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Seasonal Fishing Guide - The Best Freshwater Fish to Catch in Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall

Posted by Ragati River Fly Co on on 3rd Mar 2025

The art of fly fishing is more than technique—it’s timing, patience, and harmony with nature’s rhythms. Every season paints our rivers, lakes, and coastal waters in a different light. And just like the trees that shift their hues, the fish move, feed, and behave differently depending on the time of year.

At RRFC, we believe every cast should be intentional and informed. Whether you're knee-deep in a spring creek or bundled up by an icy winter stream, knowing which species thrive in each season can deepen your experience and help you forge a stronger connection with the water. There’s something sacred about chasing fish through the seasons. Each one tells its own story of snow-melt awakenings, sultry summer strikes, crisp autumn reflections, and icy winter patience. As the weather shifts, so does the rhythm of the water, and with it, the behavior of the fish we love to pursue. We believe in fishing that’s deeply in tune with the natural world. That means understanding not just the gear in your hand, but the seasons beneath your feet.

Whether you’re standing knee-deep in a spring-fed stream or crunching across icy banks in December, this guide will help you discover the best freshwater fish to target in each season, and when your favorite species are most active. Diving into the seasons that shape us and the fish that find us, here’s a season-by-season guide to what’s biting, why it matters, and how to get the most from your fly fishing adventures throughout the year.

Winter (December–February): The Patient Pursuit

Ah, winter. A time when nature seems to hold its breath, draping the landscape in a serene blanket of white. But beneath the icy surface, life persists, and for the dedicated angler, it offers a unique challenge and reward. This season asks for patience, but it often rewards it with clarity and peace. While many species slow down, winter still offers unforgettable opportunities.

Fish to Target:

  • Trout (especially Brook and Browns) – Active in cold water, especially in tailwaters and spring creek, their colors against snowy banks are breathtaking. Don't let the cold fool you! Trout are often still active in the winter, especially in tailwaters below dams where water temperatures remain more stable. Think slow, deliberate presentations with nymphs, midges, and streamers. Imagine the quiet satisfaction of landing a beautifully spotted rainbow against a backdrop of snow for truly breathtaking moments.

  • Steelhead (in the Pacific Northwest and Great Lakes tributaries) – Elusive, powerful, and a cold-season trophy.

  • Walleye (in deeper waters or under ice in northern states) – These elusive predators often congregate in deeper waters during the winter. Jigging with minnows or artificial lures near the bottom can yield incredible results. The subtle tap of a walleye bite in the stillness of winter is a sensation every angler cherishes.

  • Northern Pike – For the adventurous soul, winter pike fishing through the ice can be an absolute blast. These toothy predators can be surprisingly active in winter. Big spoons, jerkbaits, or even dead bait presentations can trigger aggressive strikes. These toothy critters are aggressive and provide an exhilarating fight. Picture the excitement of seeing that flash of green beneath the ice. The sheer power of a pike on the line is enough to warm even the coldest of days! 

Winter asks more of us, layers of gear, frozen fingers, and shorter days, but it offers something few other seasons do: Quiet Stillness and Solitude. The rivers are hushed, the trails less traveled. And for the angler who dares to wade into the chill, the rewards are soulful and unforgettable.

Why Fish during Winter?
Cold water slows fish metabolism, making them less active, but this is where subtlety and patience shine. Nymphing is especially effective this time of year.

RRFC Winter Picks:
We love using natural, muted flies like our custom Midges, Winter Stoneflies, and delicate Egg Patterns during the colder months. Pair them with a lightweight but sensitive rod, and you’ll feel even the softest bite.

Spring (March–May): The Season of Awakening

As the world bursts into color, so do our freshwater fisheries! The warming waters trigger increased activity and feeding among many species. Spring is when everything comes alive—the rivers swell, the bugs return, and fish begin to feed aggressively after a long, quiet winter.

Fish to Target:

  • Rainbow Trout (spring spawners) – Hungry and active post-spawn.

  • Bass (largemouth and smallmouth start to warm up) – Spring is prime time for bass! As water temperatures rise, they move into shallower areas to spawn. This is your chance to target pre-spawn and spawning bass with a variety of lures and techniques. Feel the power of that explosive strike as a bass inhales your offering, pure adrenaline!

  • Panfish (especially Bluegill, Perch, and Crappie as temps rise) – These eager biters become incredibly active in the spring, often found near emerging vegetation. A simple bobber and worm or small jig can provide hours of fun. Remember the joy of those sunny spring afternoons spent with family, landing panfish after panfish?

  • Catfish (Channel, Flathead, Blue) – As the water warms, catfish begin to stir and actively forage. Spring nights can be particularly productive using cut bait, stinkbaits, or live bait. The powerful runs of a big catfish will test your gear and leave you grinning from ear to ear.

Spring brings life back to the water. Snowmelt runs thick, insects begin to hatch, and the rivers buzz with renewed energy. It’s one of the most poetic seasons to fish—when nature stretches and yawns from its slumber and reminds us that beginnings are beautiful.

Why Fish in Spring?
Trout are feeding heavily post-spawn, and hatches start to pick up—especially caddis, blue-winged olives, and mayflies. Warmwater species begin staging for their own spawns.

RRFC Spring Picks:
Our Caddis Emergers and hand-painted Mayfly Art Pieces celebrate this season’s delicate beauty. Match the hatch with our top fly patterns or gift your fishing partner a spring-inspired print to mark the return of life to the water.

