December can provide excellent small stillwater fishing. Large reservoirs are often closed, but stocked small waters continue through winter with cold, well-oxygenated water and regular fish activity. The weather can be challenging, but anglers who slow down and fish naturally can enjoy very good sport.
Buzzers remain important even in winter. Bloodworm, small Diawl Bachs and slim nymphs catch consistently, especially when fished slowly beneath an indicator or suspended below a Peaks Fly Fishing Ressie Dink. Finding the right depth is usually more important than constant fly changing.
Winter midge hatches can be surprisingly good during mild weather. When trout quietly sip insects from the surface film, the Peaks Fly Fishing Hairdresser Midge is a first choice. Fish it on a long leader with minimal drag and resist the temptation to move it unnecessarily. Static or nearly static presentations often work better than constant retrieve.
Bright attractors still have a place, especially after stocking. The Peaks Fly Fishing Lava Tail and Peaks Fly Fishing Eggstatic Egg are good searching patterns when trout are actively hunting or cruising.
Recommended fly selection:
- Black Buzzer
- Bloodworm
- Diawl Bach
- Pheasant Tail Nymph
- Peaks Fly Fishing Hairdresser Midge
- Peaks Fly Fishing Ressie Dink
- Peaks Fly Fishing Lava Tail
- Peaks Fly Fishing Eggstatic Egg
What to watch for:
- Mild winter afternoons
- Midge hatches
- Gentle surface dimples
- Fish cruising slowly
- Fresh stockings
On the water:
December rewards patience. If trout are taking emerging insects, keep the Hairdresser Midge static in the film or hang a buzzer beneath a Ressie Dink. If nothing shows, cover water slowly with a Lava Tail or Eggstatic Egg until you locate fish.
