I fish for Rainbow in a 15 acre stillwater. Since october its been hard going . I have barely hadda a bite, besides 2 big rainbows I lost (prob because my leader breaking strain was only 7lb) and that was early oct on days when the fish were showing some signs of activity.
Since then I have seen no surface activity and no action . The lake doesnt get stocked much in the winter but there must be still trout there ...no?
Unless the pike in there have wiped most of them out. Is this possible?

Ive tried fishing different depths and various methods. Mostly lures and nymphs.
I do know that trout are less active in the winter but sometimes I wonder will they ever bite or is there even any fish still in there? lol
Do I need to just stick at it? I mean I do like the challenge. If I caught one now it would definatley be more satisfying than catching a freshly stocked rainbow in the summer.

Any advice , tips or experience of this subject would be welcomed!

just stick at it mate you never metioned which water u where at my advice is a good quality leader fluorcarban (fulling mill) and good quality flies better to have half a dozen quality lures than a box full of tat

7lb leader is more than ample for trout. You might like to drop your leader down to 5lb as fish might be shying away from larger diameter leaders?

Stick at it and try different depths - are you using sinking and intermediate lines?

My go to fly would be a Goldhead Dancer at the moment

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My local water has been very difficult since mid July. Only managed one or two fish. This is down to the trout feeding on snails. They are in the margins but down, fishing deep gets the odd fish but you risk catching botton as it's made up of loose stones. Was there last week and managed one, again coughed up a snail. I've fished other waters and done well, fish topping and midge coming off.

I'm no expert having only started fly fishing last May last year but I'd try another venue, if your not getting any signs on lures it must be empty.

Ive just bought 7lb fluorcarban and Ive been using an intermidiate line. It was actually a Gold headed Dancer that I hooked that one that got away!

What is the name of the water you are fishing?

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Its in Ireland....not sure if its a good idea to give it 'bad press'

Someone may know the water and be able to offer you advise on flies or tactics that work well there

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Are there any other anglers round about, are they catching fish, if so don't be afraid to ask for some help on flies and the lines they are using