Summer (June–August): The Season of Long Days and Hot Bites

Summer brings long days and warm waters, offering ample opportunities for fishing adventures. This is the season of early mornings, wet wading, and the sweet adrenaline of topwater strikes. As water temps rise, so does the action, until the midday heat slows it down.

Fish to Target:

  • Smallmouth Bass (topwater madness!) — Summer can be prime time for bass fishing, especially during early mornings and late evenings. Topwater lures, frogs, and various soft plastics can yield exciting results. The thrill of watching a frog disappear in a swirl of water is undeniably addictive!

  • Trout (in cooler waters on early mornings or higher elevation streams) — While some trout waters may become too warm in the summer, spring-fed streams and higher elevation lakes can still offer excellent trout fishing. Early mornings and late evenings are often the most productive times. The vibrant colors of a summer-caught trout are a feast for the eyes.

  • Carp (yes, they’re underrated on the fly!) — These often-overlooked fish provide surprisingly good sport in the summer. They can be targeted with various baits and techniques, offering a unique and challenging experience. Feel the steady pull of a big carp on light tackle, it's an unexpected thrill.

  • Striped Bass & Redfish (for coastal anglers) — Summer can be prime time for these bad boys. Stripers slice through the currents like shadows of the deep, while Redfish flash bronze beneath the surface, their tails breaking the shallows in silent tease. It’s not just about the catch—it’s about the chase, the salt on your skin, the sound of gulls overhead, and that heart-thundering tug on the line that reminds you: you’re alive, you’re connected, and this moment is yours.

  • Panfish (Bluegill, Sunfish) — Perfect for beginners and nostalgic anglers alike. Fun on light tackle all day long.
  • Muskellunge (Musky) — The "fish of 10,000 casts" becomes a prime target in the summer months. Bucktails, jerkbaits, and topwater lures can entice these apex predators. Landing a musky is an achievement that etches itself into an angler's memory forever, a true trophy!

Long days, road trips, great company, and cold beers on the bank, summer is when most anglers find their rhythm and wander further. The heat can make midday fishing tricky, but dawn and dusk are ideal. There’s a reason so many of our fishing memories are wrapped in golden light and laughter.

Why Fish in Summer?
Warmwater fish are active and aggressive, and many waters become accessible as runoff subsides. It's also the best time for family-friendly fishing and introducing someone new to the sport.

RRFC Summer Picks:
We can’t get enough of Froggy Popper Flies, our Bass Bug Collection, and high-contrast, summer-ready flies like Hoppers and Ants. Pair them with a fast-action rod and floating line for explosive topwater action.

Fall (September–November): The Soulful Season

As the leaves turn to gold and the air grows crisp, freshwater fishing often experiences one last burst of activity before winter sets in. The Fall season is for dreamers as golden leaves fall onto mirrored waters, and the fish sense the coming cold and feed with urgency. This is when many anglers make their most unforgettable memories.

Fish to Target:

  • Brown Trout (pre-spawn and spawning behavior) — Fiery colors and pre-spawn aggression.

  • Chinook (King) Salmon (Pacific runs in rivers and various species in Great Lakes tributaries) — In the Great Lakes tributaries, fall runs are legendary.

  • Northern Pike (fat and feeding before winter) — Aggressive in cool water, ambushing anything in their path just before winter.

  • Brook Trout (in high-altitude streams) — Their spawning colors glow like fire. Seek them in cool, clear mountain streams.

  • Pickerel — These slender predators become more active in the cooler fall waters. They can be targeted with spinners, spoons, and live bait. The aggressive strike of a pickerel can be quite surprising!
  • Bass (feeding frenzy) — As water temperatures begin to cool, bass often go on a feeding frenzy to prepare for winter. This is a fantastic time to target them with a variety of lures. Feel the satisfying thud of a fall bass engulfing your bait!

There’s something deeply emotional about fall. Maybe it’s the way the trees seem to weep gold into the rivers. Or how the fish grow aggressive and fattened for winter. Fall is where nostalgia meets the thrill of the chase—a season for soulful casts and dramatic strikes.

Why Fish in Fall?
Fish are preparing for winter, meaning feeding intensifies. Browns are aggressive. Salmon are returning. The water is cool and clear—ideal for sight fishing.

RRFC Fall Picks:
Big streamers like our Autumn-inspired flies are perfect for targeting fall browns. And for those who love the art of the season, our Art Collection offers beautiful decor to match the moment.

No matter the season, the allure of freshwater fishing remains constant. It's about more than just catching fish; it's about connecting with nature, challenging ourselves, and creating memories that last a lifetime. And just like the changing seasons inspire new patterns and colors in the aquatic world, they also fuel our passion as a company. We pour that passion into every handcrafted fly and every custom piece of art, hoping to bring a touch of that wild beauty into your world.

Whether you’re a winter warrior or a summer stream hopper, fly fishing is a year-round dance with nature. Each season brings its own beauty, its own rhythm, its own soul. And the more we understand the fish we pursue and the waters they call home, the more meaningful each trip becomes.

Here at Ragati River Fly Co, we celebrate not just the catch—but the craft, the quiet, and the connection that fly fishing brings into our lives. So, as you plan your next fishing adventure, remember this guide. Consider the season, understand the habits of your target species, and equip yourself with gear that’s up to the task. And who knows, maybe one of our unique flies or a stunning piece of fish art will accompany you on your journey, adding a touch of handcrafted soul to your angling experience.

Tight lines, friends!

So tell us—what’s your favorite season to fish? Drop us a comment or share your catch with us.