Where to Find Trout in Cold Weather: A Winter Fly Fishing Guide

By: Trent Jones

Winter fly fishing can be a grind, but it’s also an awesome time to land some trophy trout, and definitely wanna my favorite times a year to do some wade fishing. When the temperatures drop, you’ll need a bit more patience, but if you know where to look, you can find some great fish. Here’s my guide for finding trout in the winter months from my experience as a fly fishing guide here in Colorado for the last 20 years.

Spring Creeks and Tailwaters:

I’ve spent many a winter day chasing trout, and the best options during those cold days are Spring creeks and tailwaters. These spots maintain stable, year-round water temperatures that stay a lot warmer than your typical freestone rivers or streams. Why? Spring creeks get their water from underground aquifers, meaning the water is naturally warmer and free from ice. Tailwaters? They flow out from the bottom of a reservoir or dam. Even if the top is frozen, the water flowing below stays pretty warm. If you don’t have spring creeks or tailwaters around, don’t worry. You can still hit any open water that’s flowing and not frozen. But, expect it to be a bit colder, so you’ll have to put in some extra work to get those bites.

Tailwaters: Anglers Winter Refuge

Tailwaters are my go-to for winter trout fishing. These are rivers or streams that flow out of reservoirs or dams, and they tend to maintain consistent temperatures year-round, especially in the top couple miles of the river underneath the dam. The water released from a dam is typically much warmer at first, generally coming out around 40 degrees. As it flows downstream, the temperature will drop, ice can start to build, and trout are more likely to be found in the warmer sections near the top.

One of the benefits of fishing tailwaters in cold weather is the consistency of insect hatches. Since the water remains warmer than other rivers, insect activity is often more predictable. Insects like midges and mayflies will continue to hatch, which provides a steady food source for the trout, I've had some amazing dry fly fishing in the middle of January when the conditions are just right. This consistent hatch schedule helps maintain trout feeding activity, making them more eager to bite, even when the weather is freezing.

Because of the stable temperature and consistent hatches, trout in tailwaters are often more active, and I normally have an easier time finding fish that are willing to eat. Whether I'm dry fly fishing or using nymphs, the availability of insects makes these areas incredibly productive during the winter months.

Spring Creeks: Warmth Beneath the Surface

Spring creeks are natural treasures for winter trout anglers. I love fishing these waterways as they are fed by underground aquifers, which means they have a consistent, year-round water temperature. The beauty of these creeks is that the water stays relatively warm compared to the surface temperatures of most other rivers. While freestone rivers and streams experience major temperature fluctuations, spring creeks maintain that steady flow of slightly warmer water, even in the dead of winter.

The water temperature in spring creeks tends to hover around the mid-40s to low 50s (°F), which is ideal for trout. This temperature range is where they’re still active and feeding, unlike the deeper, colder parts of other rivers where trout might become sluggish and less interested in moving around for food. The warmer water will help with bug activity, creating for more hatches and more happy trout making spring creeks a perfect place to fish in winter.

Deep Water and Sheltered: Trout's Winter Hideouts

When it comes to winter trout, I generally focus on deep, sheltered areas of the river. Trout are going to hold up in the deeper parts where they feel safe from predators. Think deep pools, undercut banks, fallen trees, boulders—anything that provides cover. These spots not only offer protection from above but also tend to have slower-moving water, which means less energy spent swimming against the current.

Feeding Zones in Winter

Even in winter, I've found trout feeding in the shallower water, but it's almost always near deep pools, especially at the front end or the tail outs of the run. The key here is food—trout will actively hunt in these zones where food is plentiful. The deeper parts of the pool are great for trout to rest and hide from predators, but they’re not likely to be feeding heavily there. They will take a well-placed fly when in the deeps, but when hatches start, they will most likely move to the front or back of the pools where it's shallower and easier for them to feed. (Pro Tip: Let your flies swing out at the end of the pool to mimic emerging bugs coming off the bottom)

Front of the Pool:

This is a prime feeding zone because the trout can remain in a favorable depth where they can actively stay hidden and still hunt for food—such as midges, mayflies, or small nymphs—without expending too much energy. Food is key here, and the trout are always looking for easy pickings. This is where you'll often see them actively feed, and if you place your fly correctly, they are likely to take it.

Middle of the Pool:

While the trout might occasionally take a fly if it drifts perfectly through the middle, the fish are generally in conservation mode in this section. They’re seeking a safe place to hunker down and escape from predators, rather than expending energy to chase after food. The middle of the pool is more about resting and holding than actively hunting. Ive still caught plenty of trout in the middle of the pool and i always work these area hard just seems like a slower area generally for feeding.

Tail End of the Pool:

The tail end of the pool, or the tailout, is one of the most productive spots for feeding trout in winter. Just like the front of the pool, the tailout provides slower-moving water, but it's also where food begins to collect as it drifts downstream. This is where trout often feed during hatches, as emerging insects gather in the shallows, giving the fish an easy meal. (Pro Tip: Let your flies swing out at the end of the pool too mimic emerging bugs coming off the bottom)

When to Fish: Timing Matters in the Winter

In my experience the best fishing hours in winter are usually between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. That’s when the trout are most active, and the water’s warmed up a little. Aim for water temperatures around 40°F for the best results. If you can, check out the water temps beforehand—if you’re fishing in an area without gauges, try to estimate based on the conditions or get a thermometer they are an amazingly useful tool year round.

Water Temperature: The Sweet Spot

Water temperature is directly linked to fish behavior, and winter fishing is no exception. The ideal water temperature for winter trout fishing is generally around 40°F. At this temperature, trout are still active but not too sluggish. Below that, their metabolism slows down, and they’re less likely to chase food. Above 40°F, their metabolism speeds up, and they start hunting more aggressively. This temperature range makes it the "sweet spot" for winter fishing.

If you're lucky enough to have temperature gauges in the area you’re fishing, use them! They’ll give you a direct read on how warm or cold the water is, helping you plan your fishing time more effectively. But even if there’s no gauge available, you can still get a feel for the water temperature using a thermometer or simply by noting the conditions.

Conclusion

Winter fly fishing may be a challenge, but in my opinion it’s also one of the most rewarding times to be on the water. Focus on spring creeks, tailwaters, and deeper, sheltered areas for the best chances. Fish are most active between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., especially when water temps hover around 40°F. Target feeding zones like the front and tail end of pools for better results. With patience and the right approach, winter fishing can lead to some amazing fish and somereally cool adventures. Get out there, bundle up, and enjoy the cold-weather action!