Winter Lessons from My Pond

Winter fishing can be challenging, especially when you have hard water (frozen) in a sizable chunk of the United States. Will the fish bite if you can find ice-free water? I have proven that they will eat, but they are very finicky.

I evaluated the lake on my property by firing up the feeder when the ice melted this week. Yes, even in Alabama, we had ice on the water. When I turned it on, five minutes passed before the channel cats came up for the food, and they were moving slowly. First, just a couple, then increasingly more came to it. They sure weren’t as lively as they usually are when the feeder goes off.

Water temperatures are in the upper 30s during the day if there is sunshine. I see the catfish suspending to absorb the sun if it is not super windy. Using binoculars to watch their movements and eating habits in this freezing water confirms that mild weather conditions will prompt them to find an easy meal.

So, as fishermen, the takeaway of my observations is this: catfish will eat anytime of the year, even winter. The key is to present a tasty meal near the fish and be patient. Presentation, the right food and warming water can find you a personal best.

Enjoy reading this month’s edition of CatfishNOW.

Don’t forget to take a kid fishing!!

God Bless,

Dan Dannenmueller, Publisher