So I'm still a ways out from ice out, but I'm looking to scratch the open water itch. The only option around me is hitting some small creeks in hopes of chubs and maybe a sucker. If it works ill have some fun and also have some cut bait to throw in the freezer for ice out. Anybody ever target chubs in winter?

When I was much younger, we fished chubs and suckers a lot in the tiny creeks around here. Small hooks and little bits of worm were usually the ticket. Add a small split shot if there’s current, and very light line (2-4 lb test). One of the earliest open water bites in moving water.

14 minutes ago, Team9nine said:

When I was much younger, we fished chubs and suckers a lot in the tiny creeks around here. Small hooks and little bits of worm were usually the ticket. Add a small split shot if there’s current, and very light line (2-4 lb test). One of the earliest open water bites in moving water.

I've got some decent spots within 5 minutes of my house. I've just never chased them this early in the year so im not sure what to expect.

8 minutes ago, DitchPanda said:

I've got some decent spots within 5 minutes of my house. I've just never chased them this early in the year so im not sure what to expect.

Suckers run very early and will probably be the better bite. Chubs are a little more warm waterish from what I recall. If you’re not getting bit, move often.

15 hours ago, Team9nine said:

When I was much younger, we fished chubs and suckers a lot in the tiny creeks around here. Small hooks and little bits of worm were usually the ticket. Add a small split shot if there’s current, and very light line (2-4 lb test). One of the earliest open water bites in moving water.

 

Same here in SE PA. I always enjoyed catching them. I fished small creeks and looked for a smaller creek or stream feeding in.

Trap them with a double end funnel trap.

Fishing use a small piece of earth worm gold #16 trout hook.

Tom

So I asked a couple guys at work that are die hard catfisherman what they thought about going after chubs now. They both said its too early. Then I realized I have no plans Saturday and its gonna be mid to high 40s and thought I don't care I'm gonna try anyway.

On 3/1/2023 at 7:31 PM, DitchPanda said:

So I asked a couple guys at work that are die hard catfisherman what they thought about going after chubs now. They both said its too early. Then I realized I have no plans Saturday and its gonna be mid to high 40s and thought I don't care I'm gonna try anyway.

Soooooo… how did you do?

1 hour ago, TheSwearingAngler said:

Soooooo… how did you do?

Not good...lol. Everything was way too high and muddy.