winter stream fishing

[MetalFish513]

I agree, small bait and slow presentation is your best bet. Also you need to find deep holes with slow moving water or really nice current breaks. Their metabolism is way down so they don't want to use too much energy fighting current or chasing prey. Its tough to get smallies to bite this time of year but they will. Just remember to have LOTS of patients!

[kc]

I like finess fishing so patience is my middle name. I was just wondering if anyone is hitting the creeks yet. I had a notion to get the canoe out and give it a try but that is kind of a spooky proposition with the water temps. Maybe if I went with another boat and packed dry clothes just in case.

I remember my dad years ago telling a story of catching a heck of a string of smallies out of floyds fork on live minnows fishing late February but I haven't heard many getting out this early. Maybe next warm up...

kc

[MetalFish513]

I've hit the creek near my house twice so far this year. Both times the water was way up, moving pretty fast, and really muddy. I tried both black and bright orange jigs but got skunked both times. You would think with the warmer weather we've had this winter the chances of hooking into some winter smallies would be better. I'll be back at it in the next couple days to try again. Hopefully the water conditions will be a little more in my favor next time. I'll let you know how I do.