Hey Folks-

Where I live, it's been one of the coldest/wettest winters on record. Seems like it's been between 30-45 degrees every day for months.....Also, lots of rain. Not suprisingly, the fishing has been HORRIBLE for nearly everybody.

My question is - how many "nice/warm" days will it take to get them biting/active again? I'm not necessarily talking about Spawning (that would be great), but just active and biting again?

I've got my annual 3-day fishing trip on Feb. 26-28th, and am starting to get very nervous about weather. I'm hoping the weather will get better beforehand, but will it be enough? What does it take to "turn them back on" - 2-3 days of over 60 degrees, more, less?

For the record, I'll be fishing fairly small, fairly shallow ponds/lakes on my trip......

Thanks folks-

BEN

I would guess it depends a lot on the body of water(depth, total size, how its fed, amount of sun, etc).

Where are you located ? It might help us to tell you something.

I give em 3 days 

2-3 days

Sorry - I live in Atlanta, GA....

However, the fishing trip will take place just south of Birmingham, AL for 2 days (very small private 14-acre pond, about 12-15 feet deep at it's deepest point)

And one day will take place about 2 hours south of there, at "Dream Lake" in Livingston, AL (75 acre lake, 20-25 feet deep at it's deepest)

Thanks

you're basically talking March 1st , full moon. You've still got 3 weeks or so of increasing photoperiod. You won't have to worry about the fish "turning back on", short of record back to back blizzard conditions, they'll be turned all by themselves. Although a few late winter warming sessions can't hurt.

FORGET ABOUT THE WEATHER, JUST GO FISH

Is there an area clear of ice? If the answer is "yes", then you're on! If it's "no", then, do you have ice fishing gear?

Fish eat all year long. More so as temps climb. GO!

Seems like it's been between 30-45 degrees every day for months.....Also, lots of rain.

Paul, he is in Georgia. Ice, as you and I know it, is like Bigfoot in most of Georgia.

Seems like it's been between 30-45 degrees every day for months.....Also, lots of rain.

Paul, he is in Georgia. Ice, as you and I know it, is like Bigfoot in most of Georgia.

I didn't bother looking where he was from, bc it doesn't matter. Makes it all the more fitting.

Bigfoot?? I seen one once! Let me tell you all about it...  ;D

if the weather is "cold" lol you just need to take a different approach. try slowing down, and using more finesse tactics. a drop shot with a nice worm at the appropriate depth will entice the fish. remember that they don't want to move much when it gets cold, but they still need to eat.  slow movements, so you don't spook the fish.

Sorry - I live in Atlanta, GA....

However, the fishing trip will take place just south of Birmingham, AL for 2 days (very small private 14-acre pond, about 12-15 feet deep at it's deepest point)

And one day will take place about 2 hours south of there, at "Dream Lake" in Livingston, AL (75 acre lake, 20-25 feet deep at it's deepest)

Thanks

FWIW, I haven't caught a thing yet this year. I normally fish faster things so I've tried slow techniques I'm not used to which may or may not be hurting the situation. By your tournament it should be better especially considering the size of the lake.

My question is - how many "nice/warm" days will it take to get them biting/active again? I'm not necessarily talking about Spawning (that would be great), but just active and biting again?

2-3 days of STABLE weather

Hope this helps,

Consistancy is my rule of thumb. These fish will eat all winter long. I fish a lake here in Northern Va all winter long. This may sound crazy but the best days are the cloudy calm days. When the water is as slick as glass. Try main Lake points around major spawning creeks. Target deep rod. I like the dropshot this time of year. small leader maybe 12'' or so and your favorite 4'' finess worm. First thing in morning is the best for me. even before the sun is up. I know this sounds crazy as most think wait till the water warms later in the day. I have caught more fish over five punds in the winter before the sun has crasted the horizon. After the sun has crested there is a small lull in the bite but soon after that it will be on for about 2-4 hours. The key here is slick calm days. I mean 5-7 days for 60 degree weather would have any body of water crackin though.

Sorry I was saying target deep ROCK....

I agreee with flippin stick. At the end of the day, the bite usually gets better. So, plan to be at the best spot(s) during that time frame. Also, the best chance to get a big fish is first light, even in winter.

Good luck!

I agree with Catt and Fishfordollsrs, 2-3 days.  Small cranks are my lure of choice.

Kelley

If there was ever a lake you could catch fish in poor conditions, it's Dream Lake.   I have not been but my best fishing buddy has and its reputation speaks for itself.  Plus, you've got a couple weeks yet.  I bet you end up slayin' 'em and lunkers too!   I'm jealous!  Good luck and be sure to give us a report....