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Cold weather can be a bit tough fishing.  Here are a few tips to help you find productive water.

• Fish East/West flowing streams as they get the most sun throughout the day and will warm quicker.
• Bring a thermometer!  40 degrees is the magic number for super active winter fish
• Stay in bed later.  Bugs start moving around 11, and ice still forms on your guides most days before then too.
• When the action shuts down on 'larger' streams, move to a smaller creek.  They run an hour or two behind the larger water when it comes to warming up.
• Midges are your best friend.  Midge larvae and pupae slowly pulled under the surface can be absolutely deadly.
• When in doubt tie on something big and fuzzy and roll it along the bottom of the stream.
• Don't get too overly obsessed with dry flies.  Although it is nice to catch some fish on dries, if you are having trouble putting fish on the surface to hand, they will hit nymphs equally as well, sometimes right as they hit the water.
• Do not overlook leeches and streamers.  Fish will be looking for big meals right now too, just remember to pull and not strip the fly.

So far opener has been pretty dang good from reports rolling in to the shop.  I will be out there tomorrow and we should have some good pictures for you early next week.