Trout season is just around the corner, but winter seems it’s not ready to give in. Fish don’t seem to mind the cold, while fishermen tend to struggle under such conditions.

It looks like we are in for another repeat performance. Like last spring, the snow is hanging on as long as possible. This creates some pretty rough stream fishing. It’s not impossible to catch fish in cold water, but in rushing, fast-moving streams? That is a different story.

There are ways to combat such conditions, but you will still be hard-pressed to catch a limit. Sometimes a little thinking outside of the box can help you be a bit more successful. If you organize and properly prepare your equipment, things will likely be a little less complicated. Either way, we are again in for a struggle the first couple weeks of the season.

There are two scenarios we need to prepare for. The first is cold-water fishing. Your gear better be up to par or you are in for a miserable and possibly life-threatening situation. This isn’t the time for that pair of old leaky waders you refuse to throw away. Nothing can end a fishing trip more quickly than a dunking in freezing water. Beyond your comfort, your life may be in danger if you haven’t prepared properly. I recommend not only dressing for the cold, but having an emergency stash of dry clothes in your vehicle. Hypothermia can take hold in only minutes after being dunked in freezing cold water. For this reason, the way you prepare can mean the difference between life and death and not just some discomfort.

The second scenario covers cold-moving water. If you think cold water is dangerous, add some current, and it becomes a death trap for those not prepared to be in it.