Winter Fly Fishing RDR

[bbbyro]

Never Fished a river in the winter but always wanted to try. I read some where the RDR at Dickson the water stays ice free all year.
Is that true?
Has anyone done it?
Should a guy bring his 8Wt and big streamers or his 6wt and nymphs?
What are your thoughts?

Cheers and Beers!

[Kokanee9]

I have heard the same but unfortunately cannot confirm that for you.

I do know that immediately west of Red Deer the river is backed up with ice pieces from shore to shore. All I could see was about 1 mile west of the #2 early this morning.

[fishermansfriend]

There is usually some open water closer to the actual dam i havnt been out this winter yet, post your findings if you head out

[Dust1n]

Yeah it's freshwater in the winter. It's Rough water from te generator which keeps ice from forming right below it. It also opens below the spillway when they let the water loose.
We found a spot where you couldn't keep the walleyes off your hook but it's frozen down that far.
Bring the 6wt and nymphs and go after the whites you will be able to see them as soon as your beside the water.

[Don Andersen]

bbbyro,

The river stays open quite a ways downstream.

Go over the dam and take the first road east of the office building that turns left. Big parking lot.
Few whites are left. Most have turned tail downstream. A week ago I hooked 2 only. Saw only a few others. Tough fishing.
Need small nymphs. I tend to use south Platte Brassies in #14>18

Don

[bbbyro]

So, it seems i need to get the 4wt and do some nymphing. thanks for the advice you guys rock.
(or maybe hang up the fly rod for the season)

[Flyfisher87]

Originally Posted by bbbyro

So, it seems i need to get the 4wt and do some nymphing. thanks for the advice you guys rock.
(or maybe hang up the fly rod for the season)

I never hang the rods up. This is one of my favorite times of year to be in the water.

[scel]

Originally Posted by bbbyro

So, it seems i need to get the 4wt and do some nymphing. thanks for the advice you guys rock.
(or maybe hang up the fly rod for the season)

I really like my 6wt for nymphing that stretch of the RDR. I find that I get about 20 whitefish for every brown. The 6wt is a little big for the average RDR white, but when I have latched onto a brown, they have been bruisers.

[bbbyro]

Originally Posted by scel

I really like my 6wt for nymphing that stretch of the RDR. I find that I get about 20 whitefish for every brown. The 6wt is a little big for the average RDR white, but when I have latched onto a brown, they have been bruisers.

That is true i was glad i had my 6wt and 10 pound test on when this guy latched on my woolly.

[scel]

Originally Posted by bbbyro

That is true i was glad i had my 6wt and 10 pound test on when this guy latched on my woolly.

That is what I am talking about...
The RDR is such a neat river. I only get to fish it 4 or 5 times a year, but I always have a good time (and catch fish).

[FishinCrazyy]

Originally Posted by bbbyro

That is true i was glad i had my 6wt and 10 pound test on when this guy latched on my woolly.

Where abouts were you fishing along RDR?

[fish gunner]

Originally Posted by FishinCrazyy

Where abouts were you fishing along RDR?

The pic I believe is taken 500 yrds up stream of where we stood and on the far bank from us.

[fishermansfriend]

Anyone got any advice on what flies are best to get some nice browns?

[scel]

Originally Posted by fishermansfriend

Anyone got any advice on what flies are best to get some nice browns?

I have caught them on hare's ear, prince, san juan worms, and disco midges. I have caught the biggest ones on hare's ears. I think, like almost all browns, the best fly depends on the moment.

[bobalong]

I have not fished the RDR in the winter for a few years now, but we used to have some pretty good luck. We had some of our best luck for the rockies on an orange beadhead.

[bbbyro]

Sweet Pic thanks for sharing. Found some open water right in the city. If ever get some time off hittin it up. HARD. I will post some pics and maybe fome fish.