6 Tips to Make Your Winter Fishing a Success

Depending on where you’re located and just how deep into winter you find yourself, your winter fishing could include open water and ice fishing, or both. Each has its own unique benefits and challenges, and a little planning and forethought can ensure both a successful fishing trip and a safe one. Hopefully, these tips will help you do just that.

1. Know What You’re Out to Catch
Due to their cold-blooded nature, fish will have drastically different behaviors in the winter. Before heading out, you should know what species you’re after so you can adjust your expectations and look into what specific depth, time of day, and conditions are going to net you the most success. Different regions will have their own species and temperatures to consider, so there’s no catchall rule here.

2. Find the Slope
When ice fishing, you want to find a good spot early on because every time you move, you’re going to have to drill a new hole through the ice. The best sport to start is often at the most substantial slope in the area, where fish will be able to quickly access different food sources at different depths. Knowing the river or lake before your head out is always the best way to plan for success.

3. Dress Appropriately for the Season
Staying warm is the most important thing to remember when fishing during the winter. When you’re suiting up, consider that you could find yourself outside much longer than expected if you’re headed to a remote area. Ideally, you should bring along more layers than you think you need because it’s always better to err on the side of caution when your safety is at risk.

4. Plan Ahead for the Weather
Whether you’re ice fishing or heading out on the water, you should know the weather before you set out. Storms can set in quickly, potentially affecting your ability to get home. This can be even more serious out on the water, where high winds that wouldn’t have been a major concern in the summer could see you drenched in freezing water.

5. Adjust Your Bait Accordingly
The cold waters mean every creature is going to be moving slower, and fish are going to be feeding less. Using smaller baits than you typically would is a good move for winter fishing because fish aren’t looking for a big meal. You should also avoid rubber baits, which harden in the cold and will appear unnatural to any fish.

6. Down-Size Your Gear
During the winter, fish are sluggish and weak. On top of that, visibility is generally improved for fish during cold temperatures. As such, many fish will pick up on heaver lines. While it’s going to depend on what you’re looking for particularly, 10-pound gear is often enough for winter fishing.