So here you go, this is a fly fishing newsletter, and regardless of the blustery weather of a Midwestern winter, we're going to find and fish any open water around. I know we would rather not have to freeze our fingers and pick ice from the guides, but there are steelhead and browns in, and if they're in the river we can catch them. Honestly, only one word comes to mind as a fitting description of the lake-run fishing this fall and winter-EPIC!!! Without question this has been one of the more productive years as of late, despite early snows and cold weather. Browns in the 5-10lb. range have been caught consistently and the reports of steelhead caught have been impressive as well-including one brought to hand on January 6th.  So how, where, what, etc? First of all, the fall and winter is a time of dropping water temps., and with them, dropping fish metabolisms. Fishing this time of year requires the Barry White method, low and slow baby, low and slow. It is important when fishing for winter fish that we remain very aware of this and tailor our presentations accordingly. We're talking heavy sink-tips, big, big flies with lots of movement in them, and slow, deep-swinging presentations.  The fish this time of year are most likely to hold in deep runs with consistent, yet manageable flows, so target these areas. Casting down and across stream, allowing flies to swing deeply and slowly is the most promising way to tempt a winter "grab". The trick in the winter is to make sure one covers all the water completely, so a step or two between each cast and swing is crucial in making sure no stones are left unturned. Patience is key, winter fish are the most earned of an angler's year, which also might make them the most rewarding. Two-handed rod techniques lend themselves perfectly to this method of fishing, and beyond that they are a blast to cast and fish. With every passing year, spey rods are becoming more and more widely used on the rivers of the Midwest, and with good reason, they can literally change the game. Offering superior line control and the ability to make long casts without needing any backcast room, two-handed rods have allowed us to find and fish runs that would have previously been un-fishable with a single-handed rod. Look for Tight Lines to really start promoting this method of fishing for lake-run fish that has long been preferred by the employees/guides. Fortunately, despite our typical bouts of sub-freezing weather, we do get a fair number of days that hover at or very near 32 degrees Fahrenheit-perfect for fishing! And as of late, we've had a heat-wave of temps soaring into the upper 30's-hooray! With proper layering, including moisture-wicking long underwear, fleece clothing, and breathable waders and outerwear, anglers today are able to handle weather much more easily than in years past, so take advantage of the warmer days, open rivers like the Oconto, Peshtigo, and Menominee, and the chance to do battle with a trophy fish. Good Luck out there!!!