The New Year started off with above average temperatures for anglers in the Shenandoah Valley. Bass were being caught on the Shenandoah River. But with a couple of recent rain events the river got up and muddy, which made access to the river impossible. As most anglers know cold muddy water is one of the worst conditions an angler can face.
February will obviously follow a winter pattern with the cold water. Who knows if it will be clear or muddy? Remember, you won’t always catch large numbers of fish in the winter, but the overall size of the fish you catch have the potential to be bigger than usual.
What to expect in February? Plan for water temperatures to drop below 40 degrees. Fish will remain in the deeper wintering holes for the majority of the time. It’s possible to find them in shallower water during midday if the sun has been out warming up the rocks.
This month I would target fish using jigs with a chunk trailer. Fish the jig in deeper water around trees and rocks, and be slow with your retrieve. For shallower water target these fish with jerk baits and small crankbaits. If you find fish in the shallows, they are there for a reason…to eat.
So don’t let cabin fever set in! Keep yourself busy. Clean your reels, put on new line, and get your tackle ready for spring. If we get a few warm days, get on the water.
Do you have assurance that when you die, or if Jesus returned today, you would go to heaven? Jesus says, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). If you have never accepted Jesus as the Lord and Savior of your life, I would like to encourage to think about this important decision. For it will determine where you spend eternity, either heaven or hell. Realize that God loves you and has a plan for your life. If Jesus came back five minutes ago. Where would you be?
God Bless you all!
Mike
