I have heard some reports from some anglers that there are quite a few anglers out on the limited number of streams that we currently have open in southeast Minnesota. The warm and un-January like weather is certainly the prime reason for this. This may frustrate regular winter anglers who have had freee reign over area streams in the past. However, help is on the way beginning March 1 when a whole host of new streams will be available for the catch and release winter season.
In the meantime, patience and etiquette certainly comes into play. Angling on weekdays will provide less angler pressure than on the weekends (this is a no-brainer and holds true for most angling opportunities). The warmer the weather, the larger the crowding will be – be prepared to either share water with others or walk a distance to seek solitude.
With the lack of snowfall, area streams are very clean and very low; try to use the lightest line/tippet possible. Keep a low profile and get into stalking mode. Most streams are pretty barren of vegetation, so you won’t blend into your scenery quite as well as you can in the summer months. Walk slowly, stay out of the water and keep your distance from the fish that you are casting to.
Standard scuds and midge patterns are pretty hot right now. Enjoy it – it sounds like winter will return by the weekend.