Winter Redfish Fly Fishing
If you've ever fished for redfish in the winter—whether in North Carolina or anywhere along the Southeast coast—you’ve probably encountered your fair share of picky fish. Winter can be one of the best times of year to target red drum (aka "redfish") on the fly, but it can also come with its fair share of frustration when they refuse to eat whatever you're offering. In this blog post, I'll share some valuable tips and fly patterns that can be game-changers when it comes to getting these elusive, schooled-up fish to bite.
What Do Redfish Do in Winter?
Before diving into specific fly patterns, let's first take a look at the behavior of redfish during the winter months. Here in North Carolina, redfish tend to school up in massive groups, ranging from 20 to even 500+ fish. While this sounds like an angler’s dream, being able to target such large schools is actually a bit of a double-edged sword.
On the one hand, having a large school of fish presents an enormous target. But on the flip side, when redfish school up this tightly, they can become incredibly skittish. If one fish spooks, it’s likely that the entire school will follow suit, sending the group darting off and making them even more difficult to catch. Add in the fact that the water is usually gin-clear during winter, and these fish can spot or sense a boat from much further away than they would during warmer months when the water is typically more stained.
So, while the potential for an epic day of fishing is high, the reality is that winter redfishing can sometimes feel more like a chess match—requiring precise tactics, the right equipment, and, most importantly, the right flies and lures to succeed.
The Best Winter Redfish Flies: Matching the Environment
Now, let’s talk about fly selection. The first question that comes to mind when choosing the best flies for winter redfish is: What is the water color, and what is the bottom color? The key to success during winter is to keep things as natural as possible. Matching your fly to its surroundings is often crucial.
For example, if the water is crystal-clear with a sandy bottom, I’ll usually opt for a fly in shades of tan or white. If the water has a more tannic or tea-stained appearance with a muddy bottom, I’ll lean toward browns and tans. If the water is clear but the bottom is covered with grass, then I tend to go with a combination of green, brown, and tan. By matching the fly to the environment, you’re giving yourself the best chance to blend in and make your offering look natural.
Of course, there will always be those times when a completely unconventional color—like a black fly in ultra-clear water with a sandy bottom or a bright chartreuse fly in clear water—can work wonders. However, when in doubt, I always start with something that mimics the natural forage in the area. More often than not, this is the winning formula during the winter months.
Stealthy Flies: The Secret to Catching Spooky Redfish
Another critical factor when fly fishing for redfish in winter is choosing a fly that is "stealthy". What does that mean? In this context, a stealthy fly is typically smaller in size, with lighter eyes and soft materials that land gently on the water's surface. In winter, particularly in North Carolina, there’s not a lot of baitfish actively moving around, creating much noise. Therefore, a loud “plop” from a heavy fly can easily raise the fish’s awareness and put them on high alert.
To prevent this from happening, I prefer using flies with bead chain eyes or small lead eyes (only when necessary). These light materials help the fly land softly without making an obnoxious splash.
The next important feature of a stealthy fly is the choice of materials. For a fly to land softly, materials like bucktail or deer body/ belly hair are excellent options. Some of my personal favorites for winter include deer hair sliders and small Kwans. When tied with EP fiber (which I often use for Kwans), this material is fairly quiet and provides a nice, subtle presentation. On a size 4 hook with bead chain eyes, it’s hard to beat for spooky winter redfish.
Another material I love is Senyo’s Laser Dub. This material has a slightly faster sink rate compared to EP fiber and comes in a wide array of color options. It’s particularly effective when tied into smaller patterns like Kwans and provides just the right amount of movement without being too flashy or intrusive.
The Role of Flash in Winter Fly Fishing
While flash can be a great tool in murkier waters, I tend to use it more sparingly in the winter months. When fishing in clear water, especially with large schools of fish, overuse of flash can actually be a deterrent. Excessive flash can make a fly appear unnatural and alert fish to its presence, so I like to keep it subtle. A little bit of flash can help, but the goal is to give your fly a natural look, not to overwhelm the fish with bright, flashy colors that don’t mimic the winter environment.
Conclusion: Patience and Precision for Winter Reds
Winter redfish can be a challenge, but with the right flies, materials, and tactics, it’s possible to have the trip of a lifetime. The key is understanding the behavior of these fish in colder months and choosing flies that blend in with their environment. Whether you're fishing in crystal-clear water and colder water temps, always keep things as natural as possible to start out with. Stealth, subtlety, and patience are your best friends when trying to get these finicky fish to bite.
So, the next time you head out to target winter redfish, take a moment to assess the water, choose your flies carefully, and focus on making a stealthy, quiet presentation. Your efforts may just lead to an epic day on the water.
