The hardest part of winter fishing at Millbrook can be stepping out of the warmth of the car or the cabin. But once you’re in the open air, dressed appropriately, you quickly forget the single-figure temperatures and start thinking trout. They are of course, a cold water species, and both browns and rainbows will continue to feed even in snow. Many of the things trout eat are similarly out and about in gloves-and-beanie weather, especially midge (chironomid) which famously have anti-freeze in their blood. Some of Millbrook’s lakes also have Australian smelt, a baitfish active all winter and attacked spectacularly by the trout at times.
Perhaps the greatest attraction is the presence of the real monsters, the fish which, for a lot of the year, spend their time being nocturnal or feeding in the depths. For some reason (perhaps the duller light or the location of easy prey?) these really big trout seem to be more visible through winter, presenting more chances – if not guaranteed captures!
So don’t worry about the weather, put on some of that great outdoor gear (see, there is at least one advantage of living in the modern age) and head out for a cast and a chance at a beauty.
Perhaps the greatest attraction is the presence of the real monsters, the fish which, for a lot of the year, spend their time being nocturnal or feeding in the depths. For some reason (perhaps the duller light or the location of easy prey?) these really big trout seem to be more visible through winter, presenting more chances – if not guaranteed captures!
So don’t worry about the weather, put on some of that great outdoor gear (see, there is at least one advantage of living in the modern age) and head out for a cast and a chance at a beauty.