Getting outdoors to fish can serve as a good remedy to combat some lingering winter blues before the warmer days are here to stay. Check out some tips below for late winter fishing opportunities.
Inland Trout
While the long-awaited open season for brook trout in lakes and ponds doesn’t start until April 1, you can take advantage of the inland trout stream catch and release (artificial lures only) season through the end of March. Focus on midday to early afternoon when temperatures are the warmest — no need to get out at sunrise for early season trout fishing. Winter stoneflies, midges, and early season caddisflies will hatch on warm days, with trout sometimes keying in on them. Anglers using spinning tackle should focus on getting their artificial lures down near the bottom in deeper/slower pools where trout have been hanging out during the cold winter months.
Steelhead/Rainbow Trout
In the Great Lakes tributaries, steelhead fishing will begin to pick up in the next month as fish complete their spawning activities and begin to “drop back” to the lake. After staying in cold tributaries throughout the winter and recently expending their energy for spawning, these fish will be looking for an easy meal on their way back to the lake as water temperatures warm. Egg sacks, beads, and pink worms are effective baits for targeting “drop backs.”
Brown Trout
Brown trout are available along Lake Ontario’s nearshore as soon as boats are able to hit the water in late March. Trolling with medium-sized spoons and stickbaits inside 20 feet of water is the typical tactic. Action is often better in cloudy (but not muddy) water, along distinct mud lines and temperature breaks. Shore anglers can target browns by casting spoons and spinners at pier sites.
Bullhead
Bottom feeders like bullhead are popular to fish for in late March to early April as waters warm. Many anglers take advantage of this opportunity to get back outdoors and consider it a “rite of spring.” Focus efforts on areas with soft bottoms and slightly warmer water temperatures in nearshore bays, marshes, and tributary inlets. Bullhead fishing is often done at night using worms on the bottom.
Yellow Perch
Post ice-out is typically a great time to target yellow perch across the state as pre-spawn perch congregate in shallower areas (5’-15’) near weed beds and inlets in smaller lakes, and around sheltered bays, harbors and canals off larger lakes. Small live minnows are very effective.
General Tip
Until water temperatures warm up, use slower, deliberate bait or lure presentations to entice a bite.
Before You Go – Check the Regulations
Before venturing out, review the freshwater fishing regulations. First, check for the water you’re fishing in the special regulations. If the specific water and species you’re targeting is not listed, then statewide seasons and limits apply.
It is also important to check baitfish regulations when collecting and using baitfish, including knowing the waters where baitfish use is prohibited, and general regulations for methods of taking and more.
Most Important Tip – Have Fun!
