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How To Get The Most Out Of Winter Fishing
In this article, Ade Kiddell shares his expertise and experience with fishing in the colder months and how to keep fishing interested as we get into winter.
The move from autumn into winter offers some of the very best fishing opportunities of the whole year. The last few weeks of fishing have been hectic and very rewarding. I thought it might be useful to give you a quick guide to making the most of winter fishing.
With the winter I know for many it’s the time to put the fishing tackle away until the better weather arrives next spring. However, for me, it's time to get out the winter clothing and enjoy some great sport.
What fish can I catch in winter?
All fish species that feed in the summer will feed in the winter but tactics to catch them have to be adjusted to suit weather and water conditions. Over the October and November months, I have had plenty of barbel and big roach on my local shipping canal.
A couple of highlights are a massive river carp taken on light feeder gear which tested me and my fishing gear to the limit and a new personal best Zander taken while worm fishing with the pole.
Prepare for Winter Fishing
The key to enjoying winter fishing is to prepare yourself with fishing clothing and protection from the cold but to also scale down your approach and importantly use bait best suited to the cold conditions.
What do I need for fishing fishing?
1: Warm, wind and waterproof clothing
Decent winter fishing clothing is essential. Rather than using thick clothing go for a layer system, starting with a base layer and building up layers to finish with a waterproof suit.
I have always found the best waterproof clothing is not always the warmest, so I always make sure I wear a good wind-stopper fleece under any waterproof top layer.
2: Good quality Fishing footwear
The worst thing of all is cold or wet feet, so fishing boots or shoes are essential and I always use waterproof socks over top of my normal socks. Even if my feet sweat the waterproof socks allow them to breathe but stop any moisture from getting back to my feet as things cool down.
3: A Hot Drink
Be sure to sort a flask of hot drinks or a stove and the makings for a brew. I never fish in the winter without at least one flask, and for me, it has to be tea, but coffee and soup are also favourites. A flask of boiling water and some soup and coffee sachets will give you a choice during the session.
4: Short Session Shelters
If adopting a mobile approach then an umbrella can be a hindrance but if it’s a static approach then a brolly or simple shelter can make a huge difference on wet and windy days.
I have, however, used the Advanta Basha when a brolly isn’t practical. The Bashe is a large waterproof and windproof sheet that can be used to keep both yourself and your tackle dry and warm. I often just wrap it around myself and my seat with my tackle bags under it if it is raining, simple but very effective.
5: Feeding Fish in Winter
Often fish feed for only short periods in the winter and that can be just as the light is fading, for that reason I always carry a headtorch, to maximize fishing time and ensure if I have to pack up in the dark and walk back to the car, at least I have a light to see with.
So now you are prepared, and the kit is packed ready to go, wrapped up warm and flask and pack-up ready, where should we go?
Where To Go Fishing In Winter
By being a bit more selective in the winter it’s possible to find spots where fish are packed into much tighter areas and fantastic days fishing are possible.
Town Centers
Without a doubt, the number 1 spot to fish in the winter is anywhere a river or canal runs through a town centre. These urban fishing spots provide extra warmth and light from the urban jungle and attract fish of all species, sometimes not the most picturesque places to fish but often very rewarding.
Boatyards and Marinas
Fishing where more boats are present often comes with plentiful fish in the colder months, don’t forget these are often private and permission is required to fish. Canals or riverbanks where only 1 or 2 boats are moored always seem to hold a few fish.
Bridges
A bridge is always a fishing holding spot and in winter it is even more so. The fish seek protection from the harsh conditions near the shelter of a bridge so try casting from them or near them for success.
Channels and Floodgates
Areas around sluices and locks again will hold a few fish, remember in most cases it's forbidden to fish in the lock itself. Be sure to always check for permissions when opting for these kinds of fishing spots.
Commercial Fisheries
A commercial fishery offers some great winter sports. In most cases they hold a very good head of fish, so food is at a premium meaning fish will be constantly looking out for food. They are also usually shallow water, which will warm up much quicker, after a couple of hours of sun even the coldest water will warm up and trigger fish into a feeding spell.
We have chosen our spot, ready to go but correct bait choice is a priority if we are going to catch.
What is the best fishing bait for winter?
Bread: It doesn’t matter if it’s a tiny piece of punched bread or a large piece of flake, bread will always work and catch many different species. Hair-rigged bread is also great on commercial venues, wary feeding carp can often be fooled by bread.
Worms: Be it a big juicy Lobworm or a small red worm very few fish can resist a worm, chop some worms and add to a bit of dark groundbait and fish either a whole worm or just a worm head or even a bunch of small red worms on the hook, a perfect winter bait, especially after rain.
Castors: For bigger fish in the winter in clear water conditions you will not beat a castor, bury a hook in a nice dark-skinned shell and no fish can resist it.
Bronze Maggot: For running water venues then nothing better than bronze maggot, to boast my maggots a teaspoon of Turmeric spice will give an added winter edge.
Bright Pop Up: On commercial venues a single brightly coloured bait can often tempt a fish, more through interest than the need to feed, most effectively fished with no free offerings or attraction, just a single bait, a pop-up or wafter seems to work best.
Don’t forget all Angling Direct fishing tackle stores have fresh bait in stock and staff on hand for the best and latest fishing information.
With these winter fishing tips and ideas, you can whet your appetite for a day's winter sport. Wrap up warm and enjoy your surroundings be it in the country or town, there’s always something to see as the day goes by.
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