The Ultimate Guide to the Best Winter Fishing Destinations

Fishing during the winter offers anglers unique experiences, unexpected rewards and often, challenges.

Besides low temperatures, snow, sleet, and wind, even getting to a winter fishing location can be difficult. Try tying a knot or putting salmon eggs on a hook when it’s 10 degrees and windy outside. 

But the rewards can far outweigh the challenges of fishing during December, January and February. Anglers will have plenty of room to roam, the scenery can be spectacular and, in many cases, trophy-sized fish—who have feasted on all available food all year—are hungry and ready to hit on just about any appropriate bait.

And let’s not forget the experiential part and ice fishing tips and tricks: fishing during the winter isn’t that common for anglers in many parts of the country. Visiting new winter fishing spots and refreshing their heads with ice fishing tips and tricks can spark interest in anglers to take up the hobby during the colder months

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Top Winter Fishing Destinations by Month

We’ve compiled a month-by-month guide of the top 10 winter fishing destinations, ranging from a top lake trout destination in the Northeast and a catfish heaven in South Carolina to a redfish standout in the Deep South and Alaska’s best lakes for catching some eclectic freshwater species.

DECEMBER

PULASKI, N.Y. (Great Lakes)

Up in Western New York near Lake Ontario, when the skies turn grey and the temperatures plummet,  hearty anglers don’t hunker down and sit by the fire waiting for the spring thaw. They head out for steelhead on the Salmon River, which empties into Lake Ontario and is one of the most popular rivers in the Northeast.

While steelhead can also be targeted in the fall and spring, the winter provides anglers with lots of room to roam along with the 12-mile fishing zone and plenty of opportunities to catch a trophy-size fish. The Salmon River’s most popular spots, Lower Fly Zone, Altmar, the Trestle Pool, and the Sportsman’s Pool, are all well-marked with signs and maps.

Keep in mind that certain areas of the river can be prone to icing over, so check with local outfitters and guides before venturing out.

Steelhead typically reside near the bottom of river pools in the winter, so anglers need to use split shot to present their bait near the bottom without getting snagged. Of course, the amount of weight needed varies depending on water currents, location, and bait being used, with the optimal set-up bounced off the bottom.

This technique can also be used for Coho and King salmon, which are also abundant in the area. In fact, the world record Coho salmon (33 pounds 4 ounces) was set on the Salmon River.

Lures are best avoided when fishing for steelhead; they simply don’t work as well in the winter as live or salted minnows, egg sacks (salmon or steelhead eggs), grubs, or single salmon eggs, which are typically sold in small jars in oil.

SAN DIEGO

While most of the country shivers through December, San Diego stays temperate with temperatures typically in the 60s and 70s. The crowds that flooded the beaches in the summer and fall are long gone (big wave surfers being the exception), and the opportunities for saltwater anglers abound.

San Diego is an attractive destination not only for anglers, but for their families as well. There are several major theme parks (Sea World, Legoland, etc.), along with the world- famous San Diego Zoo. Disneyland is about an hour north in Orange County (depending on Southern California’s infamous traffic, of course).

There is no shortage of fishing charters going out of various locales around San Diego Harbor and most target spots near offshore locales where the harbor meets the Pacific Ocean. Rockfish, calico bass are abundant, along with yellowtail, kingfish and an occasional halibut. 

Read also: Complete Guide to California Fishing License

Steamboat Springs, Colo.

Long known as one of the premiere skiing destinations in the West, Steamboat Springs also offers a wonderful alternative to the slopes with outstanding ice fishing. 

Scenic Stagecoach State Park, an 820-acre reservoir just outside of Steamboat, has some of the best rainbow trout and Northern pike fishing in the West, thanks to year ‘round forage.  

In December, outfitters in town typically use snowmobiles or ATVs (with heated cabs) for both expert anglers or families that just want to try ice fishing for the first time on half- and full-day trips. Of course, anglers can fish from the shore, but getting out of the reservoir and finding deeper water is typically preferred when larger species are being targeted.

Most anglers use 6-pound test line, along with 1/8-ounce chartreuse jig heads tipped with Pink Shrimp, Chartreuse Anise or Glitter Fire Balls to attract fish. Using scents, such as Crawfish Oil, to lubricate jigs also seems to be a popular attractant.

JANUARY

ANCHORAGE, Alaska

Fishing in the Anchorage area in the winter offers anglers one of the most unique fishing experiences in the country. 

Anchorage-area lakes—such as Beach, Goose, Delong and Mirror– are just a short drive from downtown hotels, and are typically filled with arctic char, grayling, pike, landlocked salmon and even an occasional Dolly Varden. Just north of Anchorage in Palmer, the Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area is a solid choice as well. Most anglers rent their gear in town from various outfitters and ice fishing is so prevalent in Anchorage that even grocery stores sell licenses. 

WILMINGTON, N.C.

Fishing in coastal North Carolina during the winter may mean dealing with some cooler temperatures, but the catch often makes it very worthwhile. Offshore trips are typically weather-dependent, but the sounds and bays around the city also offer terrific opportunities. 

Bluefin tuna love the winters off the coast in Wilmington, as their cold blood means they can handle colder waters comfortably and even dive deep with your line. At this time of year, bluefins can reach incredible sizes.

