It’s rainbeaux trout time in the Baton Rouge area. Each winter, BREC stocks several of their ponds with the coldwater species. It takes a couple weeks for the fish to discover that aquatic bugs and minnows taste a lot better than marshmallows. When they do, try a 5-weight rod and woolybuggers or wet flies. Also, beadhead flies like prince nymphs and hares ears under a small strike indicator.
Just a few hours from our borders are rivers that hold trout year round, but winter is prime stocking time. The Mountain Fork near Broken Bow, Okla., and Little Missouri near Murfreesboro, Ark., are less than three hours from Shreveport. The Sipsey River near Jasper, Ala., is five hours from Slidell. Wading these frigid waters in winter isn’t easy, but the reward can be 30 plus fish days.
Speaking of trout, this is THE month to catch the big speckled variety. On mild days, the trout emerge from deeper holes to feed on flats. A popper or Dahlberg Diver will get their attention. Other good patterns include Whitlock baitfish, Seaducers, large Clousers and Lefty’s Deceiver.
Winter brings clear, low water in the marsh, and the best time to sightcast for reds. Unlike summer, darker patterns such as black charlies and root beer spoon flies work best. A small crab pattern works wonders on tough fish.
The crappie bite has been red hot at lakes Cotile and Kincaid. On overcast days, the fish will move to the shallows where a fluff butt a few feet under a strike indicator can bring home a good dinner.
For stocking locations, go to www.brec.org.
