeing a negative effect on trout populations due to it. It is rare to find the trout actually spawning and we try to educate people to watch out for redds and to definitely not fish for fish that are on or near redds.
afaik trout in winter concentrates in so-called "winter holes" - deepest and slowest parts of the river. I usually avoid rapids, pocketwater, any kind of fast choppy water.
Good Vid with lots of info. I throw a lot of traditional euro style nymphs in the winter, from your experience do jig streamers work well during this time of year? Some examples would be micro wooly buggers, crawdads, and etc. Any suggestions? Thanks
I used to find my biggest fish in the winter! And I would find them with flies that are worth the effort for the meal... aka something of size. I would definitely recommend jig streamers in winter worked slowly through the bottom of holes. I have had times where they want something big moved fast in the winter too (like a big streamer) so don't count that out either. My favorite fly for big fish is the sexi stone but I definitely plan on tying and using more jig streamers as well!
Thankful to have some spring creeks near me that can really help beat the "winter blues". Other than that, you're right, winter freestone fishing is as you described - a game of "hide and seek" and finding holding water. Two additional wintertime tips - Ketchum release tools (for those barbless hooks that don't just fall out) and a dry towel tucked in a strategic place to dry hands should they get wet. Great video!
Thanks for the video but, I have a question, I’m assuming you are using your three wt 10’ Nymphing rod. When you go for like kings and steelhead what length and wt rod do you use?
I'm using a 10'6" 3wt in this video. When I go for steelhead I'm using a 11'3" 7wt Switch Rod and when going for salmon a 11'4" 8wt Switch Rod. The salmon and steelie rods get heavy after a day of fishing but I deal with it.
@@WhiteDogTrailCompany Sorry, I had the wrong spelling of the brand. What brand and model is your 8 wt you use for salmon? I believe you like Redington Rods.
@@joecruse4531 Both switch rods are Redington because they are not too expensive and are good quality. They are not "high end" rods though so they are a little heavier than they could be.
We were supposed to go up today and decided not to go because of ice conditions. I would be VERY careful! It is very early and unsafe unless you really know what you are doing and really know the ice.
Watch reports online. This weather this weekend has been good for making ice and many of the open water sections did ice over. Not sure about Monday but I watch facebook groups and see what people are saying. Just be careful!
Oh man... I got them several years ago. I can't remember what they were and they don't say it on the tag. I don't see them online when I do a quick search either. Sorry. 😬
@@WhiteDogTrailCompany , I tried the latest simms gloves but they dont have a way of pinning the fold over thumb sections .That means line will get caught in them all the time!
@@WhiteDogTrailCompany BTW what is your opinion on euro-nymphing with a 13-15 ft Tenkara rod? I feel that it should be an effective way to fish ESN while being in budget. Specially since these rods are extremely nimble and can cast thin level line and only weigh 2-3oz
@@MrSurfangler I won't use the fold over gloves... I had an experience where I had a steelhead that had just taken and started ripping downstream and the line got caught on the fold over section and ended up breaking my line. Never wore those gloves again for fly fishing.
@@MrSurfangler Also... I used to use a Tenakara for Euro. It was nice at first as I was learning but you just don't have the flexibility of changing the amount of line you have out and I'm always adjusting that. A rod with a reel is much more flexible for different situation. The other thing that happened to me was my Tenkara rod broke a few times on the hookset or even when fighting a a fish. I haven't done tenkara in about 4 or 5 years now because of that.
LOL! I hear ya! I used to use Cyberlink PowerDirector because it was cheap but good. But I really outgrew it and I could never have done my Euro Nymphing series with it in the quality that I wanted. I use Adobe Premiere Pro now. It is a monthly cost but it can do anything, it is easy to use and there are a ton of videos out there on how to do anything you wan with it. I'm really happy I went with it!
I fish Lake Ontario tributaries. Mostly the Salmon River and a few smaller streams. I haven't been out there in a while for steelhead but I would love to be able to go every year. Here are my last 2 steelhead videos (ended up on smaller streams because waters were so high). ruclips.net/video/hlPqiV83T7g/видео.html and ruclips.net/video/W2DaaQwowdo/видео.html I like the second one better because it was on some really small streams :)
The depth I fish with Euro is kinda the same summer or winter honestly. I feel like once I get past 5-6 feet deep I'm losing feel. I plunge deep into some pools that are probably 8 feet deep with super heavy flies sometimes but somehow I don't find fish in them often... could be just my waters or maybe I'm not effective that deep? I feel like the sweet spot is 3-4 feet deep most of the time.
