Late season fishing can be productive

When people see anglers wading streams during frigid weather and ask "what are they doing?" The short answer is, probably catching fish.

Late fall and winter are often overlooked on Idaho's rivers and streams for the simple reason many people don't want to deal with the cold, but trout and whitefish remain fairly active during cold temperatures, and there's no reason you can't catch them. 

Late-season fishing has its advantages. Many streams are at their lowest levels of the year, which concentrates fish in smaller areas. Most rivers and streams are also nearly empty of anglers, so people can pick from prime fishing spots.

Find the right river or stream

Spring-fed rivers and streams, and those fed by dam releases, often fish well during winter months because temperatures tend to be slightly warmer and more stable. 

Rainbow trout are a favorite winter quarry, and in them are often whitefish, which are fun to catch. (Read more about catching whitefish online at idfg.idaho.gov) 

Find trout and whitefish in similar places to other times of year, but in late season, they often favor deeper, slower water. Though they can still be caught in riffles as well.

Also, remember that while fish remain active during winter, they're still a cold-blooded animal, and they may be a little sluggish. They're unlikely to chase food, but they will take it, or a good imitation of it, when it's placed in front of them.

Whitefish school up in the fall and typically spawn in November, so where there’s one, there are likely to be more.

Tweak techniques

Winter fishing doesn't really require any special tactics, just remember the basics of stream fishing, such as figuring out where the fish are and what they're likely to be feeding on, and adjust for the conditions.

Drifting bait or fly fishing with nymphs are often the best tactics. In dimples on the water, it may be fish feeding to eat insects, which will likely be tiny midges or mayflies, and trout will also rise to the surface to take a dry fly. 

Try different sections of the river and try to figure out where fish are holding and feeding. After catching a fish, seek out similar water, but remember, fish may move around during the day. But they're likely to remain nearby where they’re found in the winter, so keep those places in mind when they’re spotted. 

Fly anglers should not overlook streamers. They can look like a big, easy meal when presented slowly, but don't expect trout to vigorously chase them like during summer. Even dead drifting a streamer can be effective. 

Repeatedly cover water before moving on. It’s possible to catch multiple fish in a fairly small area, so cast and drift (or slowly retrieve) bait or fly numerous times before moving to the next spot.

The St. Joe River provides winter fishing opportunities for cutthroat trout and whitefish and the North Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River has fishing for whitefish and cutthroat trout and is accessible during winter.

Late-season fishing tips:

• Sleep in: There's rarely a need to be there at first light. Better fishing can start late morning to early afternoon when the water warms a few degrees. 
• Stay close to home: Winter is a good time to explore local trout fisheries, or rediscover them.
• Plan short trips: There's no getting around the effects of cold weather, and eventually it will take its toll. Plan to fish for an hour or two and call it good. 
• Bring hand warmers: hands are most likely to get wet, and they can easily get chilled. A hand warmer will quickly rewarm them. An extra pair of gloves is also a good idea because one pair usually gets wet. 
• Think about traction: Rocks are slippery when wet, and more slippery when icy. Wading boots with cleats are a good option. It's also good to have a set of dry clothes in a vehicle in case of an unexpected plunge. 
• Keep feet warm: Probably goes without saying, but wading in water that's barely above freezing is possible, so wear thick socks or two pairs. Cold feet leads to discomfort.
• See it as adventure: Things will look and feel different, but the trip will be rewarding by appreciating those differences. Catching a few fish never hurts, either.

Check the regulations: Some rivers and streams have different rules for winter, such as catch-and-release fishing only, restrictions on bait or they may be closed to fishing. See details in the 2022-2024 fishing seasons and rules brochure at idfg.idaho.gov.

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Roger Phillips is a public information specialist with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.