Jigging for Browns at Fontenelle!

A few weeks ago I was fishing with a friend and I got completely humbled! I can usually pull my weight and then some when it comes to catching the numbers and quality fish but on that day I got beat on pretty much every level. I watched him closely and quickly picked up on his strategy.  He introduced to me a new way of fishing with jigs that I had honestly not considered.  Typically when fishing with jigs I would simply cast them AFAP (as far as possible), leave my bail open and allow them to sink straight down to the bottom. I would usually employ a fast and aggressive retrieve, jigging hard and allowing a brief pause while reeling in the slack.  Jeremy taught me a new technique: begin a slow retrieve immediately after the jig hits the water, use quick but very short switches of the rod only a few times per cast, be prepared for very soft hits and set the hook hard  If I hadn’t personally seen him tear into two great rainbows on the first and second casts, I wouldn’t have adjusted my fishing strategy.  

A few weeks later I was back to the same reservoir where Jeremy and I fished but in a slightly different area. I was accompanied by Shaun and Jason (aka Boogs) Harris, who are always great company and fun to fish with!  I went with a 3/8 oz.  black jig and followed the technique I just described.  The water was very murky and most of the fish were in the upper column of water. We started catching great fish like these right away and within a short time we had hooked into six browns.  Had Jason not decided to take a nosedive off the ice sheet and into the icy water we may have been able to catch a few more! All things considered, it was another awesome day on the water!

Nice Browns in Porcupine Reservoir!

I went to college at Utah State University in Logan, Utah.  I admit that I was just a little nerdy and studied too much as I worked to achieve a dual major in Biology and Public Health.  However, I still had my priorities to keep the insane stress of school in check... I fished whenever I could! We fished all over the Cache Valley from the Logan River to the Blacksmith Fork to Newton Res.  One of my favorites was Porcupine Reservoir. On this particular day we hit it just as the ice was thick enough to walk on. Slightly scary, yes, but worth the risk!   Don't tell my wife but we had to jump over a few feet of open water along the edges to get to where we wanted to fish.  I know... I know... I am a safety professional and I take some chances on the ice now and again. However, I make sure I take the proper precautions while I'm out there.

This day was just perfect: clear skies, fresh snow, strong clear ice, and good company.  I was fishing with Cody Anderson who is usually pretty busy pouring concrete with Cadillac Concrete in Cache Valley but now and again I convince him to bust out his fishing gear.  We fished near the dam in about 20 feet of water with small green and black jigs right off the bottom. We caught these two fish great fish.  The thinner of the two was actually 21 inches long and the heavier fish was 24 inches.  Strong, feisty fish that put up a good fight! 

Success Factors for Winter Fishin' the Green River

On any given day from the first hatch of spring through late fall spawn, you will find the A and B sections of the Green River below Flaming Gorge Reservoir full of fly fisherman.  They endure the barrage of drift boats passing by and the endless torrent of recreationalist as they paddle by laughing and water fighting. Many of those relentless fishermen are successful but they earn every fish they catch.  They are encroached by other fly fisherman as they wade out into the river up to their goiters, jockeying for position on the good runs and holes.  As much as I love fishing the Green, I just don't like dealing with the people. Especially when I pull out a couple good fish in an area only to have a handful of other fish-vultures slide into the area and spook the fish.  

I learned a couple secrets for success on the green river.

Number one: Fish in the winter when its cold enough to freeze your ice hole off!  Ice and cold is the one thing that rattles the cages of most fair weather fly fisherman. Some of the best days to go are in the sub-zero temperatures.  It takes warm gear and a lot of patience when it comes to de-icing your eyelets.

Number two: Don't be afraid or too proud to hang up that fly rod and get the spinning gear out.  After the spawn, those browns and rainbows get very aggressive and will hit large jigs, spoons, and crankbaits.  Those browns can be every where. Start out fishing shallow areas right next to the bank then work out to the deeper holes.  Work your gear aggressively and occasionally pause and let the hook free fall to the bottom.  You'll be amazed at how those browns will follow you out of a hole and strike when you let your lure free fall. I've seen browns pick up spoons off the bottom when you let them fall to the sand.

Taylor Redmon (AKA Tugs)

Number three: Take your hiking shoes! Put on some miles! Yeah, sure sometimes the fishing is hot right by the boat ramps but really...seriously?  Those areas should have handicapped parking reservation signs hanging on them for those who are not able to traverse the trails.  I have a lot of respect for the older generation of fisherman and it does my heart good to see a grandpa and his grandchildren fishing together on the river.  With that said, get out and hike boys! Its a good time of year to go exploring and find some new holes that aren't overrun with other fishermen.








Get out there on a cool clear day and I just might see you out there!

Brian Holt with a great brown!