Unlike many other sports, fishing is an activity you can do all year long. In fact, one can make the case that winter angling is more fruitful because some fish might not even peek their heads out when it’s warm and humid. Knowing where to reel in the fish species that are more active in the winter will guarantee your success, which is something you strive for when you’re knee-deep in water in the middle of winter.
Northern Pike
Northern pike thrive in colder weather; you can find them swimming around in the northern lakes. Pike are fun to catch; however, be careful handling them, since they have a mouthful of sharp, jagged teeth. You can reel them using minors or specialty lures, which is helpful because cold water hinders the effects of artificial lures.
Perch
Perch is another species that likes to feast in cold weather. Usually located north of the border in Canada, perch are eager to peck at bait—especially bloodworms and maggots—making them one of the easier species to reel in during the winter.
Crappie
Not all fish make their way up north—crappies are just as enthusiastic down south. They’re ideal fish to target on fishing trips with family members and friends because you don’t have to bundle up to survive cold, wintery winds. Small spinners and plastics entice crappies to help you bring them onshore.
Trout
You can circle in on trout all season long, but they’re more cooperative during the winter due to their metabolism. With a higher metabolism, trout aren’t like many other fish, which are often lazier in the winter. When you select the right fly and pair it with the ultimate fly rod, there’s practically no limit to the number of trout you can bring in.
Walleye
If you took a poll of Midwestern anglers, the odds are overwhelming that most would prefer walleye fishing as opposed to any other kind during the winter. Walleye insist on getting their food fix in the winter, so getting a few to bite isn’t too difficult. Bring along some slow-dragging jigs and watch them do dances around your lure.
Cobia
If you want a challenge, look no further than the cobia. This large fish usually gathers in deeper waters, but it’s not out of the ordinary for them to lurk in the backwaters of northern Florida. The world record for a cobia is 135 pounds, so you know you’re in for a fight if one chomps on your heavy jig.
Channel Catfish
Another battle worth fighting is getting a channel catfish hook, line, and sinker. Fishing for this species is easy, figuring you can set up shop on any nearby pier. However, if you’re lucky enough to get one on the line, you’ll be in for a heck of a fight.
Knowing which fish species are more active in the winter lets you know, in turn, which areas you need to target and what fish you can easily bring in. Best of luck this season; may your bites be plentiful and your catches be large!
Van Rundell is a writer and author who specializes in transportation, travel, guidance, health & fitness. With over 10 years of experience in the industry as a driver and an entrepreneur, he has seen it all. His tone is professional but friendly with a dash of humor thrown in for good measure. In past, he has been advising, educating and writing about transport for the public and professionals alike.
A qualified fitness instructor with over 5 years’ experience as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, Van brings his deep knowledge of health and exercise science to his articles on health & fitness.
