The dry fly bite has been slow but on warmer days the occasional pod of midge eaters can be found. making for some pretty exciting head hunting. 

Nymphing remains the most dependable approach. Indicator and tightline methods are both producing, provided you’re getting down into the slower, deeper runs where fish are holding for the winter. Stonefly patterns, small mayfly nymphs, beadheads, PTs, perdigons, and Rubber Legs continue to do the heavy lifting. The majority of fish have moved into the main river’s winter lies deep runs, soft buckets, and drop-offs.

Streamer fishing is very effective, though at a slower winter pace. As trout settle into their colder-water rhythm, they’ll still eat a well-presented streamer, but they generally prefer a slower retrieve and a deeper presentation. Modest-sized sculpin and bugger patterns remain solid choices, especially darker patterns on overcast days. Swinging through entire runs with a heavy sinking tip has been proving successful even as the temps drop. Even with the reduced winter metabolism, a heavier streamer swung or drifted low and slow can still move a fish looking to bulk back up.