Happy New Year! We wish all of you a healthy, happy and prosperous 2024!
Due to hunting season, and low, clear, cold, water conditions, bass on the Shenandoah River and local lakes have seen very little fishing pressure. And it seems that will continue unto January.
Shenandoah River bass will be in a winter pattern over the next several months. They will be found in the deepest section of the river you are fishing. In the winter months I would start fishing in the deeper pockets, dragging jigs and grubs along the bottom. That’s not to say they won’t move to shallow water if we can get two or three days of warm, sunny weather. Don’t be afraid to fish in shallow water during winter. I catch a lot of bass in the river in six feet of water or less. Fish will move shallow looking for baitfish. If you are lucky enough to be on the water during a warm-up you can land a lot of fish.
If you find bass in shallow water, they are there for a reason. To feed. I would target these bass with small crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and the jerk bait. That may sound crazy but bass will react to these lures during winter months. And you have heard me say it before – most of your bigger bass are caught during the winter months.
So, I close with this. If you have never tried winter time fishing, layer-up, wear that life jacket, and get out there. You may be surprised at what can happen. If you don’t catch any fish, at least it keeps cabin fever from setting in. So good luck, be safe and look out for others.
As we begin a new year, you may have new adventures. Perhaps a new job or maybe go fishing for the first time. We don’t know what the year holds. Remember, all good things come from God. He has a plan and a purpose for our lives.
Jeremiah 29:11&12 – “…For I know the plans I have for you”, says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me…”
Know matter what happens in our lives this new year, if we put our trust in Jesus Christ, he’ll see us through everything. His hands are reaching out to you. Will you reach out to him? I pray you have a great new year.
God Bless!
Mike
