I carefully made my way to a favorite hole and noticed the telltale ring in a small backwater on the upper edge of the pool. I found a spot where I could obtain proper drift without spooking the fish and took a moment to observe. Small BWO’s (blue wing olives) were sporadically rising off of the water. This wasn’t a “hatch” by any means, but it was bug-life nonetheless. Through the ultra-clear water I could see the trout cruising in the back of the eddy, periodically rising to sip unseen meat from the surface film. I armed myself with a size 22 BWO on a 7x tippet and began to build line speed for a crucial shot.

The current in this spot was strange. It was almost in violation of some laws of physics. A good drift would be tough. The tiny fly landed perfectly in the back eddy. The extra slack that I had thrown into the cast was doing its job, pulling downstream while allowing the fly to portray its role in the all-too-familiar of plays. Soon a dark shape began to quickly rise through the crystal clear water; in a subtle instant, my fly had disappeared in a soft, inviting ring. With a light flick of the wrist and a raised arm, the day began the way it should…fish on!

The Davidson River has become a famous destination for southeastern fly fisherman within the past decade. With its abundant bug life, due in part to the added fish emulsion contributed by the state trout fish hatchery located further upstream, the Davidson supports a healthy above-average population of trout for the area. Typically, the best fishing occurs from mid-March to early June. Summers can be tough, due in part to higher water temperatures and lower water levels. Combining the two leads to a lower dissolved O², creating unhappy fish. Fall can yield great fishing, if the water levels cooperate. Most folks, however, hang up the fly rods and pick up the remote control when winter rolls around. The general consensus is that during winter the trout pack it up and leave.

However, this is not the case. Winter-fishing on the Davidson River can be as good as it gets, if you pick your days properly. Don’t go into this venture, though, thinking that this is going to be a cakewalk. Be prepared for long days with few or no fish in less than hospitable conditions. Typically, the warmer the day is, the better the fishing is. Snowy days can be especially good if the temperature stays in the low 30’s and the previous days have been warm. Ultra-cold, bluebird days, generally, are not productive, but if you’ve got the itch, then give it a whirl. The whole point is to be outside having fun, right?

Proper gear is crucial to successful fishing. A good pair of waders is an absolute necessity. I prefer the waterproof, breathable variety, but neoprene will do. Wading boots with metal cleats can grip icy rocks as well as help keep you from falling. A good pair of fleece socks keeps your toes from feeling the sting of icy water, and a pair of fleece pants will do the same for your legs. A capilene or polypropylene top coupled with a fleece jacket on colder days keeps your core temperature under control. I typically wear a waterproof/breathable shell to block cold winds and chilly rains from my outer layers. Fingerless gloves are a must. They make fly-tying and general rigging a less cumbersome affair. Top off your get-up with a hat of your choice, and you are ready to go. Optional accessories include handwarmers, a good cigar and a flask. These can make the day go by with ease.

I typically fish with a 9’ 5wt rod with a floating line. A 4wt does just as well, as well as a very fast 3wt. This time of year (late winter/early spring) you will want a rod that can go from fishing tiny midge patterns in the film to a heavy nymph rig with ease. I prefer a fast rod, due to their ability to react while nymphing. Tippets for surface fishing should be no larger than 6x. I vary between the fluorocarbon and standard mono versions to frog hair. For nymphs, I prefer 5x fluorocarbon. The reason that I use such small sizes and fluorocarbon simultaneously is that water tends to be extremely clear, unless there is some run-off from recent precipitation. I also take a variety of flies. In winter we see a lot of midges and BWO’s. I generally have Griffith’s Gnats in sizes 20-22. Black, brown, olive and cream midges dry in 18-24. Various BWO’s dry in 18-22. I like black and olive RS2’s in 20-22 and Barr’s Emergers in 22-24 for surface film. Palominos are also favorites of mine. Nymph choices include bead head PT’s, Hare’s Ears, Copper Johns, and Princes in 16’s and 18’s. Don’t forget to throw a few Daggers in the box! You never know when bouncing one along the bottom next to a downed tree or large boulder may produce a better-than-average fish!