Thank you very much, i am spending time listening your videos, flying my walt worm while waiting for my sage esn rod. So fun and cannot wait to try it very soon during that winter season
Check out our full EURO NYMPHING SERIES here: ruclips.net/p/PLuLwf7ym7i7bre38GWqk0pXZggydq3Z5m
Who else to read a stream....than a "spinner" ? ! Just fine work ; I feel more prepared...& excited.
😂😂😂 I know... it's like I was made for fishing!
you're a natural...as Instructor !
Great video Brian 👍reading the waters looks pretty cool
First 5 videos……fantastic. #5, showing the strikes and slowing it down, outstanding. Thanks!
Thank you so much! I'm glad you're enjoying the series!
You are awesome. I enjoy every episode of your video.they are my text book.
Hats awesome! Thank you!!!
Thanks for showing detailed information and visuals of where fish hold in winter. Very helpful.
Glad it was helpful!
Your explanation of the current changes is excellent and exactly points viewers to the productive water in winter conditions ! Well Done
Thanks!
Tremendous series. We’ll done!!
Thank you so much! :)
That’s was a really cool video man!
I mean like awesome. Beautiful fish
Thank You! I appreciate it!
Probably the best channel for beginning fly fish anglers! Keep up the awesome content!
Thank you so much!
Great tips for the winter
Thanks! We're in the middle of winter but I'm ready for warmer weather!
Really high quality video. The overhead breakdown of the hole was a great added feature you don't often see.
Thanks... I would have done that on the other holes too but my battery on my phone died. Lesson learned for next time!
Such a helpful video! I learned a lot and the drone point of view was money! Thank you so much for taking the time to make this. I'm excited to get out and apply what I learned.
Awesome! Glad you found it helpful!
thank's found this informative
The proof that instinct, scientific reasoning (e.g. hydrodynamics) and practicing familiar fishing spots comes all together in making us more successful and efficient anglers. Another very interesting video 👍
Thank you! :)
Great guidance!! Best video I've seen on reading water in the winter!! Well best video on reading water period that I have watched, it's just great you did it in the winter. I fished in a similar winter situation 2 days ago and did not have any luck. If I had saw this video before making the trip, I'm sure I would have caught fish. Thank You!!!!
Thank You! I wish I had time to do more water breakdown videos. They take time and effort to pull off but I love doing them. Breaking down water is by far the most fun part of fly fishing for me! Good luck this year and I'm glad you binged the Euro Nymphing Series! 😂
Great video, always keep towel stuffed in top of waders for hands.
I like that!
A really great series of videos! Thank you. I will be ordering my Nymphing rod next week.
Awesome! I hope you enjoy it!!
Wow, great aerial footage of a hole. That was very helpful to see the signs from the typical perspective and then overhead to confirm.
Thanks... I wish I could have done it for the other holes. That was the plan but my phone battery died :( For my future videos on reading water there will definitely be drone footage!
Great video I learned a lot. Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Great video. I liked the demonstration of what to look for at each spot. Great on stream tutorial.
Much appreciated! :)
Great stuff, the drone footage really shows what you are talking about. Thanks
Thanks! I would have done that for the other holes too but my battery on my phone died. Lesson learned for next time.. bring a power bank to charge the phone.
Been watching the whole series and it’s been nothing short of excellent! Knowing how to read water and staying away from unproductive water is key in putting fish in the net! Sometimes we all get excited and try and fish as much as the river as possible! But keening in on the deeper and slower pools will up your chances considerably! Great stuff again and tight lines !
I'm glad you're like the series! And thank you for supporting the channel over the years! I appreciate it!
I appreciate the time and effort you put into this video series on Euro Nymphing. I learned so much.
Thanks! I'm glad you're learning!
Those deep pockets that cause the "down shift" always fool me the first time. I've recently learned to look for the small bucket eddies and to let my fly just sit in them. They're usually not big enough to hold more than a couple of fish but they often get overlooked for the bigger pools; probably because indicator rigs get pulled right through them.
