We’ll have to wait and see, but I believe February and March have changed places. The Shenandoah River and local lakes were low and clear during February, and the water temperatures remained in the mid-forties, above normal for this time of year, which keeps the fish in fishing mode. From my time on the water, and reports I got from other anglers; February was a productive month. There were five-to-seven-pound bass being caught on the river, and a nine-pound bass was caught at Lake Frederick just north of Front Royal.
What to expect in March? Early snowstorms aren’t uncommon, and most likely we’ll be dealing with spring rains later in the month. In addition, we’ll be dealing with some windy days and occasional mild days, which give us a taste of spring. As we go into March stick with the lures that got you through winter. Bass will continue to be near their wintering holes.
As the water temperatures start to rise later in the month, bass will start pulling out of those wintering holes and into more shallow patterns. This all depends on the weather and water conditions. Begin the month fishing jerk baits just off the flats in deeper water, and dragging jigs around rock piles and wooden cover just off the drop-offs.
As bass start to transition from wintering holes to more shallow water, target these fish with reaction lures, spinnerbaits, chatter baits and my favorite the square billed crankbait. You can cover a lot of water in a short time with these lures. One of the secrets this time of year is to cover a lot of water. If you know where bass are normally found in the next couple of months, it is likely they are not far from that area right now.
March is one of my favorite months of the year to fish. Most of the biggest bass of the year are caught during the next couple of months in our area. So, I hope you have time to go fishing, and just maybe you’ll catch that bass of a lifetime. That’s what keeps us going back. Good luck!
Do you have the assurance that when you leave this world or on the day of the Lord’s return you will spend eternity in heaven? If you’ve never repented of your sins and asked Jesus to come into your heart, and put your trust in him, I would encourage you to think about this decision you and all of us must make.
John 14:6 – Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”
This world is too much for us to bear alone. Reach out your hand to Jesus. He is there.
God Loves You!
Mike
