The true season - winter fishing for seatrout!

Winter fly fishing along the coast is an exhilarating yet demanding experience, often regarded by coastal anglers as the "true" season. The colder months require extra effort to find fish, but the rewards are significant—landing a big, silver winter seatrout is the ultimate achievement! Many dedicated fly fishermen focus on the elusive "Overspringer" during these chilly months, where the odds can be in your favor for that rare and stunning trophy trout.

Targeting the real silver: “Overspringer”

Throughout fall and winter, many seatrout head upstream for spawning, leaving fewer fish along the coast. Winter is prime time for targeting "Grønlændere" —smaller, silvery seatrout that generally range between 30-60 cm—and the prized "overspringer" is a big, silver fish that skipped spawning to remain in the ocean, making them highly sought after during winter. Because food is scarce this season, winter seatrout often form shoals and hunt in packs, leading to fast-paced fishing once you locate them.

In Denmark, the seatrout we call "Overspringer" are often those over 62–64 cm. These fish have a unique biological trait where, by nature, some skip a spawning season rather than proceeding directly to spawn. This natural adaptation means that some seatrout remain along the coast through winter, with a few even skipping two or more spawning seasons. This process ensures that there are always mature fish in the coastal waters, acting as a safeguard for the population. If something catastrophic were to happen in the rivers, these coastal fish help preserve the stock and maintain the population’s resilience.

Interestingly, some seatrout reach an impressive size—around 70–80 cm—before making their first journey upriver to spawn. These large first-time spawners have spent extra time feeding and growing in the coastal waters, contributing to a robust and resilient population.

Winter and Saltwater Balance

During winter, the cold, oxygen-rich coastal waters often hold higher salt levels than usual. This shift can affect where seatrout are found, as they tend to seek out brackish zones where freshwater mingles with seawater. Fjords, sheltered bays, and the southern coasts of Denmark are ideal areas for finding winter seatrout, which often move to these zones in search of comfortable salinity and food.

Don’t Overlook the Outer Coast!

The outer coast offers fantastic opportunities in winter, especially when currents push warmer, low-salinity water toward the shore. In these conditions, the outer coast can be unexpectedly productive, drawing seatrout in search of these warmer areas. Pay attention to weather and water conditions using resources like the Fishing in Denmark app to track salinity, currents, and temperature, so you can time your trips when conditions are prime.

Whether you’re targeting sheltered bays, fjords, or the open coast, winter fly fishing can be rewarding with the right knowledge and preparation.

Fly Fishing Essentials for Winter

Winter fly fishing for seatrout requires a specific approach and the right tactics. When conditions are favorable, fishing actively is crucial. Target high-potential hotspots, and keep a steady, brisk pace to cover water effectively. Utilizing bright flies, especially pink or other vivid colors, can be highly effective in low-light, overcast conditions. The contrast of bright flies against the muted winter landscape attracts seatrout attention, and adding a touch of flash can mimic the winter’s limited food sources.

Recommended Fly Patterns for Winter

• Pink Shrimp: Known for attracting winter seatrout, pink flies are highly visible in dull light, imitating shrimp or small prey.
• Bright Streamers: Streamers in colors like orange, chartreuse, and hot pink work well to catch the eye of seatrout, especially in winter’s subdued light.
• Natural Patterns with Flash: When the water is clear, natural-toned flies with flash maintain attraction without overwhelming visibility.

Recommended Gear and Technique

• Gear Choice: Winter fishing can be unpredictable, and conditions often shift throughout the day. One effective tactic is to have two rods ready in your car— a 5wt for lighter winds and a 7wt for those tougher, blustery conditions. This setup allows you to adjust your approach on the fly without missing a beat, ensuring you're prepared no matter what the coast throws your way.
• Fishing in a Steady Tempo and focus: During winter, seatrout often concentrate around structures like reefs, points, and shallow areas near deeper waters. Maintaining a steady retrieve tempo can help attract their attention, but it's essential to remember that presentation is key, especially when conditions are calm and windless. Using a variated retrieve with long pauses can create a more enticing movement, increasing your chances of enticing these fish to strike.
• Covering Water and Target Hotspots: Target the most promising parts of each spot, but if an area isn’t producing, be prepared to move on. Winter fishing rewards an active approach, allowing you to locate fish efficiently by shifting through high-potential areas.