Great safety advice! Glad to see the logic behind the exact area’s holding fish.
As always, the details are clearly explained, make sense, and then proven to produce fish! Very impressive!
Thanks for another great learning video.
Thanks! Something that will separate the great anglers from the rest is the desire to pay attention to the little details and when something works you figure out why and apply it to new waters. Reading water is probably the best part about fishing for me! Absolutely love when I connect with a fish when I just know there has to be one there! 😀
Great job. Very helpful.
Thank you!
Great footage and useful examples on how to approach water. There is a lot out there on reading water but there is next to nothing in the means of reading water sub surface. This series keeps getting better. Thank you!
Thanks you! I definitely appreciate comments referring to what else is out there because I don't honestly watch a lot of it. You guys give me the insight from all of your research and comments. So Thank You!
From an ancient angler...So grateful for your fine work, as I'm learning SO much ! You are a natural as an Instructor. White Dog becoming this buckeye's "go-to" !
@@johngates453 That's awesome! Thanks! :)
@17.45 Hi my name is Buck Whitetail, thank you
Great video.lots of information for the beginning of people just learning the sport.great job.thanks for sharing
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for another Great informative, helpful video 👍
My pleasure!
As always, great video and very educational. That Drone footage really put a great perspective on how you break things down. Keep up the great work.
Thank you! As I was editing it I really felt the drone footage was key... which I intended it to be. Unfortunately, my phone battery died so I didn't get drone footage on the other holes. I have more videos planned for reading water and the drone will be key for those too!
Thanks for the video! Another great one! I really learn a lot every time you put one of these up. It got skunked on a well known river just last week because I hadn't read the water properly (I now know) when if I'd focused on a couple spots nearby, but just slightly different I might have had much more success. Finding the spot where it slows down is a great tip!
Finding the water that is slow on the bottom is CRUCIAL for winter fishing!!! Pay attention to what happened when you start having success and you will start building your experiences on how to read water and how to be successful! Good luck!
Ditto. I totally forgot the fundamentals and got skunked. Shame on me. Great video!
@@larrybrown5154 That's ok... use it as a learning experience!
In Colorado I use a wading staff no matter what. Slick bottoms and round rocks. So much safer!
Yeah... slick bottoms and round rocks make for tough wading! The older I get the more I think about using one regularly. I don't use any kind of studs on my boots either... that is probably my next step.
As Always.. Great informative information from your instructional videos.. Awesome job 👍
Thank you!
Extremely educational and informative. Everybody, novice or avid will gain things from this and actually all of your vids! Great to see that stream caught trout can be had at this time of year! Nice job all around !
Thank you Jim!
These videos are incredible
Thank you so much!!!
Very helpful.. thank you for the videos.
You are welcome! 🙂
Excellent video, great info!!! Love the whole series. Keep them coming
Thanks! Will do!
Fascinating and full of fantastic and focused info. I guess a staple of understanding life is you can't really know what hot truly is unless you've experienced varying cold. Changes in velocity is key, it aligns with shallow vs deep, modified by obstacles/friction. What I took out of this is another important piece of the puzzle, moreover, upon reflection is much more fundamental than it first appears. Your ability to read water and "think," both like a fish as well as insects doing their thing all aligns and exposes their use of motion. Using your weighted fly as an instrument to judge 'slow down' or changes in velocity, which indicates a change of depth is certainly something to either confirm or deny visuals. To rush the process of observation in haste to fish, is actually counter productive and often results in a negative effect and wasted time & energy, like chasing shadows. It brings luck as well as frustration more & more into play. Fish & aquatic life are masters and adapters to their environment, they have to be, otherwise they wouldn't exist. Sorry to rave on, but this stuff is true living to me and is nature doing her thing. We are part of nature too and are allowed to engage within it, just don't use intelligence for destruction is all I ever ask. Great fishing Bryan, thank you.
Well said!! Thank you!
This was a great video, super informative and fun to watch! And I think what you said about safety in the winter is super important. I also really liked when you showed how to fish different holes in creeks, that was really cool!
Thanks Maya! I see your channel has been growing nicely with your shorts! I'm enjoying them! 🙂
Definitely wear a neck warmer when the temps are below 25 degrees. Your neck generates/ loses a lot of heat.. I have also tried toe warmers in the waders and it works well for me since I have lots of room.
