FISHING FORECAST FOR JANUARY, 2023

Fishing forecast from Fishtalk Magazine!

“The midwinter doldrums may be here, but that doesn’t have to make for dull fishing. Even though the majority of sporting species have departed our waters or are now in a closed season, tautog are always out there and waiting for us to drop down green or white crab baits. Plus there’s a chance those rockfish will decide to swim within the three-mile limit and provide some bonus action for oceanic anglers. We should also note that at least early in January last year, there were still oceanic bluefish to be found at the inshore wrecks and reefs. Will it happen again? Fingers are crossed.

FRESHWATER FISHING FORECAST

Trying to forecast what options await freshwater aficionados this month is like trying to forecast the weather without the benefits of any form of modern tech — you’re just about guaranteed to be wrong. On the one hand, by the beginning of this month ice fishing in the western lakes could be an option. Or not. On the other hand, the pickerel will probably be in prime form along with some coldwater crappie and winter bass in the Eastern Shore millponds. Or, there could be a skim of ice over those waterways, making fishing impossible. Can we have a third hand, please? Trout will likely be biting in the rivers, yellow perch should be active in the upper tribs, and catfish should be willing to eat just about anywhere (wait — that’s five hands). It all depends on the weather, folks, but no matter how cold or how mild it may be one thing is for sure: one or more of these freshwater bites will almost certainly be a surefire cure for winter cabin fever.

WAY NORTH CHESAPEAKE BAY

By now yellow perch should be huddling in the depths of the lower Susquehanna, where minnow and/or tubes fished deep should get them biting. And of course, those winter cats never quit. Anchor up within sight of the 95 bridge and send some chicken liver to the bottom. Boom!

UPPER CHESAPEAKE BAY

It’s pickerel time, people. These feisty fish should be on their usual winter rampage right about now, hitting minnow, swimbaits, and inline spinners in the Baltimore creeks and Western Shore tribs. Offer up some smaller baits, and yellow perch could be in store, too.”

The full article can be found here.

Photo Credit: Original Author

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