Escape the salt for a little late fall into winter freshwater action with trout.
I grew up fishing the picturesque rivers and streams of North Jersey like the Musky, the South Branch, and the Pequest; to this day it is always a special occasion for me when I get a chance to take a break from the salt and do it again.
Wintertime especially offers a sense of peace and solitude when I visit these places. Snow covered banks, low water, and if you pick your days right a not so uncomfortable chill in the air. At this time of year, I know I will have my favorite piece of water all to myself. Rarely do I run into another angler and those passing by sometimes look at me like I am nuts.
There are many Northeast trout streams and rivers that will provide opportunity to catch holdover trout from fall stocking programs, and in some cases native residents too. It can be challenging however as the trout can be lethargic due to the chilly water and triggering a bite may take changing up your offering much more so when compared to the spring. Also do not expect to catch multiple trout like you would in the spring but rather a successful day for me is one or two trout, with three a bonus.
When I approach a stretch of river or stream I will always go to where I know there are four or five holes in a hundred yard stretch. This is so because deeper holes are where lethargic trout will be waiting for a meal to come to them. This will work to your advantage as you can pinpoint these locations by reading the water. I do not spend too much time fishing any one hole and will limit my drifts to about 50 swings or so trying different offerings before I move on if I don’t get a bite.
Fish these holes slow and deep with enough spilt shot to just tap bottom. Reposition yourself by several steps forward or backwards or up or down around the hole. This will change how your offering drifts through the hole. Many times this change causes your offering to come right in front of a holding trout’s face and it strikes out.
I do not consider myself a purist when it comes to trout fishing so I will carry a variety of offerings with me and use them as I see fit. All are fished on a 5-foot, 4-inch ultralight rod spooled with 2- to 4-pound P-Line fluorocarbon. If I choose to use a fly rod it will be a 3 to 4-weight rod with a floating line and 6x to 7x tippet.
My first offering through a hole is usually a garden worm hooked on a #12 or #14 baitholder hook. A hungry trout that hasn’t had as many natural baits come through in a while usually can’t resist. When I change up, my other offerings will be small #0 or #1 Mepps or Rooster Tail spinners. Cast your spinner slightly upriver and allow it to quickly sink to the bottom as it drifts downstream. Retrieve at a rate that keeps it right near the bottom. Some of my other favorites in late fall and winter include the 2-1/2-inch pearl white Berkley Gulp minnow or Trout Magnet grub fished on 1/16-ounce jigheads. The Gulp minnows and Trout Magnets can be fished with or without a float above them. I have taken trout by using both methods. If I use the fly rod I will drift black stonefly nymphs, woolly buggers, midges, or beadhead eggs.
Make sure you wear a pair of korkers when fishing any winter trout streams. Not only will they provide traction in the water but they will also give you good footing along any snow covered or slippery banks. I will also wear a pair of thermals under my jeans to better insulate my waders. I am fortunate that my fingers do not get very cold when temperatures are above freezing so I do not use gloves but will bring along some hot hands and keep them in my pockets, tucking my hands every so often. I also bring along a dry rag so that when my hands get wet, hopefully from releasing a trout, I will wipe them dry as evaporation will remove the heat from your wet hands. It is also always best to dress in layers and wear an outer shell of Gortex to provide you with the most warmth and protection.
Finally, I want to give a shout out to two of my grammar school friends who back in the 60s showed me the ropes and got me hooked on trout fishing, Tom Pagliaroli and Steven O’Connor, who are still avid fishermen and both are well known in their respective fishing circles. Thanks guys!
