Step by step
- Check the rulesBait is legal on many urban ponds and lakes but banned on fly-and-lure-only water. Read the sign at the access point.
- Tie on a buggerA woolly bugger's hook is your hook. Use the biggest one in the box.
- Add baitThread a 1-inch piece of nightcrawler onto the hook point.
- Set an indicatorPut an indicator or small bobber 2 to 4 feet above the fly, deeper in cold water.
- Roll cast and waitNo backcast needed. Roll it 20 feet out and let it sit. Strip in slowly every minute or so.
No tippet left?
8 lb monofilament from a spinning setup works as emergency tippet. Tie 4 to 6 feet to your leader with a double surgeon's knot.
Why this works in cold water
Sluggish fish won't chase. A worm hanging still at the right depth gives them scent and an easy meal.
Questions anglers ask
- Can you put a worm on a fly rod?
- Yes, where bait is legal. Many ponds allow it. Fly-and-lure-only waters do not.
- Can I use spinning line as tippet?
- Yes. 6 to 8 lb mono makes fine emergency tippet for warmwater and stocked trout.
Read next
The Bobber and Bait Rig
The simplest, most effective panfish rig: hook, split shot, bobber and bait, plus depth, bait choice and cold-water tweaks.
2 min read
Live Bait vs Gulp
Live bait vs scented artificial bait: when each works, where stores keep live bait and how to keep crawlers alive in the cold.
2 min read
The Winter Tailwater Fly Box
A compact winter fly box for Colorado tailwaters: midges, Baetis, attractors and mysis, plus tippet and accessories.
1 min read