Winter Redfish on Fly, What You Need to Know, PT 2

Winter fly fishing for redfish is killer for the anglers who slow down and focus on the little details. Clear water, tight schools, and steady cold fronts change how these fish behave around Charleston, Folly Beach, and Kiawah. This article covers simple patterns, tactics that work for me, and some tips for success. For my fellow public school students, don’t worry, I’ll include pictures.

Winter Fly Patterns

I keep winter flies simple. Sparse flies land soft and stay in the strike zone. Neutral colors match the clarity. Tan, olive, and white stay reliable on most days, but I’m a sucker for tan with a tiny bit of pink. I also use a pattern I tied and developed over the past few seasons. It is a light profile fly built from two zonker strips, bead chain eyes, a small piece of marabou, and a short wrap of chenille for a small pop. It holds a clean shape, sinks slow, and moves with only small strips from the angler.  This fly is my go-to winter fly and has kicked plenty of asses.

How Redfish Move in Winter

Cold nights slow the fish. Morning fish usually are schooled tighter and can be lethargic. As the sun hits the the shoreline, fish move shallower. Once they warm up, they eat a lot better, and late morning into the afternoon they can be fired up.Winter fish stay grouped. If one fish senses pressure, the entire school spooks.

How to Approach Winter Fish

Move slow. Push pole with light pressure. Long glides help. The less time the pole is in the water the better.Lead fish with more distance than you use in fall. 2-3 feet gives them space to find the fly without spooking.Cross shots work well in clear water. Keep casts short. Thirty to forty foot shots land soft and stay accurate.

How to Strip and Present the Fly

Start with slow steady strips. Let the fly pause when a fish follows. Make the fish think it’s such an easy meal they have to eat it. A small twitch helps when a fish hesitates.Avoid heavy movement. Winter fish prefer clean, smooth action.  Always remember the golden rule on your casting and retrieves, don’t fuck up!

Where to Find Winter Schools

Look for flats that warm fast and give fish access to safety. Creeks with shelter and ambush points, and white shell beds on the main shoreline are my go-to areas to start. White shell beds with a slow drop off that sit close to open water. These spots warm quick on sunny days and give fish an easy path back to deeper water when tides shift.Scan for faint pushes, tight flashes, and even birds spooking. Winter fish often hold in the same zone for several days when pressure stays low.

What to Watch on the Water

Calm schools give you repeated shots. Get out on foot if possible, it helps a lot. Fast directional changes tell you to back out.  Slow cruising fish means they feel relaxed and ready to eat. Winter rewards patience. Keep your approach quiet. Keep your fly simple. Watch your line and shots. These small adjustments help you crack the winter pattern and catch  redfish through the cold season.

Stay tuned for part 3!

Thanks for reading,

Captain Conner