Definitely agree with covering your neck on cold days! I just got a shirt for Christmas from Aftco that will be great for this! It covers the neck completely and can pull up above your face and has a hood too. I tend to walk a lot when I fish so I warm up easily but when it gets really cold that shirt will be killer!
Tremendously useful instructions. Thanks! When you fish two flies, one more natural and the other more of an attractor, which should be the point and which the dropper?
Tough one...It depends. Most of the time it is about the weight for me. I have the heavier fly on the point. It is rare that I'll put a lighter fly on the point but might do that in the winter to have both flies near the bottom. I would say it also depends on the time of year. In the cold weather you're more likely to get more takes on the point because it is closer to the bottom where the fish are hanging. In warmer water, the fish can be looking up more and can sometimes more easily take the dropper. I guess I don't really choose placement of the flies based on whether one is more natural or more of an attractor and I don't have a great answer for you on that one. If I'm fishing natural flies and don't get takes, I'm usually changing both flies and choosing flies that are more visible or vice versa.
Thank for all the information ,I learned a lot .what kind of waders are you wearing?
i actually had to go back and see what waders I was wearing on that day 😂 I've used Redington waders for years because I get good pricing on them. But the last time I needed new waders there was no inventory so I went with Simms. I honestly can't remember exactly what model they are. For me, waders need to be lightweight enough that they don't slow me down. I cover a lot of ground when I fish and I often hike into places that are away from the access points so lightweight is important to me. I do tend to wear my waders out quickly because of what I put them through. I typically get 2 years from my waders before they start leaking. Now... my boots are the Simms Fly Weight Boots and I absolutely LOVE them!!! They're sturdy but super light and are no bigger than a hiking boot!
Thanks for this informative video. Lots of good information. I’m also interested in what type of Simms gloves you’re wearing.
Thanks! I can't remember what model they are and they don't say it on them. They're several years old at this point too. Sorry.
What's your base layer? I went in last month with just shorts under my waders. First winter wading. Thanks for the video. Very informative for winter fishing. 🦦
I wear non cotton long underwear (I think they're under armor cold weather gear or something). Then I have a fleece wading suit from Simms I wear over those.
Another fantastic production! Can’t thank you enough. I noticed that you felt a lot of hits. Do you tend to go by sighter movement or feel more when deciding to set?
Thank you! Strike detection is really a combination of the 2. Certain conditions lend to one over the other sometimes though. I keep a tighter line and rely on feel more in higher/faster water and if I'm fishing closer to me. I'll use heavier flies in those situations usually. In low or clear water conditions I'll use lighter flies and potentially fish further away from me which makes keeping a tight line more difficult or if you keep a tight line in those situations it may affect the drift of the flies and pull them toward you. So I won't stay as tight to the flies which gives you more of a sight detection of the strike. But it is always a combination of the two. Hope that helps.
@@WhiteDogTrailCompany thanks so much. Love watching you catch fish. You’re a credit to this great sport
@@captainkoo Thank you! I appreciate that! :)
Was also wondering when the next video will be comming out
I've been ice fishing only lately. I need to do more fly tying videos still and I have an advanced video planned for fly selection but wanted more of my fly tying videos done first. Once rivers get in good shape I'm planning on more reading water videos as well.
@@WhiteDogTrailCompany awesome can't wait it's always good to see someone else's take on something never stop learning.
Excellent info, well presented and illustrated. Super helpful. How are you liking the waterproof pack? Great idea having the removable chest pack. It also seems like it would provide some flotation if you took a spill, although it might be tricky to stay on your back. Anyway, Thanks!
Thanks! I had to have the waterproof pack with all of the camera gear I carry. I had a ziplock leak a couple of years ago and harm a good camera... No more of that. Waterproof bag all the way! I like it because it keeps my gear dry and I like the chest pack part of it. BUT.. it is a single compartment bag which makes it hard to find what you need sometimes. I guess that comes with the territory when using a waterproof bag of that size though. I have fallen with that bag on and it honestly floats and puts you face down in the water. Given that I almost never fish dangerous water that isn't a problem for me.
