Winter stream trout

[fsh4trout]

The time is now. Supposed to be in the 30 this weekend. I'm planning heading out on MLK day.

If anyone gets out I'd love to hear how you did.

[Dave Anderson]

The time was today. I was out for around four hours (11:00-3:00) - plenty of trout. Scuds with midge trailers worked well. There should be decent dry fly action Saturday and Sunday. It never really warmed up enough for the midge hatch to get going decently. There were some risers, and misges were on the banks, though.

Enjoy.

D.A.

[fsh4trout]

Excellent

[Scudly]

fish4trout how was fishing on Monday? Photos? I was on Hay for a couple hours Sunday morning. Only one other guy showed up, same time I was hiking back to my car. I made thr mistake of parking at 325th working my way downstream. Had to circle back all the time. Next time I'll be parking before the farm house with the bull sign. Working my way upstream like one us supposed to.

[fsh4trout]

Got a late start, was on the water at one. First run I fished yielded 3 browns. Two on a scud ,one on a midge. I thought "man I'm dialed in today," figuring I'd catch a bunch more. Nope. Nada. Zip. I managed to screw up every other spot. Oh well I'll just blame it on the water temperature . It's not me.

All in all, It was a good time, midges were everywhere with a few fish sipping. I tried one riser to no avail. I'll have to find some other spots since my "secret" spot doesn't seem so secret anymore.

[Scudly]

So have we had enough snow melt to chill the water and shutting down the trout? Heard this idea many times before and it makes sense. Many trout slowly chased my spinner however most did not attack. I think Hay will be much better off in the long run. All of the pools look significantly better than they were naturally. Plenty of places for those trout to hide now. Hopefully this will give way to larger fish too, especially with a 12-16" protected slot in place.

I have not had a productive winter pre-season outing in a long time. Generally if I catch at least a handful of fish I am happy. Only one outing several years a go was I catching them like sunfish - several dozen over a one hour period. That will be a day to remember. It was a warm one and they all hit on a dead drifted scuds with extra weight.

I did not have even a nibble on my plastic worms. Honestly half the time I was thinking I wish I had my fly rod. I think scuds and midges the best way to roll in the winter if you want to catch the most trout.

So your secret spot is one of the 33 designated streams? Gonna give me a hint?

[fsh4trout]

Gonna give me a hint?

No.

[s t fanatic]

if your fishing one of the streams/stretches that is OPEN to winter angling its most def. not a secret.

[fsh4trout]

Ok, It is not technically a secret, but it did seem to have less pressure a few years ago.

[s t fanatic]

i hear ya. that most certainly can be frustrating.

[Scudly]

Shane just think of all the secret streams we might have in 2011 if the DNR proposal passes. 188 or more southeast MN streams. Any news on when the public meetings will be scheduled? Are most TU guys in favor of the proposals?

[fsh4trout]

It'd be great if all streams were open. I support. Dunno about TU guys though, you'd have to ask them.

Not sure about when the meetings will be, definitely before 2011. I guess if you want to know you'll have to call the lanesboro office. I'm sure there will be announcements when the dates and places are set.

Only two monthes till spring Happy fishing