Fishing in Winter

12.11.24

Solitude. One of the joys of fishing. Sun doesn’t have to be beating down to make you shine at it either. Winter fishing can be just as successful as other times of year when you take some Aqua Contractor tips and apply them to your angling, choice of gear, spots you choose etc, and figuring out fish winter psychology while you're at it. Their behaviour tends to change during the colder months.

Princess Layer

Despite the changing climate, winter fishing can turn you into a human fish finger if you’re not prepared. Our first tip is layer up to keep the force of the wind locked out, even more crucial when you’re stood stock-still next to water. This is the UK. Weather changes quicker than you can say Obi-Wan Kenobi. Think insulation and water proofing:

warm fish

Wool or synthetic fibres are perhaps the best base layers. They’ll do their best to keep sweat off your skin so that you don’t end up feeling like a fish yourself.

Call the Fleece

Fleece and down. The fourth and fifth emergency services for fishers. Both make excellent insulation choices so that you can keep your eye on the fish rather than it watering with the cold.

Stay in your shell

A waterproof outer layer is your shell. You can remain inside and not get clammy when it’s a quality breathable waterproof jacket and trousers.

The joy of socks

A cracking pair of thermal socks, like merino wool ones, will keep those tootsies toastie, while waterproof boots show damp the door.

Gloves on

Big cumbersome gloves rob you of your dexterity for tying knots or baiting hooks, which is why we recommend doing a Madonna and laying your hands on some fingerless ones. Billy Connolly said never trust a man who, when alone, doesn’t put a tea cosy on his head, and you need a hat when fishing.

Let’s talk techniques

Winter means a slower metabolism for fish, so, frankly, they can’t be bothered darting after fast-moving bait. They likewise tend to stay closer to the lower reaches of the water where temperatures are slightly more even.

To boost your chances of a catch, you might wish to:

Slower retrieve

Whether a lure or bait, a slower retrieve is generally more enticing to sluggish winter fish.

Bottom fishing

Winter is the time to keep your bait reverberating near the lake or riverbed. You might want to attempt sink-and-draw techniques or use a ledger rig to get your bait to the bottom and let it sit.

Small bites

Fish don’t expend as much energy hunting in winter, so they’re not likely to go after big meals. The more subtle the bait the less wary the fish.

Baits rates

Not all baits are equally effective in winter. Energy-saving fish tend to go for bait that doesn’t require much chasing, so you might wish to consider:

Natural bait options

Maggots and worms are great winter baits that seem to loom not as large for fish and intimidate them.

Boilies that are fish-flavoured

These work particularly well for carp, a fish often reluctant to rise to the surface but are often tempted by strong scents.

change up your lures

For lure fishing, go with dark-coloured or high-contrast options that fish can spot easily in murky winter water.

Where to find fish in winter?

Understanding fish behaviour is key to finding their winter hidey holes, such as retreats that shade them from strong and fast-moving currents. Water movement and temperature are therefore nature’s very own barometers.

Deep waters run still

Fish retreating to deeper waters where the temperature is more stable means that when fishing a lake or large pond in winter, it’s probably best to focus on areas with deep pools or depressions.

Sheltered areas

In winter, fish also tend to huddle near submerged logs, rocks, or weeds. They tend to offer a break the current and a bit of warmth.

Sunlit spots

On sunny winter days, fish can still be drawn to shallower areas warmed by its rays. Try casting where sunlight hits the water. Poetry in motion.

Fisheries are an excellent choice

We count various fisheries among our clients at the Aqua Contractor, and during the most unpredictable season of all, it’s worth checking out fisheries. Many fisheries stay open year-round and even provide designated winter pegs or shelter areas for anglers. Fisheries often stock fish that can be active in winter, like trout and perch.

Winter river fishing

The Severn or the Avon boast good winter fishing. Fish congregate in deeper, slower sections where the current is manageable – and we’re talking chub, perch, or grayling.

Canal fishing UK

The sheltered spots on many UK canals make them a popular winter fishing choice. Species like pike gather around locks, weirs, and moorings.

Mr Tackle

While winter fishing doesn’t exactly require an entirely different tackle setup or having arms like Mr Tickle, a few adjustments can make all the difference.

A lighter line can help with visibility and improve your chances with more sedate fish. Try using a fluorocarbon line, which is nearly invisible in water and works well in clear winter conditions.

Downsize your hooks to reflect the smaller baits, plus a sensitive rod tip, perhaps even a bobber, can help you detect subtle bites from tentative wintry fish.

Midday is perhaps the optimum winter fishing time, for both light and warmth.

winter Fishing safety

Fishing in winter comes with added safety risks, especially if you’re near deep or fast-moving water, so we recommend not going alone. If you have a friend who’s a natterjack, you can always sit a distance apart. Or wear headphones.

Even if you think you’re prepared, bring an extra sweater or pair of socks. Accidents happen, and getting wet in the winter can put paid to a fishing trip. Piping hot tea and coffee is just the best thing on a wintry riverbank so don't forget to pack the flask.

Are you still here?

The stillness of winter has its own unique beauty. Winter fishing tends to be more of a quietly contemplative and reflective experience. Wildlife also tends to behave differently, so you might spot the lesser-spotted something or other if you’re lucky. Ditto kingfishers, herons, and otters swimming closer to the water’s edge.

Happy fishing.

Sources:

anglingtrust.net

fisheries.co.uk

basc.org.uk

canalandrivertrust.org.uk

anglingtimes.co.uk