Near shore, black drum, redfish, and snappers can all be targeted, while surfcasters can also find bluefish, whiting, occasional trout when the schools move through.

There are opportunities for freshwater anglers as well. They typically look to hook up a couple hours after sunrise until mid-afternoon at lakes such as Lake Tillery and High Rock for panfish and Largemouth bass. 

Fresh shrimp and bloodworms are the popular choices for bait in all areas. 

CHARLESTON, S.C.

Just about a four-hour drive south of Wilmington, one of the most scenic cities in the country also features some of the best fishing for catfish in the winter. 

Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion (the state’s largest lake), both found near Charleston, are the year-round hotspots for Blue and Channel catfish, and as the temperature drops in the area, the action heats up significantly. 

State records for the largest Blue (113.8 pounds) and Channel (58 pounds) catfish were set at Lake Moultrie.

Local outfitters suggest fishing the bottom or using a float rig with 2/0 to 6/0 hooks with cut fresh fish as bait during the morning and afternoon and targeting “skinny” water (2-4 feet deep) during the colder days. 

And as with most fishing expeditions, patience is key. Some guides report spending almost an hour in the same spot simply bouncing bait off the bottom of well-known holes where the big cats reside.

Read also: Your Comprehensive Guide to South Carolina Fishing Seasons

Lake Champlain, New York/Vermont

Lake Champlain, the largest lake in the Northeast (other than the Great Lakes) offers world-class ice fishing for Lake trout and Northern pike in the winter months.

“Lakers” typically reside in deeper waters of the main lake near the towns of Port Henry, and Westport in New York, while the northern end of the lake near Missisquoi Bay is the area to target giant pike.

Remarkedly, local outfitters report that the colder the day, the higher the barometric pressure, and the bluer the sky, the better Lake trout seem to bite. For both species, using plastic jigs with scent and  white tubes, or plastic shads for bait seems to work best during the winter. Northern pike, however, seem to favor spoons and spinners throughout the year, as they appear as baitfish reflecting the sun’s rays. 

Keep in mind that ice fishing requires anglers to adjust their gear and their clothing based on conditions. Flexibility is key when fishing in the winter; it’s especially important when ice fishing (which almost seems to have its own set of rules.)

For those just looking for an introduction to ice fishing, the Vermont Ice Fishing Festival is held in January every year at Lake Bernard State Park. The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department runs the free event and sets up stations, educating attendees on different ice fishing topics. After visiting at least three stations, attendees can borrow ice fishing equipment and try their luck out on the lake. 

FEBRUARY

Biloxi, Miss. (Gulf Coast)

With access to the Gulf of Mexico and Back Bay, Biloxi is an anglers’ paradise in February, especially when it comes to redfish. With temperate climates throughout the winter months and activities for the whole family to enjoy, this hidden gem on the Mississippi Gulf Coast is worth exploring. 

Large schools of redfish congregate around the barrier islands in the area, in most cases in less than 3 feet of water. Biloxi Marsh, just south of the city, is another area worth fishing as it attracts redfish in the 30-50-pound range. 

Sight fishing is extremely popular in the Biloxi area, thanks to the preference of redfish to stay in shallower waters during colder months. Outfitters typically look for the bronze-red scales of this fish flashing underwater before dropping their lines. Light tackle with light sinkers are typically used along with a variety of live bait, including shrimp, crab, pinfish, as well as artificial lures.

Key West, Fla.

Hot sun, tropical vibes, and outstanding fishing sound like the perfect remedy to the winter blues. Well, Key West fishing in February offers plenty of all three. Temperatures can reach 80 degrees (F) in the winter and the nearshore wahoo fishing is world-class.

Wahoo typically migrate in large groups in the nearshore waters of Key West. Trolling is by the far the best way to hook up, but the schools can also be thick enough to catch on jigs and live baits. 

Offshore or deep sea fishing is also an attractive option for visiting anglers. While it tends to be extremely weather-dependent, kingfish, barracudas, Blackfin tuna, bonito—and even sailfish —are targeted.

Read also: Deep Sea Fishing: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners and Enthusiasts

The one warning to visiting Key West in February is the wind. There are numerous windy days during February, so booking multiple days with guides and outfitters ahead of time is advised. 

Bozeman, Mont.

Winter fly-fishing in the Bozeman area in February is only for the hale and hearty. But for those willing to tackle the elements, the rewards outweigh the challenges. 

While winter weather is tough—cold temperatures and snow are common–high pressure systems make for clear conditions and good brown and rainbow trout  fishing on the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks and the Gallatin River.

The Gallatin is typically ice-free ice-and the top location is downstream of Big Sky in the Gallatin Canyon.

Stonefly nymphs, midges, and worms will be the most productive baits, according to local guides. Flashy and brightly colored patterns will induce strikes.

In terms of locations, trout in the winter congregate in holes, so anglers should focus on slower presentation, diligent placement, and subtle jigging for the best results as temperatures drop. 

Conclusion

Our month-by-month guide to the top 10 winter fishing destinations is designed to help anglers of all skill levels maximize their enjoyment of fishing while taking advantage of all that the winter season has to offer.

So whether it’s taking on a fishing excursion while skiing in Montana or Colorado or while visiting a theme park in California, fishing during the winter is sure to enhance every angler’s experience and perhaps more importantly, keep the passion for fishing burning. And after all, that’s what fishing is all about.