Hey Al - Is Creek Fishing Done

[Mitch f]

Smallmouth just don't bite in the winter

[drew03cmc]

Drew,

I'm with you, but... I have a two hour drive and $50 to $80 in gas each trip. I need to make them as productive as possible.

Mic, for smallmouth, I have to drive farther. In fact, I want to float on New Years Day if I can swing it.

[Al Agnew]

Hey, winter fishing isn't for everybody. And not all streams, even all bigger streams, are equal when it comes to winter fishing. it's a whole different ballgame, where you won't catch nearly as many fish and where if you can't find the good wintering areas, you won't catch much of anything. And even if you know some wintering areas, it isn't a guarantee that you'll catch fish every time. I haven't been skunked in the winter in several years (or actually, I can't remember ever being totally skunked), but there are plenty of times when I'll catch no more than a half dozen mediocre bass, and sometimes fewer than that.

Add to that the fact that winter bass simply aren't great fighters. They're pretty sluggish once the water temps drop below 50 degrees. If you really enjoy a great "battle", fish for trout in the winter, not bass.

I winter fish for smallmouth because I'm almost guaranteed solitude, the rivers are beautiful in an austere way that is totally different from the lushness of summer, and it's a challenge to find the fish and entice a big one to take.

[mic]

Drew,

Want a second seater? I'm might be able to swing a trip down. Like Al said, the float alone would be worth it.

[Chief Grey Bear]

As water temps drop, so does the metabolism of warm water species of fish. And as temps drop and metabolism slows, so does the need for protien and thus less feeding. They may only eat once every week or two. So your chances of catching a bass in the winter drop drastically. Especially in rivers. It is not that they left. For the most part. I think fisherman migrate more than the fish do.

Where we these fish migrating to before the lakes were built???

And like Al, I love the challenge and the solitude. It is just a really great, great time to be out.

[gotmuddy]

as far as I am concerned, everyone can believe the fishing is over when it gets cold. I am just getting started.

[LittleRedFisherman]

My fishing season is gonna crank up for me as well, as with my job this is my off season i'm fortunate to get. I do tend to chase trout alot more, but I also fish for smallmouth, caught several last winter, just had to adjust tactics, and paitence. I'm one that can fish all day and catch 4 or 5 fish in the winter, although there were a couple days last year were they bite really well. I do love the solitude, and the rivers do have a unique beauty to them in the winter, to me even the water looks different.

[fishinSWMO]

Went creek fishing today, their still biting.

[Guest]

I totally forgot about the rapala minnow!!!

thanks for posting

[drew03cmc]

Jealous, party of one.