COLD WEATHER FISHING

Well we are sure you all have had enough winter, it has been cold weather, lots of wind, a slight warm up then freezing rain followed by snow, a record breaking warm spell and back to cold and snow. Much of these changing conditions have been uncomfortable for most of us, but fish are still in the lakes and maybe not as uncomfortable as we are. Fish will spend much of the winter in deeper water and still eating to make it through winter. Being cold blooded, they will slow down during cold water periods which means a slower presentation is essential.
We are blessed with several winter fishing opportunities in Illinois with all the great lakes in southern Illinois, the power plant lakes, Mississippi River and a chance to Ice fish in northern part of the state. Later this month or next month finding shore areas to fish or fishing off docks can be a good option and is better than not fishing. For Central Illinois, we are fortunate to have Powerton Lake that remains open for most of the winter for shore fishing and reopens to boats on February 15th.
It helps to know where brushpiles are in a lake so you are not spending lots of fishing time searching. Therefore, another great winter activity to help guarantee a fishing spot is to place your own brush or fish attractors. Good spots would be at different locations and depths along or off points, along breaks and along creek channels. An awesome product is the Porcupine Fish Attractor that is designed to attract fish without hanging lures. We have experience with many types of attractors from trees, cribs, pallets, brush or other PVC items and find the porcupine to be the easiest to use and best for fishing in. You can contact us for more info on these or go to the Central Illinois Pond & Fish Experts – Herman Brothers Pond Management site www.hbpondmanagement.com/fishstructure.htm where you can get this attractor. Remember to get permission to place these in a lake and select spots at various depths to cover all seasons of fishing.
Winter fishing can be a good chance to catch the bigger fish, dress warm, remember they are deeper, look for shad or baitfish and if one species of fish are not biting, target another species. Fish SLOW along main lake points or breaks near deep water and try downsizing. Wind has been a problem this winter so look for areas out of the wind or find protection with windbreaks.
Advantages of cold weather fishing are there are fewer anglers out and once you figure out the right pattern it will remain more consistent during this time. If you fish power plant lakes, the colder it is the better the fishing in the discharge areas.
Bottom line, even if you really, really want to fish, there are times in bad weather when it is best to stay off the lake and maybe take in one of the great fishing shows in your area.
This time of year can produce some nice fish as they start to feed up so don’t let cold temps keep you from fishing while others are sitting in front of the TV or PC, just dress warm and fish Slow or find other ways to support your passion for fishing while waiting for warmer weather.
The winter has us thinking of spring or maybe hitting the power plant lakes where spring comes early due to the warm water later this month. However, so far we have kept busy with fishing shows and this month we will be at the Tinley Park Fishing & Outdoor Show on Feb. 9-10th. This is a great show that is packed with a variety of fishing vendors, resorts, information, raffles, fun and is worth the trip. Stop by and see us in the B-gym next to our friends from Hoss’s Hawg Bait. Last month many noticed our new banner we had made by RIVER CITY SIGNS and if you are looking for a sign or banner of any type, contact them at rivercitysigns@insightbb.com or call 309-694-7855.
This year we will have a 2008 Fishing photo contest with winners receiving a pair FishGillz floating sunglasses each month during the fishing season. Check our website for details as there will be something new and different each month.
The New contour map of Evergreen Lake is available along with aerial maps of Spring Lake and our New 2008 Fishing Calendar full of money saving coupons & more. Check our site for details, new product reviews, more fishing material and a full listing of 2008 Fishing & Sport Shows at www.larrysfishinghole.com.

Till Next Time, GOD BLESS & GOOD FISHING !