There are several nymphs that are very effective in the winter on the stocked trout streams. So let’s discuss those.
If the streams are flowing at low to normal rates my first choice is a Murray’s Dark Stonefly Nymph. Wade into the stream 30 feet below the riffle and cast the stonefly nymph upstream so it falls right below the riffles. Then allow this to dead drift back downstream just like a natural nymph washed out of the riffles.
In order to detect the trouts’ strike, I recommend using a Murray’s Trout Nymph Leader 9ft 4X. These have two indicators already installed. The slightest hesitation in the drift is your signal to set the hook. Try to devote an hour when fishing across a stream that is 100-ft wide.
2. The second nymph that is effective during the winter–Cress Bugs. Large populations of natural cress bugs are found in the streams where there are rich springs flowing into the stream. The rich green weed growth around the springs, on the banks and in the streams is your cue to put on a Cress Bug. Why? The trout are feeding on the natural cress bugs in these areas heavily.
If the stream is less than 30 feet wide, enter the stream 150-feet downstream of the spring and fish a Cress Bug upstream dead drift all the way to the spring. If the stream is more than 30-feet wide, enter the stream on the far side of the spring straight across from it. Staying close to the bank, wade slowly downstream and cast the Cress Bug across stream landing close to the far bank. After it sinks deeply, crawl it slowly along the stream bottom by twitching it lightly every 10 seconds. Try to wade downstream at least 150-feet using this tactic.
Heavier Nymphs
Lets say the stream flow is above normal and you just are not getting your nymphs where they need to be. Perdigon Nymphs are excellent here. The bead on the Perdigon Nymph provides just enough extra weight to get your nymph down quickly. They can be fished as a stand alone nymph or as a dropper below a Mr. Rapidan Dry Fly size 16. Another option–use the Perdigon Nymph below a Rubber Leg Nymph
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