While summer generally offers more access to anglers when it comes to fly fishing, it also means that crowds of tourists and other anglers are out there, too. Winter, on the other hand, offers a unique opportunity for fly fishing enthusiasts: a serene, solitary experience on private ranches. If you’re looking for ranches for sale, and you love to fly fish, consider ranch property that offers up year-round access to trout water. You’ll be glad you did.
What to look for when fishing on ranches for sale
On private water, you can generally dispense with the crowds. In the winter, this is even more true. As you look for ranches for sale, think about what you might like to see on ranch real estate when it comes to a trout stream. You’ll want access to open water that doesn’t completely freeze. And, of course, you’ll want decent winter flows that give fish enough water to seek cover from the harsh Rocky Mountain winter.
But, generally speaking, if running water is present on properties you’re considering in your search for ranches for sale, there’s a good chance you might have a good winter fishery on your hands. And there are good reasons to fly fish in the winter, even on cold, frosty days that others might try and escape from by curling up by the fire and Netflixing their day away.
First, the water is very likely at its lowest levels of the season. This means trout will be concentrated in deeper and more oxygenated areas — think about plunge pools below small waterfalls or tail outs below faster water, where the current slows and the creek spills into deeper water.
Techniques to consider when fishing ranches for sale
As you search for ranches for sale with quality trout water, think about some winter-specific techniques that might help you catch more trout when you’re fly fishing in the winter. High-stick nymphing techniques, or Euro-nymphing, can be deadly in the winter. Using this technique, many anglers choose a double-nymph rig and long leaders attached to light fly line or even running line in order to get the flies down to the fish. Trout definitely eat during the winter, but they are a bit slower and a bit more deliberate, so it’s best to deliver the food to them. Euro-nymphing is a good way to do that.
As with fly fishing at any time of the year, it pays to be observant. In winter many trout streams flowing across ranches for sale boast prolific insect hatches. Midges, or very small aquatic insects, are common winter insects, and, on warmer days with good cloud cover, the baetis mayfly is common, too — this bug is imitated perfectly by a small (size 20-22) Blue-winged Olive. Catching trout on dry flies while it’s snowing is a very cool experience.
Be prepared for winter weather
Fly fishing in the winter requires anglers to dress for the worst and hope for the best. Trout streams that run across ranches for sale in the West will be dangerously cold, so arriving to the water prepared is ideal. Wear at least one fleece layer under your waders, and consider fleece or wool layers against the skin — cotton is a water absorbent material, and once its wet on a winter day, it stays wet. Avoid it if you can.
Wear sturdy wading boots — felt soles are preferred on icy streamside rocks — and wear at least one pair of wool socks against your bare feet. Again, in the event of leaky waders, avoid cotton. Gloves, too, are a good idea, but remember, once they’re wet, they’re likely wet for the duration. Consider fingerless wool gloves to keep most of your hand warm, and electric or reactive hand warmers in the pockets of your outer shell. Just be smart, layer up appropriately and you’ll be fine.
Consider a guide if it’s your first time on new water
Most die-hard fly fishers in the Rockies understand that a good guide helps you improve your skills. And, on private water on ranches for sale, a guide can help you smooth out the learning curve — you’ll get to the river or stream quicker than if you were to start out on your own.
Don’t turn up your nose if a rancher offers to take you fishing on property they’ve listed for sale. They know the water, where the fish will hold on the most miserable winter day and they’ll know what flies you should consider using. Be smart, and accept a bit of help.
Final word
Fly fishing in the winter isn’t for the faint of heart, but when you’re on the prowl for ranches for sale, finding a property with a dependable winter fishery is a bonus. As you check out these properties with an eye toward investing, be sure you’re ready with the right tackle and the right attire.
Finally, don’t say “no” to help from a guide or another experienced angler. They’ll help you learn more about the trout water and the property, and it’s always a good idea to fish with a buddy in the cold winter months should an accident happen
