Quote Originally Posted by timmbur22 View Post
Just a possible observation and question...

Although stream fishing can be very hit or miss in February, I have caught some real nice fish this time of year. No numbers and I'm often shut out, but when I do catch, they are often big ones.

Also, I seem to catch more spotted bass (Ky) bass in the Elkhorn and other creeks this time of year than smallmouth. I'm wondering if they are more active in colder weather (?) I do know they frequent the rapids more than smallmouth or largemouth.

Has anyone else had similar experiences?
I've read before that the reason for bigger fish in these cold water months is because the larger fish have a slightly higher metabolism than the smaller ones. So while the smaller fish can survive a few days in the winter without eating the larger fish still need to feed. I too get skunked more times than not during the winter but it's almost worth it when you actually do set the hook into one and find out it's a hawg!