Winter Fishing Destinations

If you think that heading out onto the ice is the only way to go when it comes to winter fishing, you couldn’t be more wrong!

We’ve put together a list of the best winter fishing destinations around.

Some are frozen lakes, sure, but others promise much milder conditions and may even require shorts if the temperatures get high enough!

Whatever your style or preference be it cast-and-wait or lure and fly fishing you’ll find something on this list that’s perfect for you.

Venice Louisiana

Target Species: Redfish

Head down Highway 23 along the Mississippi River south of New Orleans until you reach the end of the road, and you’ll find yourself in Venice, an outpost often occupied by offshore oil rig workers and fishermen.

Despite a limited selection of restaurants and amenities, it is truly an ideal spot for all sport enthusiasts – boasting mild temperatures in the sixties during winter months.

This season is especially good for bull red drum fishing as they often group up in deeper marshes to feed, giving anglers the opportunity to try their luck with shrimp or flies. You will certainly feel the effects of your endeavors come evening!

Cotter, Arkansas

Target Species: Trout

The picturesque town of Cotter is famous for sitting on the banks of the White River.

This tail water is kept at a warmer temperature than other rivers, even in winter, due to controlled dam releases. Aspiring anglers can plan their visits depending on the fishing style they prefer and how hard they want to work for their catch.

The river is rich with trout, although some may be small.

Experienced anglers who are after bigger fish can target them with streamer flies or jerkbaits; however, if you’re looking for big numbers, bring your float and jig you’ll likely amass double digits of rainbows and browns in no time!

Key West, Florida

Target Species: Wahoo

Itching for some winter warmth? Key West is definitely the spot for you.

But beware: windy weather does tend to come with winter here, so book multiple days just in case. If you’re lucky enough to hit a good streak, you’ll be rewarded with more wahoo than you’d ever imagined and in a close run too!

Jigging and trolling are both valid ways to get your hands on these fast fishes.

And, because it’s February, why not have some local restaurant whip up a dish of freshly-caught wahoos?

Tuck into delicious sashimi and blackened wahoo while kicking back in flip flops – guaranteed to make those watching from the frigid North green with envy!

Baffin Bay, Texas

Target Species: Specked Trout

Before planning your South Texas coast winter fishing excursion, it’s important to do a bit of research. The area typically has welcoming temperatures, making it an ideal spot for this activity.

However, when air becomes extremely cold, the water can become uncomfortably chilly and slow down the catching rate.

To be sure you don’t miss out on gator trout bliss, check conditions during your stay and before you go. Baffin Bay offers numerous shallow flats with dark bottoms that help maintain warmer temperatures – perfect for speckled trout.

From January to February they are usually found in deeper channels close to the flats.

Furthermore, Baffin is renowned for its huge trout and almost any speckled trout lure will get their attention during winter including Rat-L-Trap, soft plastic finesse fish and even walking topwater in warmer days.

South Holston River, Tennessee

Target Species: Trout

The South Holston river section from Bluff City to its lake is a great tail water.

The warm temperatures due to its discharge from the bottom of the lake and abundance of vegetation aids aquatic insects and shrimp that give the river its healthy trout population throughout the year.

Whether you are looking for quantity or quality, nymphing with a fly rod keeps the action up while big streamers can bring in those monster wild browns.

In addition, anglers should be aware that this tail water also grows big rainbow trout – an east-of-the-Rockies rarity!

With plenty of accommodation and equipment options nearby, any visit can be tailored to your specific needs, whether it’s a group trophy mission or an adventure.

 

Sources: fishingbooker, frontieranglers