@@WhiteDogTrailCompany The face down thing would be a concern in big rivers. I really like the roll top rather than a zipper. Smart move. Your video takes the time to really explain where the winter lies are and the overhead shots were amazing. That's one of the joys of wading and euro nymphing, you really learn the topography of the river bed and it constantly surprises me how much we miss from just looking from the bank. Love your channel.
I'm getting ready to make my first attempt at winter fishing. It's so helpful that you take the time so show the water carefully and the drone shots are particularly illustrative! You confirmed my own impression each time. You explained nicely why you skipped shallow water while working your way into the prime holding area but I noticed that you didn't fish the pools from downstream to upstream. Was this because they were just too short a run to do that? Great teaching videos! Thanks!
I typically do fish the holes from downstream to upstream (for pretty much every kind of fly fishing except streamers). In this stretch I did go up stream the whole time but I know the water well enough that I know exactly where they're going to be. Some holes are longer and I did fish my way from bottom to top but just didn't put it in the video. Some spots, like the one with the tree laying down, are very short and you really only get one good drift length. The last pool I completely skipped and went right to the head because I know that's the best spot and I was running out of daylight. So YES... fish downstream to upstream. When you know the water well enough you'll start to hone in on the very specific spots.
@@WhiteDogTrailCompany Oh, that makes sense! Just discovered your site and joined...great content! I"m looking forward to the advanced euro nymphing series! Your tying videos have pushed me over the edge to start tying my own nymphs. I've built two spey rods, so I should be able to master tying...you make it look fun, not too scary! :)
Tying flies really isn't that hard at all. You can make very simple and effective flies! All of my flies are simple ties and they all catch lots of fish! Plus, it is so hard to buy flies that are heavy enough. When you tie your own you can make the exactly as you want! That's why I tie.. It's the only way I can get what I want.
Can you do a video like this for spring and summer?
YES!!! I intended to do several of these types of videos where I break down a section of river and go over the conditions, time of year and how to read it and be successful. I even recorded one this summer but had a few technical difficulties that made it impossible to produce 🙄 My sound completely cut out in important sections and another important section recorded in slow motion... totally screwed up the ability to do the video... But I promise... more of these are coming!
@@WhiteDogTrailCompany thanks!!! Really enjoy your videos and content! Thanks for putting it out for the fly fishing community. Truly awesome!
In the U.K. we don’t fish for trout during the winter due to spawning. Grayling becomes the sport. Reading winter water , is it the same despite we are targeting grayling
We don't have grayling anywhere near where I live but it is on my list of fish to catch on the fly! One day! Where I live, they used to not allow fishing in the winter except for certain sections but most states have been opening it up to catch and release fishing over the past many years. Some rivers don't support natural reproduction unfortunately and I'm not entirely sure why. Others do, but I don't think they are seeing a negative effect on trout populations due to it. It is rare to find the trout actually spawning and we try to educate people to watch out for redds and to definitely not fish for fish that are on or near redds.
afaik trout in winter concentrates in so-called "winter holes" - deepest and slowest parts of the river. I usually avoid rapids, pocketwater, any kind of fast choppy water.
Exactly!
Good Vid with lots of info. I throw a lot of traditional euro style nymphs in the winter, from your experience do jig streamers work well during this time of year? Some examples would be micro wooly buggers, crawdads, and etc. Any suggestions? Thanks
I used to find my biggest fish in the winter! And I would find them with flies that are worth the effort for the meal... aka something of size. I would definitely recommend jig streamers in winter worked slowly through the bottom of holes. I have had times where they want something big moved fast in the winter too (like a big streamer) so don't count that out either. My favorite fly for big fish is the sexi stone but I definitely plan on tying and using more jig streamers as well!
Mayer’s Mini Jig leech works great and you can use it in tandem with nymphs.
Try carrying a small towel to dry your hands after landing a fish, it will make a world of difference
Ya know... I have never done that lol. Good idea. I do have the fleece lined pocket in my waders which I do use.
Woo! First and good stuff!
😂 Thanks!
Hello. Can I ask for automatic subtitles in Russian. Then it is very convenient to watch your video on TV on the big screen. Thank you.
Thankful to have some spring creeks near me that can really help beat the "winter blues". Other than that, you're right, winter freestone fishing is as you described - a game of "hide and seek" and finding holding water. Two additional wintertime tips - Ketchum release tools (for those barbless hooks that don't just fall out) and a dry towel tucked in a strategic place to dry hands should they get wet. Great video!
