+1 561 855 1409 Top 7 Fish to Catch This Winter
Winter doesn’t have to mean the end of your fishing season. In fact, colder water often concentrates fish, slows their metabolism, and makes their behavior more predictable. With the right approach, winter fishing can be incredibly productive — and quieter, too. Below are seven species that are absolutely worth targeting during the winter months, along with practical tips, locations, and bait choices to help you stay on the bite.
1. Crappie
Winter crappie fishing is one of the most popular cold-weather pursuits, and for good reason. Crappie schools tightly in winter, making it possible to catch multiple fish from a single spot.
When catching winter crappie, focus on deeper structure such as submerged timber, creek channels, bridge pilings, and drop-offs. Fish often suspend rather than hug the bottom, so electronics are extremely helpful.
If you’re wondering how to crappie fish in winter, slow presentations are key. Vertical jigging with small plastics or live minnows works best.
Best bait for winter crappie includes:
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Small tube jigs
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Soft plastic grubs
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Live minnows
Color matters — natural shades on clear days and brighter colors in stained water tend to produce the most bites.
2. Trout
Winter trout fishing is excellent in both rivers and lakes, especially where water remains cold and oxygenated year-round. Trout stay active in winter, but they won’t chase fast-moving lures.
When catching trout in winter, downsizing your presentation is critical. Light line, small baits, and subtle movements get more strikes.
Some proven trout fishing tips include fishing during the warmest part of the day and targeting slower water near deep pools.
Top options for best flies for winter trout include:
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Midge patterns
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Zebra midges
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Small nymphs
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Egg patterns
Whether fly fishing or using spinning gear, patience and finesse are the name of the game.
3. Bluegill
Bluegill winter fishing can be surprisingly productive, especially on lakes with healthy panfish populations. During winter, bluegill often school tightly in deeper basins.
When fishing for bluegill in winter, look for weed edges, drop-offs, and mud flats in 15–30 feet of water. Electronics help locate schools quickly.
For successful winter bluegill fishing, use:
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Micro jigs
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Waxworms or spikes
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Slow vertical presentations
Because bluegill bites are subtle in cold water, light rods and sensitive lines are essential.
4. Perch
Fishing perch in winter typically means targeting schools in deeper water. If you’re curious how deep the perch is in winter, the answer is usually 20–40 feet, depending on lake structure and oxygen levels.
Winter fishing for perch is most effective with small spoons, jigging minnows, and soft plastics tipped with live bait. The best bait for perch often includes:
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Minnows
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Waxworms
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Small jigging spoons
5. Walleye
Winter walleye fishing remains a favorite among hardwater anglers. Walleye stay active under the ice, especially during low-light periods.
When fishing for walleye in the winter, target drop-offs, humps, and points adjacent to deep water. Early morning and evening are prime times.
Popular approaches for winter fishing for walleye include jigging spoons tipped with minnows and slow presentations close to the bottom. Precision and timing are critical for success.
6. Northern Pike
If you’re wondering where do northern pikes go in the winter, the answer is usually shallow bays early in the season and deeper weed lines or basins as winter progresses.
Understanding northern pike winter habits helps tremendously. Pike remain aggressive predators, even in cold water.
To catch northern pike, use large dead baits, flashy spoons, or quick-strike rigs. When catching northern, mobility is key — don’t be afraid to move until you find active fish.
7. Channel Catfish
When learning how to catch channel catfish in the winter, focus on deep holes, river bends, and areas with slow current. Catfish often stack tightly in winter.
Effective baits for catching channel catfish in winter include:
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Cut bait
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Stink bait (used sparingly)
Final Thoughts
Winter fishing rewards anglers who slow down, fish deeper, and pay attention to subtle bites. From catching winter crappie and winter trout fishing to targeting perch, walleye, pike, and even catfish, cold months offer incredible opportunities if you’re prepared.
Bundle up, stay safe, and embrace the quiet—some of the best fishing of the year happens when most people stay home.
