Winter Tenkara Fishing in Central Pennsylvania

Article by Jerry Reitz

In my opinion tenkara is very well-suited for winter fishing in central Pennsylvania, where the water is low and clear, and the fish are concentrated in deeper pools and runs.

For me, winter fishing can be challenging, but I also find it to be very rewarding. Here are some things to keep in mind when you head out with your tenkara rod in the winter months:

Dress Warmly and in Layers

Winter temperatures in central Pennsylvania can drop below freezing, and the wind chill can make it feel even colder. Wear a hat, gloves, a scarf, and a warm jacket (my favorite is a heated electric jacket). You may also want to wear thermal underwear, wool socks, and insulated boots. Avoid cotton, as it absorbs moisture and loses its insulating properties when wet. Choose synthetic or wool fabrics instead. 

Editor’s Note: See our recent article “Winter Fishing Clothing and Gear That Works” by Tom Davis that also makes similar recommendations.

Stay Dry!

I know this should be a given, however, I’ve found myself forgetting the weather when landing a fish and making the mistake of reaching into the water. We all know getting wet in winter can be dangerous. Avoid wading too deep and use a wading staff if necessary. If you do get wet, change into dry clothes as soon as possible.

Fly Selection

One major issue I discovered quickly was selecting the right fly. In winter, trout are less active and more selective. They tend to feed on small, dark nymphs and midges that drift near the bottom. I have also seen some surface activity (on those rare sunny days) when there is a hatch of blue-winged olives or midges.

During the spring, summer, and fall, I don’t typically follow the match-the-hatch theory, however, I’ve found that in winter fishing it becomes a lot more important to choose a fly that matches the size, shape, and color of the natural insects, (I tend to like bugs with some red or orange hotspots). Some good choices are pheasant tail nymphs, zebra midges, black stoneflies, and blue-winged olive duns. You can also try the traditional tenkara-style flies that create movement and attract fish or try one of my favorites, a modified Utah Killer Bug called the Idaho Killer Kebari that I love to fish year-round (thanks to Tristan at Tenkara Addict) and has been a very successful fly. One can buy them already tied from DRAGONtail Tenkara if you don’t tie your own.

Use a Light Line and a Long Tippet

In winter, the water is clear, and the fish are more spooky than normal. You want to avoid spooking them with a heavy or bright line. Use a light-colored or clear level line or a furled line that has a thin diameter. Use a long tippet, at least 4 feet, to create some distance between the line and the fly. You may also want to use a fluorocarbon tippet, which is less visible and sinks faster than nylon.

Fish the Slow and Deep Water

In winter, trout seek out the slow and deep water, where they can conserve energy and find food. Look for pools, runs, and seams that have some depth and current.

Avoid the fast and shallow water, where the fish are less likely to be. Use a high-sticking technique to keep the line off the water and control the drift of the fly. You may also want to use a sighter, a colored section of line or tippet, to detect subtle strikes. Be patient and persistent (funny coming from me, as patience I lack).

Winter fishing can be slow and frustrating, but also rewarding. You may have to try different flies, depths, and drifts until you find what works. You may also have to cover a lot of water until you find where the fish are. Don’t give up and enjoy the beauty and solitude of winter fishing.

About My Home Waters

My favorite stream to winter fish is my hometown stream, Spring Creek. Spring Creek is one of the most famous trout streams in Pennsylvania, and for good reason. It is a limestone stream that has a stable temperature and a rich insect life, making it productive year-round. It also has a healthy population of wild brown and rainbow trout, some of which grow to trophy size.

Spring Creek flows through State College and Bellefonte and has many public access points and special regulation areas. You can find a variety of water types, from riffles and runs to pools and flats. You can also find some spring-fed tributaries, such as Cedar Run and Slab Cabin Run, that offer more secluded fishing.

Winter tenkara fishing in central Pennsylvania can be a fun and rewarding experience if you are prepared and willing to adapt. You can enjoy the beauty and solitude of winter fishing and catch some of the best trout in the state (and sometimes an exotic sucker). You just need a tenkara rod, a line, a fly, and a sense of adventure. Stay Warm and Happy Fishing!

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Jerry Reitz, a native of Pennsylvania, developed a deep-rooted love for the outdoors at a young age. Growing up in the Nittany Valley, he spent his days exploring the limestone small mountain streams and honing his angling skills. In recent years, Jerry’s passion for fishing took an exciting turn when he discovered tenkara.

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