A TFF friend introduced me to creek and small stream fishing this summer [thanks, Les] -

So the question is: are there special considerations for creek and small stream fishing in winter?
1 - Fish smaller, slower, deeper [recognizing deeper is a relative term for creeks and small streams] -
2 - Stay home and tie -
3 - Wait for the trout stockings -

Still new at all this - getting frustrated at times - but, still having fun.

Well, I always fly fish for crappies and sand basses in winter. If I am lucky, I may catch a hybrid or two on flies.

The bite can still be there, but you might consider creeping the fly or dead drifting. The best crappie action in the creek at the low water crossing is beat during winter, but action can be slow.

There's a lake down in Mansfield stocked with trout...

Les

Where Moon?

What many people don't think about is that the water in a flowing stream doesn't stratify thermally; the current flowing over and around the contours and obstructions in the streambed is constantly mixed. The water temperature and dissolved oxygen content remain fairly consistent throughout the water column. Because of this, the fish don't necessarily retreat to the depths in the colder times. They may be deep, but if there is a significant flow it won't be a water temperature issue. Therefore, you may find the fish shallow enough all winter to work them efficiently with a fly rod. If your stream has the shallow cover, and the forage is there, you might find some of the local streams easier to fish with a fly than the ponds and lakes, or other nonflowing water bodies, in the colder months. There's only one way to find out............