Many rivers throughout New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona and Utah are fishable throughout the entire year, either because of their sheer size, or because they are tailrace rivers flowing out of lakes and reservoirs. These systems maintain enough flow and a consistent temperatures to justify duping trout with flies even in the coldest conditions. Here are a few waters that are world-renowned for winter fishing.
San Juan River, NM
Thirty minutes southwest of Durango, Colorado, the Navajo Reservoir spills into a wide, sedimentary canyon forming the San Juan River. Release from the San Juan Dam forms this huge, bone-cold body of water that breeds world-famous rainbows and brown trout. Without a doubt, there is a certain technique for landing these monsters, but there is enough information on the internet to help even a first-timer to the river land a trophy.
Ultra-fine flies and a product called "Amnesia" are useful here, along with large net, an exorbitant amount of backing, and thick neoprene waders to ward off the cold. No one ever leaves the San Juan having not seen huge trout. Bringing one to hand, however, is a totally different experience.
Taylor River, CO
Near the town of Almont,Colorado, the Taylor River was born. After damming the Taylor Reservoir, Mysis shrimp were added to the lake to add biomass to this trout habitat. It worked like gangbusters!
The first quarter mile of the Taylor River is absolutely amazing large-trout water, even in winter. Feeding on Mysis shrimp creates vibrantly-colored that seem different than anywhere else on Earth. And like the San Juan, many of these healthy trout are caught through technique – rarely will luck alone bring a large fish to hand on the Taylor.
With microscopic tippet and miniscule flies, even the hugest fish can be netted. But the banks can be difficult to negotiate since rocks are large and slick. Come prepared to be proctored by finicky trout, but also to fight for the trout of a lifetime.
Straight Canyon, UT
Below Joe's Valley Reservoir spills one of Utah's best winter fisheries. This river is chocked with huge rocks, monstrosities that divert water and create deep bends and wine-dark pools. The Straight Canyon browns grow to enormous sizes in this piece of water, and can be fished year-round, barring a serious drought.
Since much of the river lay off the side of the road and down a steep, rocky embank, find a safe turnout above a particularly dreamy stretch of water, and safely jostle down to the edge.
Commonly used flashy beadhead patterns, such copper and red Copper Johns, Prince and Pheasant Tail Nymphs, as well as Brassies and Hair's Ears wrapped in gold ribbing. Scour the slower-moving pools with weighted patterns and strikes will come in succession. It's about numbers in Straight Canyon rather than size. These trout are plentiful, so keep moving upstream instead of fishing too deliberately. The entire canyon is full of fish!
Lees Ferry, AZ
The mighty Colorado River is arguably the most famous river in the West. Along with several tributaries, the Colorado drainage single-handedly carved the Grand Canyon – drop by drop.
Lees Ferry is a particular portion of the Colorado River, starting just below Glen Canyon Dam, where the water runs 47 degrees and clear year-round. Just a short drive from Page, AZ, Lees Ferry is not just full of huge trout, but also history.
From just below the dam, the water is perfect for a 5wt rod – maybe the most common weapon on the river. Spawn starts in mid-November, so winter is definitely prime for fishing the upper Colorado.
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