Winter trout fishing

[TheLastViking]

I've scouted out some good trout streams within a few miles of home. Typical mountain creeks, shallow, anywhere from 15 to 30 feet across. I was wondering about fishing these creeks in the dead of winter (don't worry, they're open year-round). I live in a typical Rocky Mountain climate, -20F one day, 50F with rain the next day, 25F and 12" of snow the day after that. Will rainbows and brook trout even bite? What would I use for bait? I'll be catch and keep fishing with spinning gear. My fly rod will most likely stay home, unless someone here tells me otherwise.

 

[Bduck]

I was wondering about fishing these creeks in the dead of winter (don't worry, they're open year-round). I live in a typical Rocky Mountain climateQUOTE]

Living in north Ogden area I have the same situation. I usually don't fish the streams however my observance when I pass a stream or river next to the roadway it always appears either treacherous or inaccessible due to freezing conditions. The Salt Lake Valley freezes but not as harsh as the mountain streams & rivers. If I can find a lake not frozen over, the boat is my ticket providing roads and weather conditions are clear. Usually Bear L is about the only lake that provides some good winter trout fishing unless of coarse you ice fish. It does cap over but not for very long from what I have observed.