The artic blast at Christmas lowered water temperatures into the 30’s, and was then followed by above average temperatures in January that caused water temperatures to rise into the mid-forties. Bass responded by feeding, mainly during the mid-day hours.
What to expect in February? Most likely it will be a cold month. Hunting season is over and some days it will be rough trying to wet a line. This can lead to a bad case of cabin fever. If that is you, stay busy by preparing your fishing gear for spring. Clean and oil your reels, put new fishing line on, check the guides on your rods for cracks and get your tackle boxes in order. Maybe make plans for where you want to go fishing this spring.
When it comes to fishing, Virginia offers plenty of places to go. We have the great Shenandoah River, Lake Laura back at Bryce, Lake Frederick just north of Front Royal and Lake Anna east of us. To the south there is Briery Creek Lake and Sandy River Lake. Two of my favorite places to fish. All of these bodies of water hold big bass. The last-mentioned hold trophy size bass. Do a little research before you go.
For February, fish will remain in the deeper wintering holes for the majority of the time. If we have a couple of warm days, it is possible to find fish in shallower areas, mainly during mid-day.
Lure selection is fairly simple this month. Jerk baits and jigs with a chunk trailer. So, if you can brave the cold and get the opportunity to get on the water… go! Late February can be a big bass producer.
Our outdoor hobbies will slow-down this month, perhaps even come to a halt. But there is still plenty to do. Read a book, work on a puzzle, or maybe you have an indoor hobby. I never did much reading in my younger years, but I now have come to enjoy reading. I even got three new books for Christmas. But the one book I enjoy reading the most is my bible.
I would like to encourage you to take some time this month, set that phone to the side for a while, and read and study Gods Word. You’ll discover on the pages of the bible how much God loves you, and longs for a relationship with you. Perhaps start by reading a Psalm every day. Jesus loves you! And how do we know? For the bible tells us so!
Have a great month!
Mike
