January 2022 started off on a good note. We were enjoying mild temperatures and active fish. Water temperatures were in the low fifties, and fish were fairly aggressively feeding. There were some nice bass caught to kick off the new year. Both smallmouth and largemouth were being caught on the Shenandoah River in Luray, with most bass being caught on jigs and jerk baits.
Then winter truly set in. We had two snow storms and possibly a third while writing this article. Water temperatures dropped to around 40 degrees and fish retreated to their wintering holes. The way it looks, this will continue into February.
The one thing anglers can look forward to in February is that spring is just around the corner. Until then, if you do get the chance to get on the river, just knowing where the bass are holding and getting a lure in front of them will be the key. February is a good month to catch nice bass. One of my biggest bass on the Shenandoah River was caught in February.
This month you will want to start fishing deep. At least 8 feet or deeper. Fish jigs, grubs and ned rigs in these deeper holes. Presentation will have to be slow. Very slow! A lot of the bass you catch in cold water, you probably won’t even feel the bite. They will just be there.
If we get a two- or three-day warming trend, bass will move up in the water column. You’ll want to target these bass with a jerkbaits, and small crankbaits. Remember, your presentation will still have to be slow.
If it’s just too cold to get on the water, this is a good time to get your spring tackle organized. Clean and oil your reels and put on new line to be ready for the spring months ahead.
Good luck fishing in February.
Well, we are right in the dead of winter. No fishing. No golfing. Not much going on. I believe it would be a great time to dig into God’s word! Read it and study it, and come to know how much God loves you and how he longs for a relationship with you. Start with the book of John. Ask God to examine your heart.
Is there room in your life for God?
Proverbs 21:2 “People may be right in their own eyes. But the Lord examines their heart”.
God bless you all!
Mike
