Best Tailwaters to Fish In Cooler Weather
Fly fishing in the winter isn’t for the faint of heart. Your fingers are numb, your guides are iced over, and you’ve got the river to yourself—for good reason. Most anglers take one look at the frost-laced banks and retreat to a fireside whiskey. But if you're the type who likes peace, big trout, and dry fly eats in January, there’s one magic word to remember: tailwaters.
Tailwaters are the underdogs of cold-weather fly fishing. These dam-regulated sections below reservoirs serve up consistent water temps and year-round bug life, offering trout the equivalent of a heated pool and buffet line in the dead of winter. They're reliable, fishable, and full of trout that don’t know the word “off-season.” Here's where to go when the weather says "stay in"—but your waders say otherwise.
Arkansas River – Pueblo, Colorado: The Underdog That Doesn’t Sleep
Ask a Colorado fly fisher where to go in winter, and they’ll probably mumble something about the South Platte. And sure, it’s a classic. But the real move? Head south to Pueblo, where the Arkansas River tailwater flows strong and (relatively) warm through the coldest months.
This isn’t your high-elevation icebox. Pueblo’s climate means winter temps are a solid 10 to 25 degrees warmer than other parts of the state, and that warmth translates into happier, hungrier trout. November and December bring Blue-Winged Olive hatches. Come January, it’s all about midges and subtle nymphing—think small patterns, slow drifts, and tight-line patience.
Guide Connell O’Grady puts it plainly: “Every time the indicator even hesitates, set the hook.” Trust him. Fish here average 16–20 inches, and they aren’t picky when you get the drift right. Just don’t be surprised if your best day on the Arkansas happens when it’s snowing sideways.
Farmington River – Connecticut: Urban Trout, Refined Taste
The Farmington River is the Hemingway novel in a pile of paperbacks. While other northeastern streams button up for winter, this 27-mile gem in Connecticut stays very much open for business. Just two hours from Boston or New York, it’s a dream for urban anglers who want to chase wild browns without getting on a plane.
What makes the Farmington so special in winter is its winter caddis hatch—a rare phenomenon that gets trout sipping dries on freezing mornings. You read that right: dry flies. In the dead of winter. And when they’re not feeding topside, they’re hugging the bottom, waiting for egg patterns, San Juan Worms, and mop flies to come knocking.
Thanks to bottom-release flows from the Saville Dam, water temps stay stable year-round. That means fish stay active, and stocked rainbows from the fall mix with resident browns in all the right ways. Want a shot at a fish over 20 inches with snow in the trees? This is the place.
Green River – Dutch John, Utah: Trophy Trout Without the Summer Crowd
The Green River is no secret. In summer, it's more crowded than a Saturday at Costco. But in winter? It's like someone hit mute. The crowds disappear, the trout get aggressive, and the streamer fishing turns electric.
Below Flaming Gorge Reservoir, the Green winds through high desert cliffs and red rock canyons like a painting come to life. The water is gin-clear, the fish are big, and the vibe is… quiet. “There are fewer people, better streamer fishing, and solid hatches of midges and BWOs in winter,” says Doug Roberts of Old Moe’s Guide Service.
Forget nymphing. On the Green, it’s all about swinging or stripping streamers and watching thick browns peel off structure to chase them down. Sculpin patterns and Woolly Buggers are the go-tos—nothing fancy. It’s pure visual fly fishing bliss, and you won’t be fighting anyone for river space except the eagles.
White River – Cotter, Arkansas: Big Browns and a Shad Buffet
Picture this: 50 miles of public water, huge brown trout, and a seasonal shad kill that chums the river with protein like a five-star buffet. Welcome to the White River in the northern Ozarks, where the fishing stays hot even when the air turns icy.
In winter, Bull Shoals Lake experiences abrupt cold snaps that kill off massive schools of shad. The dead bait gets sucked through the dam and spit into the river below. What happens next is chaos—trout gorge on the floating carcasses like it’s their last meal.
While the usual suspects (Woolly Buggers, eggs, San Juan Worms) will catch fish, it’s the big streamers and mouse patterns twitched near the banks that trigger true predators. Jim Lipscomb from Two Rivers Fly Shop says it best: “I’ve fished everywhere, guided in Alaska, and I still think this is the best fishery I’ve ever seen.”
Bighorn River – Fort Smith, Montana: Where Cold Meets Gold
Montana doesn’t play around in winter. Sub-zero temps, iced guides, and frozen beards are part of the deal. But the Bighorn River is different. Thanks to the Yellowtail Dam, the water coming into the river stays stable and surprisingly warm compared to other Montana streams.
The Bighorn is a numbers game—20,000 trout per river mile—and winter can be one of the best times to play it. Sow bug and nymph rigs will get the job done in deeper runs, while midge hatches bring fish up into the slicks and tailouts. It’s not just productive—it’s peaceful.
The first part of winter is prime, but the die-hards know to stick around into February when post-spawn browns start slamming streamers in the soft edges. Rent a drift boat from Bighorn Angler, pack your thermals, and lean into it. This is winter fly fishing at its finest.
Why Tailwaters Work in Winter
Let’s get one thing straight: tailwaters aren’t just about staying warm—they’re about staying consistent. Here’s why these fisheries outperform when most others shut down:
Stable Water Temps: Dam releases keep temps in the 40–50°F range, ideal for active trout.
Year-Round Bug Life: Midges, BWOs, caddis, and even stoneflies keep trout looking up.
Accessible Water: Public access is often plentiful, and pressure drops in winter.
Predictable Flows: Unlike freestones that can freeze or flood, tailwaters stay reliable.
Fishing a tailwater in winter isn’t just an option—it’s your best one.
FAQs
What’s a tailwater, and why does it matter in winter?
A tailwater is the stretch of river below a dam, where flows and temperatures are regulated. This stability keeps trout active and feeding even in cold months.
Do trout feed on the surface in winter?
Yes, in the right conditions. Blue-Winged Olives, midges, and even winter caddis hatches can bring fish up. Tailwaters like the Farmington are known for consistent winter dry fly action.
What flies work best in winter?
Go small and subtle: midges, BWOs, sow bugs, eggs, and San Juan Worms. Streamers like sculpins and buggers can be deadly for aggressive fish.
When is the best time of day to fish in winter?
Late morning through early afternoon is ideal—sunlight slightly raises water temps, sparking bug activity and trout metabolism.
How do I stay warm and safe while winter fly fishing?
Layer up with moisture-wicking base layers, fleece insulation, and breathable waders. Don’t forget gloves, hand warmers, and a thermos of something hot.
Are tailwaters crowded in winter?
Far less than in summer. While some tailwaters still see regulars year-round, winter generally offers solitude and unpressured fish.
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