ALMANAC OF THE RIVER

Winter Trout Behavoir in the Greenbrier Valley

      The time of the year is an important factor in determining trout behavoir in the Greenbrier Valley. The trout's aggressive, somewhat reckless feeding sprees associated with spring and summer are all but a distant memory by the time the snow starts falling. Due to the colder water temperatures, a trout's metabolism will slow down considerably during the winter months. The fish's daily feeding activity will decrease, with many fish seen sluggishly resting on the bottom of the deeper pools. Winter stream productivity and trout activity is normally higher in spring influenced creeks than freestone streams. Spring creeks tend to have higher and more constant water temperatures than freestone streams in the winter. Aquatic insects, such as mayflies, stoneflies, and midges, are often seen around snow covered, spring creek banks during sunny afternoons. The trout will take full availability to feed on the relatively helpless insects, sometimes actively feeding on the surface of the water.
      Underground springs will also draw a multitude of trout in the winter. The fish migrate to the highly oxygenated springs, which also offer higher water temperatures during the coldest days. The north side of the stream and areas where the banks are rocky are two other good places to find trout when the mercury starts to drop. The rocky banks will retain warmth for longer periods of time, while the north side of a trout stream typically receives more sunlight during the winter.

-Craig Miller
Serenity Now Outfitters