Ice Out: Fish On!
The buzz is starting. The phone is ringing. Fly bins are being pillaged. Balanced Leeches are flying out the door. Is it time yet? Oh yes. Ice out is here. All the major bodies of water we like to fish in the spring are open and the big players are cruising. Whether you choose Holter, Hauser, Canyon Ferry or the lakes scattered up the front, now is the time.
Many people will often ask, are they spawning yet? In most cases, not quite. Now is when you want to catch them. Right now, they are biting and are in good shape. Pre-spawn is the best time to get after them.
When the wind is blowing, as it typically is, using an indicator for depth control is a great way to go. Tie on two flies and let the waves do your jigging. If you get your flies to the right level, the fishing can be epic.
Our favorite flies to fish during ice out are the balanced leeches. Blood Red is hard to beat and is a steady producer most days. If the fish get fussy, shift to black, olive or even purple and see what they like. I typically stack two leeches until I find the best color. If there is a clear favorite, I will stack two of the same color, giving me a good fly at differing depths.
Need to stock up on flies? Check out our fly selection here
The perfect scenario for ice out success is a moderate breeze. Hanging the balanced leeches under an indicator will allow them to bob up and down enticingly. When hang the right flies at the right depth and have the right conditions, the fishing will be fast and furious.
On the rare occasion the wind quits, the fishing can be more challenging. Without wave action to move your flies, it’s best to switch to some Chironomids (Stillwater Midges). They fish best with very little movement. Red is always a good base color.
General nymphs can also produce. The Olive Hares Ear is a favorite. So is the Copper John in Red, Green or Chartreuse. Last year, a size #16 Green Machine became a favorite at Holter. Rubber Legs can also be enticing. It’s often an attraction game, so don’t be afraid to experiment to find the fly du jour.
When it is calm, you can take off the indicator and cast and retrieve. Count your flies down and try to work them in the 3-5’ level where the fish seem to be most active.
If the wind gets rocky, as it often does, especially in the afternoon, sometimes the waves get too big for an indicator. An intermediate line is a great choice to slide underneath the waves and keep your flies moving in a natural fashion.
Another option is to use a sinking line and a Boobie fly. Boobies have foam heads. When the line is retrieved the fly dives. Pauses cause it to rise. When you find the right level and get the right action, the Boobie can be deadly.
If you want to try out this fly yourself, you can learn out to tie it here
There are many approaches to finding fly rod success at ice out time. Stop in to your local North 40 Fly Shop for the flies, the lines and all the bits and pieces to set up for Stillwater success. We are here to help.