The best winter fly fishing destinations in the West are tailwaters below dams, where water leaves the reservoir at a steady temperature and stays open all winter. Top picks include Utah's Provo and Green rivers, Colorado's South Platte, New Mexico's San Juan, Montana's Bighorn and Missouri, Arizona's Lees Ferry and Nevada's Pyramid Lake.
I live in Park City, so I know the look people give you when you load waders into the truck in January. But some of my favorite days of the year happen when the parking lots are empty, the snow is quiet and a pod of trout is sipping midges in a slow eddy. Winter is when the crowds go home and the tailwaters keep producing.
The trick is picking the right water. Freestone rivers often lock up with ice or slow down to almost nothing in winter, but tailwaters and a few big desert lakes keep fishing. Here are ten that are worth the drive, plus how to fish them and stay safe while you do. If you're dreaming about warm flats instead, our Winter Escape Planner has you covered.
- Closest to a ski town: Middle Provo River, Utah.
- Clearest water and biggest wow: Green River below Flaming Gorge, Utah.
- Most trout per mile: San Juan River, New Mexico.
- Trophy trout on a big river: Bighorn River, Montana.
- A fish of a lifetime: Pyramid Lake, Nevada.
Why Are Tailwaters the Best Winter Fly Fishing Destinations?
A tailwater is the river below a dam. Because the water comes from deep in the reservoir, it leaves the dam at a fairly steady temperature, often in the upper 30s to mid 40s Fahrenheit, even when the air is far colder. That keeps the river open below the dam and keeps midges and other small bugs hatching. Trout keep feeding, just a little slower, and usually in the softer, deeper water.
Winter fishing on these rivers means small flies (midges, small Baetis nymphs, scuds, eggs and worms), light tippet and patience. The best fishing usually runs from late morning to mid-afternoon, when the sun warms things a degree or two and midges come off. Plan short days and long lunches.
Where Can You Fly Fish in Winter in Utah and Colorado?
Middle Provo River, Utah
The Middle Provo runs from Jordanelle Reservoir down to Deer Creek Reservoir, about 20 minutes from Park City, and it holds a lot of brown trout per mile. In winter, the Middle Provo fishes best on midges and small nymphs in the slower runs, with blue-winged olives on cloudy afternoons as spring gets closer. It's easy to access and gets busy on warm weekends. Read our Middle Provo River fly fishing guide for access points.
Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam, Utah
The Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam is so clear it's nicknamed the aquarium, and the A Section from the dam downstream is where most anglers start. In winter, the Green River is a midge and small nymph game, with long leaders and light fluorocarbon. It's remote and cold, and Dutch John services are limited in the off-season, so plan ahead. See our guide to the Green River A Section and our Green River winter trip report.
South Platte River, Colorado
The South Platte is a string of tailwaters, including Cheesman Canyon, Deckers and the Dream Stream between Spinney Mountain and Eleven Mile reservoirs. These fish are famously picky, which is why South Platte regulars fish tiny midges and long, light leaders. It's also close enough to Denver for a day trip. Our Colorado fly fishing page has seasons and access.
Arkansas River below Pueblo Reservoir, Colorado
The tailwater below Pueblo Reservoir runs right through the city of Pueblo, and its lower elevation often means milder winter days than the high country. The Pueblo tailwater fishes well on midges, small nymphs and eggs, and it's a good place to practice nymph rigs before a bigger trip. Check flows before you go, since releases change.
Build a drop-shot nymph rig to get down fast. South Platte and Arkansas River tailwater guide Brian C. Hilbert shared a rig built around a heavy butt section, an oversized barrel swivel with an indicator pegged against it, and straight 4X to 5X fluorocarbon to a weighted jig fly on the point with two lighter flies on tags above. Cast upstream and let the fluorocarbon sink the flies fast. It suits slow, deep winter runs on these rivers.
What Are the Best Winter Fly Fishing Destinations in the Southwest?
San Juan River, New Mexico
The San Juan below Navajo Dam is one of the most famous tailwaters in the country, and the special-regulation Quality Waters right below the dam hold a remarkable number of big rainbows. The San Juan is a midge river through winter, so think tiny larvae and pupae, plus the worm pattern that carries the river's name. Expect company on weekends and read the special regulations before you fish.
Lees Ferry, Colorado River, Arizona
Below Glen Canyon Dam, the Colorado River runs through a red rock canyon to Lees Ferry, and winter weather in the desert is often kinder than in the mountains. Lees Ferry anglers fish midges and scuds, and much of the river upstream of the Lees Ferry ramp is reached by boat. Trout numbers at Lees Ferry have changed over the years with dam operations, so check a current report before you book.
