Venturing Out in December

I was once told by a guy that the only other person he knows that is as eaten up by fishing as I am, was his friend Roland Martin.  I’m not sure if that was a compliment, or if he was hinting that I needed therapy.  In any event, that’s probably why I still fish in December.

It got pretty cold and snowy around here for a while.  The Ice fisherman were getting excited.  They are even venturing out in a few places.  Well, the open water fly fishers can rejoice again.  Temps are going to be up in the comfort zone this weekend and through the week to come.  With the warmer temps, we will be seeing strong winds.  December fishing often comes at a price.  I’m generally willing to pay that price.

If you’ve not been out for a while, you will notice the season has changed.  Water temps are now in the 30s.  Bugs life is largely limited to midges.  Trout eat lots and lots of midges on the Missouri.  You can play their game by simply drifting larva and pupa patterns.  If you want to get techier, there are times when emergers, softies and adults can bring lots of fish to the top.  You just need to find some sheltered water.  Midging fish will habitually be found in slow moving or even dead water.  Little cuts, bays, and slack channel haunts will often collect them.

Beyond those diminutive little snow flies, many trout will simply hold deep and graze on "whatever" is drifting by.  "Whatever" usually means scuds and sow bugs.  While the naturals tend to be a pale watery gray/olive color, almost no one fishes them.  Rainbow and pink dubbing versions are king, often adorned with hot "fire beads".  The way I see it, fish brains are a bit chilled this time of year.  They need a little shot of hot color to remind them to eat.  And eat them they do.

Most of the time, I will be plying the waters with a little 2 hander, or a single hander with an OPST Skagit system.  Fishing streamers is active and fun and does not require the visual focus needed for midges and indicators. It’s all about tactile sensation and highly addictive to those that practice the art. Trout of all sizes will pounce on a chance at a bigger meal.  So will walleye.  Or at least they will latch on if you find them.

Many folks put fly fishing on the back burner and focus on holiday stuff.  You don’t have to join them.  December fishing can be great.  Just take it in smaller portions.  A few hours during the warmest part of the day will put a smile on your face and some fish on your line.  That’s my kind of holiday cheer.