I get down in.the dumps when I can't fish during winter (ice fishing just not my cup of tea). I live in NE Pennsylvania so winter comes kinda early and stays around for quite a while.  So my question is  how "deep" into winter can i fish on river and still catch a few smallmouth? Any tips on fishing for smallmouth during cold weather? Thanks much.

 

Yes ~ 

The great way I've found to ward off cabin fever is to shop for a new boat . . . 

Just say'in.

A-Jay

They will eAt under the ice so I would suggest Fishing right up until the river freezes. Tiny tube jigs on the bottom 

3 hours ago, bradster said:

I get down in.the dumps when I can't fish during winter (ice fishing just not my cup of tea). I live in NE Pennsylvania so winter comes kinda early and stays around for quite a while.  So my question is  how "deep" into winter can i fish on river and still catch a few smallmouth? Any tips on fishing for smallmouth during cold weather? Thanks much.

 

If your talking about the Susquehanna, I know people who fish it up to mid December depending on the water temps and height. My tips would be find deep wintering holes, use long, sensitive rods and live bait on a brightly colored walleye jig. The long rod helps with line dragging on the water. I know a guy who uses a 9 foot noodle rod (also used when salmon fishing) and keeps the rod tip high. Less line on the water means less pull or drag on the lure which means you can move the bait slower which is important in the winter months. Smallies aren't moving far for food. Match the weight of the jig with the current (this will take trial and error) so as to not get snagged on every drift and allow the jig to bump along the bottom. Hope this helps.

You can catch river Smallies until the water freezes. 

I can’t believe we’re on this subject already?

12 hours ago, Burrows said:

I can’t believe we’re on this subject already?

He's ahead of the curve. We all know its coming.

You're not too far away from fishing Lake Ontario tribs in winter for these guys:

 

15 hours ago, Burrows said:

I can’t believe we’re on this subject already?

It was almost 90 degrees this weekend where I was fishing and it does not look like it will drop below 60 degrees anytime soon.

1 hour ago, soflabasser said:

It was almost 90 degrees this weekend where I was fishing and it does not look like it will drop below 60 degrees anytime soon.

Stop bragging.

I live in northeast Ohio, and I fish out of my boat in my area, including Lake Erie, till mid December. You would not believe the fishing through November! As good as spring at times! if winter is mild, the bite can last till Christmas!

A-Jay

Almost time for the Christmas  sales

thanks for all your insights and ideas. much appreciated!

I'm a long way north of NE PA and I can usually fish into mid November, sometimes early December.

 

Might not catch a lot, but I can live with that.