Where Can You Fly Fish in Winter in Montana, Idaho and Nevada?
Bighorn River, Montana
The Bighorn below Yellowtail Dam near Fort Smith is a big, fertile tailwater full of scuds, sowbugs and midges, and it grows large rainbows and browns. Winter on the Bighorn is cold and windy, so pick your days, but the fish keep eating small nymphs in the deeper runs. Our Bighorn River fly fishing guide covers access and hatches.
Missouri River below Holter Dam, Montana
The Missouri below Holter Dam, around Wolf Creek and Craig, is a wide, smooth tailwater with a lot of trout. On calm winter days the Missouri can offer midge fishing to rising fish, and nymph rigs work through the deeper runs when it's cold. Wind is the real challenge here, so watch the forecast.
Lower Henry's Fork, Idaho
The lower Henry's Fork, from around Ashton down toward St. Anthony, fishes in winter for rainbows, browns and whitefish. Boat access is limited and shelf ice is common, so most winter anglers wade during the warmest part of the day. Midges and blue-winged olives can bring fish up on sunny afternoons; nymphs, eggs and streamers work on colder days. Check Idaho regulations for the section you plan to fish.
Pyramid Lake, Nevada
Pyramid Lake is a desert lake within the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe's reservation, home to giant Lahontan cutthroat trout, and its season has traditionally run from October into early summer, with winter among the best times. Anglers fish from shore with long casts, sinking lines and streamers or beetle patterns, often standing on small ladders. You need a tribal fishing permit, not a Nevada license. Read about our own winter trip to Pyramid Lake.
How Do You Stay Safe Fly Fishing in Winter?
Cold water is less forgiving than summer water, so fish conservatively:
- Layer up, skip cotton. Wear synthetic or wool base layers, an insulating mid layer and a waterproof shell. Cotton stays wet and pulls heat from your body.
- Cinch your wading belt. A snug belt limits how much water gets into your waders if you fall.
- Stay off shelf ice. Ice along the bank can be undercut and break without warning. Enter and exit at open gravel, and use a wading staff.
- Carry dry clothes. Keep a full change of clothes in the truck. If you go in, get out, get dry and get warm right away; shivering, clumsy hands and confusion are early signs of hypothermia.
- Tell someone your plan. Share where you're fishing and when you'll be back, especially on remote rivers with poor cell service.
For layering details, read our guide on how to stay warm when winter fly fishing, and stock your box with small flies from our FFIP fly collection before you head out.
Green River guide Colby Crossland joined me on the podcast to talk about flows, leaders for gin-clear water and why the Green River is called the aquarium. Episode page.
- Where to Fly Fish in Winter: 8 Trips That Book Right Now
- Tailwater Tactics: How to Fool Picky Trout with Small Flies
- 22 Rocky Mountain West Fly Fishing Tips from Podcast Guests
- 10 Best Places to Fly Fish This Fall
- 12 Fall Fly Fishing Tips for Trout That Actually Work
- Where to Go Fly Fishing: All FFIP Destinations
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best winter fly fishing in the West?
The best winter fly fishing in the West is on tailwaters such as the Provo and Green in Utah, the South Platte in Colorado, the San Juan in New Mexico and the Bighorn in Montana. Water released from deep in the reservoir keeps these rivers open and fishing through the cold months.
What flies work best for winter trout?
Midges are the most important winter trout flies, especially Zebra Midges and small pupae in sizes 18 to 24. Small Baetis nymphs, scuds, eggs and worm patterns round out a winter tailwater box.
What time of day is best for winter fly fishing?
The best time for winter fly fishing is usually late morning to mid-afternoon, when the water warms slightly and midges hatch. Early mornings are often cold and slow, so there's no need to beat the sunrise.
Do I need a guide for winter fly fishing?
You don't need a guide for winter fly fishing, but a local guide shortens the learning curve on picky tailwaters and knows which runs hold fish in cold water. Our FFIP Certified guides and lodges directory is a good place to start.
Winter is the quiet season, and the rivers on this list reward anglers who show up anyway. Pick a tailwater, pack small flies and dry clothes, and go enjoy the empty water. And if a warm-water trip is calling, Frontiers International Travel can help you plan it.
Seasons, prices and travel rules change. Confirm current details with Frontiers International Travel or the lodge before you book.
Tight lines, everyone!
Whether it's a Utah tailwater or a warm flat, plan your next trip and catch any fish, any time, and anywhere.
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