Friday Facts
12-18-2020
Winter Smallies
Saying winter smallmouth fisherman are obsessed is an understatement.
Passionate
Fanatic
Possessed
Rabid
Superlatives more suited to those of us that chase Bronze when the mercury drops.
Some of the biggest fish of the year can be caught when smallmouth decide to “hole up” in winter.
But where do they go in our Ozarks Rivers? And when do they go there?
We’ll explore that in this weeks “Fridays Facts”
What: Winter migration
When: Water temps dropping below 60F (50F in some Northern waters)
Where: Smallmouth need deep water to “hole up” in the winter. Deep is a relative term for Ozarks River Smalljaws. Some of the bigger rivers in the eastern part of the Ozarks find smallmouth seeking depths of 20’ or better. In the smaller rivers in the western Ozarks “deep” can mean anything over 8’.
Why: Smallmouth seek deeper, slower pools in the winter months to conserve energy as their metabolism slows to a crawl. There are smallies in northern waters (like Wisconsin and Minnesota) that actually enter a period of “hibernation“ where the need to feed is reduced to every 30 days or more!
How: Catching sluggish, almost dormant smallmouth in winter is a game of chance.
Timing is everything.
Smallmouth living in tributaries of the big hydro lakes in western Missouri (think Table Rock and Bull Shoals) can migrate 20-30 miles downstream to find the depth and conditions they desire. By contrast, smallmouth in the bigger rivers of the eastern Ozarks (Current, Meramec etc) may only move a few miles to find that winter spot. Regardless, finding winter holes is the first, and most important, step to catching them.
Look for long, straight pools with consistent depth and cover such as boulders and wood.
Weather is key as well. I prefer sunny days that will warm water temps a degree or two when the sun is at its apex. That’s all you need. Smallies will absolutely move out of deep water to chase forage that’s been motivated to feed by a slight warm up in water temp.
Presentations should be slow and deliberate. Remember, everything the Smallie feeds on has slowed down as well.
Bottom bouncing baits like a jig or finesse worm are money in the dead of winter.
Slow rolling a bladed jig or spinner bait is a great technique also. As are suspending jerk baits.
And don’t overlook a Wiggle Wort bounced off of rocks.
If you’re fishing the fly rod switch to the sink tip that matches the depth you need to achieve and fish craw or other “critter”patterns slooooowly. If you see baitfish activity it’s never a bad idea to slowly strip a clouser or similar forage pattern slowly.
A word to the wise; if you’re gonna hit the river in cold weather, plan accordingly. Sun or not, 40 degree water can kill you in a matter of minutes if you’re not ready. Here’s a good article I wrote about being “winter river ready” that covers some import safety tips. https://ozarkssmallmouthalliance.blogspot.com/.../winter...
Winter is an absolutely amazing time to be on an Ozarks river. And cold weather doesn’t have to mean the end of your smallmouth journey. Do some research and you may find that PB waiting for you.
But if you wanna stay in, warm and cozy by the fire, we few “Fanatics “ will gladly take the solace our Ozarks stream offer in the off season...
Free. The. Fighter!!!
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