Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2020 - 39

draw explosive strikes from native trout. Inline
spinners are another excellent option, especially
when fishing slightly larger creeks and streams. For
a rod setup, a 6-foot ultralight rod, paired with a
2000 size reel, is great for maneuvering mountain
laurel choked streams.
When it comes to narrowing down fishing
locations, all of your typical native Brook Trout
streams will suffice. The trout may be operating a
little differently in the streams though. Deep pools
always seem to hold native trout. Do not be surprised
to find native Brook Trout less reclusive than usual
and out in the open. On many winter days, I have
witnessed native Brook Trout high in the water
column in a section of slower water. Whether these
fish are soaking up a little sunlight or just hanging
out is beyond me. Trout are vulnerable to small
high-vis dry flies or well drifted worms. Polarized
sunglasses improve visibility.
If you are feeling adventurous and would
like to explore new winter waters, check out the
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's Interactive
Trout Maps. This is a tool I reference regularly and
has provided me with unbelievable experiences
fishing quality trout waters. You are able to
filter the streams on the map to only show Class
A streams, Wilderness Trout Streams, and other
options as well. Class A streams have higher
trout biomass, so I tend to focus my efforts
on streams with Brook Trout populations.
Naturally reproducing streams, as listed on the
maps, have surprised me on occasion to how
well fishing can be in certain sections.
A major factor in winter, as previously
stated, is weather conditions. Fishing, especially
wading, during freezing temperatures is no
joke. During the winter, I am accompanied by
a friend, or at the least make my whereabouts
known to friends and family members. If
traveling far from roads to fish, I highly advise
carrying a backpack with lifesaving essentials
in it. Waterproof matches, a packable blanket,
food, and a first aid kit. At least keep survival
items in your vehicle as a safety precaution.
Do not let winter be a glum time of year,
and do not allow cabin fever to creep in.
Winter native trout fishing can provide
surprising opportunities at landing fish and
having fun. The Appalachians in the winter
are a sight to behold, and the trout still have a
ferocious appetite. I seldom encounter another
angler on native Brook Trout streams in the
colder months. Pennsylvania is teeming with
In February, native Brook Trout were easily enticed with beadhead
fishing opportunities when there is snow on
nymphs while fishing on a snowy creek in Centre County.
the ground.

photo-Aaron Morder

temperature, the better the bite may be. When the
air temperature rises in the winter, it can sometimes
trigger sporadic insect hatches as well. Whatever the
case may be, there is little need to hit the creek early in
the frigid morning or in late evening. The fish, like us,
like a little warmth.
There are many effective ways to catch Brook
Trout in the winter months, but a few stand out as
consistently productive. If you are a fly angler, unless
you noticeably see bugs coming off the water and
trout rising, it may be more productive to use nymphs
and small streamers. Green Weenies, leech streamers,
and beadhead nymphs are all great for enticing Brook
Trout to eat. If you see fish holding in pools, do not be
afraid to tie on a caddis dry fly and gently lay it onto
the water. Native Brook Trout eat dry flies all winter
long, but my best results occur when there are bugs
coming off the water.
For spin anglers, the world is your oyster. Live
bait, such as small redworms and waxworms, are
difficult for Brook Trout to pass up. A fun way to fish
for native Brook Trout in the winter is with artificial
lures. Small trout jigs bounced quickly in creeks will

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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2020

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