BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Seeing someone wade into an Idaho stream on a frigid day might prompt a simple question: What are they doing out there? Chances are, they’re fishing — and catching trout and whitefish.
Late-fall and winter fishing is often overlooked on Idaho’s rivers and streams, in part because many people don’t want to deal with the cold or are focused on deer and elk hunting. But trout and whitefish remain fairly active, and late-season fishing can come with advantages. Many streams are at their lowest levels, which can concentrate fish, and many rivers are nearly empty of anglers, leaving more prime spots open.
Choosing the right water can make a difference in winter. Spring-fed rivers and streams, along with waters fed by dam releases, often fish well because temperatures tend to be slightly warmer and more stable.
Rainbow trout are a popular winter target, and anglers who find them often find whitefish, too. Whitefish school up in the fall and typically spawn in November, meaning that catching one can be a sign more are nearby. In late season, trout and whitefish are often found in the same kinds of places as other times of year, but they may favor deeper, slower water — though they can still be caught in riffles.
Even when fish remain active, winter conditions can change how they feed. Because fish are cold-blooded, they may be sluggish and less likely to aggressively chase food. They can still be caught, especially when bait or a fly is placed in front of them.
Winter fishing doesn’t require special tactics, but it does require adjusting to what fish are likely feeding on. Drifting bait and fly fishing with nymphs are often productive approaches. If anglers see dimples on the water, fish may be rising to feed on insects — often tiny midges or mayflies — and a well-presented dry fly can work.
Anglers are encouraged to try different sections of a river to locate where fish are holding and feeding. After catching a fish, looking for similar water can help, though fish may move during the day. In winter, however, fish found in a spot one day are likely to remain nearby, making it worth remembering productive areas for return trips.
Fly anglers are also encouraged not to overlook streamers. When presented slowly, streamers can resemble a big, easy meal, though trout may not chase them as aggressively as they do in summer. Even dead drifting a streamer can be effective.
Low, clear water can make fish easier to spook, so stealth matters. Anglers are advised to walk softly, avoid immediately wading into the middle of a fishing hole, and wear drab colors. Repeated casts into likely water can pay off before moving on, and it’s possible to catch multiple fish in a relatively small area by casting and drifting — or slowly retrieving — bait or flies several times.
For those looking for locations, Fish and Game’s Fishing Planner is recommended as a resource. While many Idaho waters are open year-round, some are limited to catch-and-release fishing during winter, so anglers are advised to double-check regulations.
Additional late-season tips include sleeping in because fishing is often better from late morning to early afternoon when the water warms a few degrees. Winter can also be a time to explore local trout fisheries with shorter trips — an hour or two — to manage the effects of cold weather.
Hand warmers and an extra pair of gloves can help because hands are most likely to get wet and chilled. Traction is also important because rocks can be slippery when wet and even more so when icy; wading boots with cleats are suggested, along with keeping dry clothes in a vehicle in case of an unexpected fall.
Keeping feet warm is another priority, especially when wading in water barely above freezing. Thick socks — or doubling up — can help prevent discomfort.
For anglers willing to bundle up, winter fishing can offer a different kind of outing — one that can be rewarding for those who embrace the conditions, with the added bonus of a few trout or whitefish along the way.