Thank you! And I agree with both of your tips!
Thanks for the video but, I have a question, I’m assuming you are using your three wt 10’ Nymphing rod. When you go for like kings and steelhead what length and wt rod do you use?
I'm using a 10'6" 3wt in this video. When I go for steelhead I'm using a 11'3" 7wt Switch Rod and when going for salmon a 11'4" 8wt Switch Rod. The salmon and steelie rods get heavy after a day of fishing but I deal with it.
@@WhiteDogTrailCompany Are all your rods Remingtons?
@@WhiteDogTrailCompany Sorry, I had the wrong spelling of the brand. What brand and model is your 8 wt you use for salmon? I believe you like Redington Rods.
@@joecruse4531 Both switch rods are Redington because they are not too expensive and are good quality. They are not "high end" rods though so they are a little heavier than they could be.
@@WhiteDogTrailCompany So let me ask you this, what type of fly line do you have on your 7 wt? I’m assuming you euro nymph with that rod.
Does lake George have safe ice yet?
We were supposed to go up today and decided not to go because of ice conditions. I would be VERY careful! It is very early and unsafe unless you really know what you are doing and really know the ice.
@@WhiteDogTrailCompany oh thank you, because I was thinking to maybe go out Monday, but I guess not anymore
Watch reports online. This weather this weekend has been good for making ice and many of the open water sections did ice over. Not sure about Monday but I watch facebook groups and see what people are saying. Just be careful!
Nice video , could you please share the model of your gloves?
Oh man... I got them several years ago. I can't remember what they were and they don't say it on the tag. I don't see them online when I do a quick search either. Sorry. 😬
@@WhiteDogTrailCompany ,
I tried the latest simms gloves but they dont have a way of pinning the fold over thumb sections .That means line will get caught in them all the time!
@@WhiteDogTrailCompany BTW what is your opinion on euro-nymphing with a 13-15 ft Tenkara rod?
I feel that it should be an effective way to fish ESN while being in budget.
Specially since these rods are extremely nimble and can cast thin level line and only weigh 2-3oz
@@MrSurfangler I won't use the fold over gloves... I had an experience where I had a steelhead that had just taken and started ripping downstream and the line got caught on the fold over section and ended up breaking my line. Never wore those gloves again for fly fishing.
@@MrSurfangler Also... I used to use a Tenakara for Euro. It was nice at first as I was learning but you just don't have the flexibility of changing the amount of line you have out and I'm always adjusting that. A rod with a reel is much more flexible for different situation. The other thing that happened to me was my Tenkara rod broke a few times on the hookset or even when fighting a a fish. I haven't done tenkara in about 4 or 5 years now because of that.
I just want to know what editing software lol
LOL! I hear ya! I used to use Cyberlink PowerDirector because it was cheap but good. But I really outgrew it and I could never have done my Euro Nymphing series with it in the quality that I wanted. I use Adobe Premiere Pro now. It is a monthly cost but it can do anything, it is easy to use and there are a ton of videos out there on how to do anything you wan with it. I'm really happy I went with it!
Where are ya fishing steelheads
I fish Lake Ontario tributaries. Mostly the Salmon River and a few smaller streams. I haven't been out there in a while for steelhead but I would love to be able to go every year. Here are my last 2 steelhead videos (ended up on smaller streams because waters were so high). ruclips.net/video/hlPqiV83T7g/видео.html and ruclips.net/video/W2DaaQwowdo/видео.html I like the second one better because it was on some really small streams :)
What is the deepest you will go to get fish with euro nymphing gear during winter?
The depth I fish with Euro is kinda the same summer or winter honestly. I feel like once I get past 5-6 feet deep I'm losing feel. I plunge deep into some pools that are probably 8 feet deep with super heavy flies sometimes but somehow I don't find fish in them often... could be just my waters or maybe I'm not effective that deep? I feel like the sweet spot is 3-4 feet deep most of the time.
Thank you very much, i am spending time listening your videos, flying my walt worm while waiting for my sage esn rod. So fun and cannot wait to try it very soon during that winter season
@@yanickmoore5146 Sweet! Hope you enjoy some adventures!