According to fishery officials with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, the winter months are a great time to be fishing.
Barry Bolton, chief of fisheries with the wildlife department, said the cold weather isn’t ideal to fish for all species, but there are some species, such as cold water trout and striped bass, that stay active in the winter time.
But patience is a virtue if you want to achieve a measure of success when fishing in cold water. Although still active, Bolton said the fish are moving less and also eating less. Thus, making it important to remember to slow down and fish at a speed that matches their movement.
If you love to fish for trout, John Stahl, regional fisheries supervisor, said that anglers are having "phenomenal" success at Lake Watonga. He noted that trout are stocked every other week, and the next stocking date is Feb. 4.
Stahl said some fishermen believe the trout--fresh out of a dark truck--are attracted to bright shiny spinning lures such Panther Martin and Rooster Tail.
But while those do well at attracting fish, he said more experienced anglers use a different approach.
“Your dyed-in-the-wool trout fisherman fish with power bait and salmon eggs,” Stahl said.
Power bait comes in a variety of colors, but Stahl suggested using corn yellow, salmon peach and rainbow.
Stahl also said Canton Lake is another worthwhile spot to fish, especially if you’re looking for crappie. He suggested using slip-cork bobbers and jigs to fish the three jetties on the dam. He said to gear your tackle ultra-light, fish with a light line and super-light rods and reels, and use very small hooks.
For those braving winter weather to fish, it is important to take safety precautions when fishing on cold waters.
“Dress warmly and treat the water with extreme respect," Stahl said. "If you are getting in a boat practice caution because this is a bad time for hypothermia. Take food, snacks and warm drinks.”
To fish in Oklahoma, anglers must have a state fishing license and fishing and hunting legacy permit, unless exempt. Some municipalities and lakes also require anglers to carry special permits. Consult the current “Oklahoma Fishing Guide” for more information.
