Dead Horse Ranch
Dead Horse Ranch State Park is best fished with your five-weight rod, ideal for casting the smaller streamers. Make sure to bring a selection of leeches, small midges, and Woolly Buggers, as these tend to work well in the park’s waters. A paid entry fee is required, but the park offers multiple ponds and lakes that provide diverse fishing opportunities. Start by retrieving your smaller streamers at various depths, experimenting with slow, steady retrieves to mimic natural movement. If this doesn’t produce results, switch to an indicator rig for more precise depth control, especially in the deeper waters. Be patient, as the fish can be a bit more sluggish during colder months, but persistence usually pays off. As always, check the current fishing regulations and practice catch-and-release where possible to help preserve the health of the fishery.