Can you fly fish in the winter? Tips for cold water

Most people pack away their gear once the first frost hits, but if you're wondering can you fly fish in the winter, the answer is a resounding yes. In fact, some of my favorite days on the water have happened when the banks were covered in snow and the usual summer crowds were nowhere to be found. It's a different game, for sure—you aren't going to be casting dry flies to rising trout in a t-shirt—but there is something incredibly peaceful about standing in a quiet, frozen landscape with a fly rod in your hand. ...

May 17, 2026 · 7 min · Barcenas Bolton