Winter Brown Trout

Don’t fish Ohio’s Clear Fork River today, the water is up and no doubt muddy. But don’t pass up the opportunity to experience winter fly fishing for trout in the Mohican State Park.A couple of weeks ago I was talking to a friend about the river. It was midwinter and he was looking forward to fishing in the spring. “Fish the Clear Fork now!” I told him. He didn’t seem to believe me when I said I’ve had some of my best days there during the winter.Armed with a few flies and some tips Stu braved the weather and went fishing.The result is the picture above of a 3 lb, 19″ brown trout. I’ll let Stu tell the story in his own words…”I slipped out at noon yesterday, sunny and 40ish (have to go when rod guides and rod owner won’t ice over.) Thirty-three minutes from door to shore later, I waded into the Clear Fork. Such a beatiful gorge and clear western style river. Nothing at all for one and a half hours but I enjoyed the fresh air and the quiet one doesn’t get in an Ohio State Park in other seasons.Before I left I changed to a white pattern and tried the best spot in the whole stretch of river I walked. I had this guy’s brother on too, but lost him. They both fought really strong and this one took me about 10 minutes to finally beach on a shoreline sand bar since I had no net. I tired him out good before coaxing him there. Couldn’t rush the landing since he was over 3 lbs (19 inches) and my tippet strength was 4 lbs. Just tensed the line continuously to keep him from diving for cover in underwater branches. This brown trout was bigger than any trout I’ve ever caught. A good day in a good place.”