Lisa Bellue of Flies and Guides with a winter-time, streamer caught, White River brown trout.
Submitted photo
Fly fishing in winter isn’t top of mind for most outdoors enthusiasts. But this time of year can be dynamite for streamer action. There are few destinations comparable to the White River in Arkansas for big brown trout, and few guides who know how to catch them as well as Jeremy Hunt with Flies and Guides. I sat down with Jeremy to discuss some of his secrets to success.
Brandon: Jeremy, thanks for sitting down with me to discuss some of your secrets for catching big browns on fly rods in the winter. So, is this really a good time to plan a trip to the White River?
Jeremy: Glad to do it, Brandon. We can catch good browns all year down here, but I always say February is one of the best months to target trophy browns on the White River, because he spawn is over and these predators are hungry and ready to eat. Streamer fishing on the White can be exceptionally good this time of year, as these aggressive beasts will chase and hammer big articulated flies with aggression. If you’re looking to hook a brown over 23 inches this is the time of year that offers the best chance to get the job done.
Brandon: Why are you fishing with streamers?
Jeremy: You almost have to be lucky to catch a trophy trout when fishing nymphs with indicators. It can be done, but there are easier ways to target bigger fish. Streamer fishing is my favorite method of targeting hogs, and the winter months are when we can rely on higher water conditions that make this bite happen. Cold weather is also beneficial because it keeps the fair-weather fisherman at home watching television, so there is less pressure on the river. Less pressure equals more opportunities for fish to investigate your offering, especially if the trout haven’t seen a fly for awhile.
Brandon: What’s it like down on the White in the winter? What do anglers need to be prepared for?
Jeremy: February is the perfect time to plan your getaway, but the conditions can be tough. The client has to do their part, as well. If you are not a decent fly caster, then you need to practice casting streamers before you come. I get a lot of people who say they have casted streamers, but let’s be honest, if you are the guy who has casted a single hook big streamer on a six weight then you, my friend, don’t understand this style of fishing. It’s a different ballgame altogether. It’s more like saltwater fly fishing than anything else. We’re using big rods with heavy lines that sink. It takes some getting used to, but with practice and instruction you’ll get it. A little mojo doesn’t hurt, either.
Brandon: The mojo always matters. So how experienced are you saying someone has to be?
Jeremy: They need to have a basic understanding of fly fishing for this adventure to worth their while. As a guide, I like to teach, and my job is to make them better. I like to have at least two days with the client. The first day is the day you get acclimated to the style of fishing and find your rhythm. The second day, we hunt. By then, the client will have a better understanding of what the guide expects of them, where the fish should by lying and how to position their fly. I’ll find the right water and put you in the right position and make sure we keep you on the drift. Your job is to make the important casts count.
Brandon: Describe the equipment you’re using?
Jeremy: The standard set up I use is a 9wt with a heavy streamer line. My back up would be an 8wt, but only if the 9wt is wearing you out. We use a sinking line.
Brandon: Any final words of wisdom?
Jeremy: Winter fishing is serious business and you need to go into it with that mindset. If you get complaisant you might miss the fish of a lifetime. You can’t blink. You must remain focused…grasshopper. Luck doesn’t factor much, when fishing this way. Success is really up to you. I am serious about helping you land the trophy of your lifetime. Not every guide will tell you exactly what they expect, but I will, because I truly want you to be successful. So, we’re not going to pussyfoot around. We are going to work as a team. A lot of people want to do this, but to be honest, not a lot of people have the experience under their belt to be successful at this style of fishing. If you want to learn it and practice before you come, which I would highly recommend you do, go out and buy the set up and cast it as much as you can.
See you down the trail…
Brandon Butler writes an outdoors column for The Republic. Send comments to [email protected]. For more Driftwood Outdoors, check out the podcast on www.driftwoodoutdoors.com or anywhere podcasts are streamed.
