Trout are sluggish all winter, but they’re extra sluggish in the chilly temperatures of the morning. Giving them, and their food, a chance to warm up and become more active will give you the best chance at success. Plus, you’ll be more likely to actually stay out and continue fishing if you’re not freezing.
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Where is best fishing in January?
- Brainerd, Minnesota.
- Stuart, Florida.
- Kailua Kona, Hawaii.
- South Padre Island, Texas.
- Lakes Mitchell and Cadillac, Michigan.
- Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion, South Carolina.
- Lake Hartwell, Georgia/South Carolina.
- A Wide Range of Winter Fishing Opportunities!
Where is the best fishing in the winter?
- Key West, Florida. Lots of large kingfish spend the winter near Key West, Florida.
- Venice, Louisiana.
- Miami, Florida.
- San Diego, California.
- Islamorada, Florida.
- Galveston, Texas.
- Hatteras, North Carolina.
- Charleston, South Carolina.
Does fly fishing work in the winter?
Absolutely. There are prolific insect hatches even on the coldest trout streams. Granted, you’re not likely to see sizable bugs, but dry-fly fishing to trout rising to midges can be truly exhilarating when winter’s quiet cloaks the river.
Is January good fishing?
During January in California, the best fish to catch are sturgeons. Surrounded by San Rafael, Vallejo, and San Francisco, the San Pablo Bay carries the reputation of a wintertime sturgeon Mecca.
How do you fish in January?

How cold is too cold for fly fishing?
DON’T FISH when it’s below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Of course, you find those special situations when you feel like you must be out there. But people layer up and duck hunt or deer hunt in cold, snowy windy weather, because that’s when those animals are on the move.
What temp is too cold for trout fishing?
As a general rule, trout are happiest when water temperatures are below 65ยบF. Anytime water temperatures in moving water hit 67ยบF, STOP FISHING. When water temperatures in moving water are between 65-66ยบF we recommend getting out early in the morning and not fishing through the heat of the day.
What month should I start fly fishing?
Fly fishing season peaks between the months of April and October. Though, for fly fishermen willing to brave the cold weather, it is technically a year-round sport. Additionally, with an abundance of warm weather destinations, fly fishing can be enjoyed all year long.
Where do Corbina go in winter?
The majority of corbina migrate into nearby bay and estuary areas during the winter, November through April, months to avoid the heavy winter surf.
Where do trout hide in lakes?
In large bodies of water, Trout hold to the thermocline, which is a gradient layer in the water column where cold water meets warm water and mixes nutrients and oxygen. This layer is generally located in the bottom two-thirds of the water column. For example, 5-10 ft. off the bottom in 30 ft.
Can you fly fish in a lake?
The short answer โ yes. You can fly fish anywhere you’d use traditional angling techniques, including ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water. Fly fishing a pond or lake is different than fly fishing a river but there are many similar techniques and equipment.
How do you catch trout in the winter fly fishing?
- The trick to catching fish with flies in the winter boils down to four simple rules: Slow Down; Size Down; Tone Down; Present Down(stream).
- Slow Down.
- Tip 2โStalk Softly & Cast High: When trout are in the slowed down winter mode, the angler should slow down as well.
What flies for trout in winter?
- Zebra Midge, sizes 18-24.
- Jujube Midge, sizes 18-24.
- Egg Patterns, sizes 14-16.
- Pheasant Tail, sizes 18-22.
- Parachute Adams, sizes 20-24.
- Tungsten Head Rainbow Warrior, sizes 18-22.
- Brooks’ Sprout Midge Emerger, sizes 20-24.
- WD-40, sizes 20-24.
How do you catch trout in the winter?

Is a full moon good for fishing?
Full moon phases generally cause the biggest tide swings, with the strongest currents. That’s a good thing if you’re full moon fishing under dock and bridge lights for species including snook, tarpon, jacks and trout. If you’re a night-fishing owl, plan your trip around the biggest tides.
What moon phase is best for fishing?
The most important thing to remember about fishing by the moon is that periods of a full or new moon tend to be the best, provided that the weather and water conditions are stable.
How does the moon affect fishing?
Fishermen need to know about the seawater flow because the moon and tides are the most important indicator to know when the fish started to migrate. (Klah-Kist-Ku-Is & Lucas, 2007). Fishermen in this area know that the best time to catch salmon is two days before the full moon and two days after the full moon.
Which cold weather fish bite best?
- #1 Northern Pike. Northern Pikes are an aggressive species and are very active, especially in the coldest waters.
- #2 Perch. You can find a whole lot of Perch in the frigid waters of Canada.
- #3 Crappie.
- #4 Snapper.
- #5 Cobia.
- #6 Trout.
- #7 Channel Catfish.
- #8 Walleye.
Do fish go deeper in winter?
Change Where You Fish As it gets colder, though, fish tend to migrate in schools to deeper water. As the depth increases, temperature stabilizes and it’s easier for them to do their version of light hibernation. Steep drop-offs and underwater channels are the most popular spots for winter fishermen to hit.
Do fish bite in 40 degree weather?
Bass in 40 to 50 degree water will still chase easy baits, and can be more easily located compared to warmer winter weather bass. These fish don’t eat as readily however. If your water temps are between 50 and 60 degrees F, then your bass will chase a wider variety of lures and baits.
Is 30 degrees too cold for trout fishing?
Trout generally are more active when water temperatures are in their comfort range: 45 to 65 degrees. They can survive in water temperatures as low as 35, but rarely do mountain streams get that cold.
Do trout take dry flies in winter?
You dont want to position yourself directly behind the trout when dry fly fishing. This is true for any time of the year but is key during winter. Being directly behind the trout will cause you to land your fly above the fish and your line will land on the fish.
Do trout feed when its snowing?
Yes, if the water temperature is above 6c or 44f then trout will still readily feed even if it is snowing.
Do trout bite during a cold front?
In the hours preceding a cold front, trout will be feeding aggressively in preparation. Feeding will not stop once the colder air pushes in, but their activity-level and prey availability will reduce. Prey items will hunker down tighter to cover and the bottom making them less vulnerable during the cold front.