December – February
Oregon fly fishingin winter: the guide
Your complete guide to fly fishing in Oregon during winter (December – February).
The full winter guide for Oregon is on its way. In the meantime, here are the flies and waters to start with.
Top Winter flies for Oregon
Ranked by how often they show up in this season's reports.
eggGlo BugLate February is prime time for winter steelhead in the North Umpqua; egg patterns are the standard for drift fishing or nymphing for these migrating fish.nymphZebra MidgeMidges are the most consistent food source in February. Black or Red patterns in sizes 18-22 are essential for resident trout in the slower eddies.nymphTungsten Bead Pat's Rubber LegsA heavy stonefly nymph is essential for reaching the bottom in the North Umpqua's deep emerald pools. It serves as a great lead fly for steelhead or a standalone for resident trout.streamerBalanced LeechLeeches are a year-round staple at Lake Billy Chinook. The balanced version allows the fly to hang horizontally under an indicator, mimicking a slow-moving leech in cold water.eggEgg patterns flyIteroparity and late spawning pulses mean eggs remain a high-protein target for both resident trout and trailing steelhead during the winter months.streamerPine Squirrel LeechSmaller, darker streamers like the Pine Squirrel Leech are excellent for mimicking juvenile fish or large annelids. Fished slowly with a sink-tip line, they trigger strikes from lethargic winter trout.emergerRS2Used as a trailer nymph, the RS2 mimics emerging midges or small Baetis (BWOs) which can trigger strikes during the warmest part of the afternoon when fish move slightly higher in the water column.nymphFlashback Pheasant TailImitates small Baetis (BWO) nymphs that begin to move as spring approaches. The flashback provides necessary visibility in the deep, dark winter slots.
Waters in Oregon 7 to fish
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.
Need gear or a guide?
Find fly shops near Oregon's best winter waters for local flies, advice and guided trips.
Ask an AI about this page