Expanding Your Winter Fishing Horizons: 11 Trailer-Worthy Destinations
For avid anglers, winter doesn't have to mean the end of fishing season. By hitting the road and venturing to incredible fishing destinations, you can enjoy red-hot winter angling for a variety of species. If you're up for a bit of travel, these destinations promise unforgettable winter fishing experiences that will keep your passion for angling alive all season long.
1. Lake Guntersville, Alabama
Dive into the "Jewel of the Tennessee River," Lake Guntersville, and experience a bass angler's paradise. Don't let the chill deter you – this legendary lake serves up explosive largemouth bass action even during the winter. Key in on submerged grass beds and creek channels to reel in those trophy bass that anglers dream of.
2. Santee Cooper Lakes, South Carolina
Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie, the dynamic duo of Santee Cooper Lakes, beckon Southern anglers with a smorgasbord of catfish, crappie, striped bass, and largemouth bass. These interconnected lakes deliver excitement in every corner. Scout out the warmer pockets near power plants for a dose of heart-pounding winter angling.
3. Lake Havasu, Arizona
Trade winter blues for a desert oasis of angling excitement at Lake Havasu in Arizona. Renowned for its striped bass, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass, Lake Havasu offers a warm haven for fishermen seeking high-octane action amidst the colder months. Explore coves, points, and underwater structures against a stunning desert backdrop for unforgettable fishing thrills.
4. Toledo Bend Reservoir, Texas/Louisiana
Spanning state lines, Toledo Bend Reservoir redefines winter bass fishing. With waters teeming with bass, crappie, catfish, and more, this reservoir offers a playground for dedicated anglers. Watch as bass migrate to deeper waters during winter, making underwater structures, drop-offs, and points prime real estate for landing those prized catches.
5. Lake Lanier, Georgia
Get ready for a Southern fishing extravaganza at Lake Lanier in Georgia. This picturesque lake presents a diversity of bass species, including spotted, largemouth, and striped bass. Even in the milder winter climate, the fishing action remains vibrant. Cast your line at rocky points and submerged structures to hook into a winter bass worth celebrating.
6. Lake Okeechobee, Florida
In the heart of Florida, stretching across a vast expanse, this water paradise is celebrated for its bountiful largemouth bass population, enchanting fishermen all year round. As winter embraces the region with its mild climate, the bass continue their lively dance, offering you the opportunity to secure remarkable trophies. Set your sights on the lush grass beds and delve into the intricate tapestry of the lake's diverse underwater terrain, ready to unleash thrilling catches that will fuel your angling spirit.
7. Lake Champlain, New York/Vermont
Lake Champlain is a gem nestled between the states of New York and Vermont. Despite the cold temperatures, this lake offers a winter fishing experience like no other. Target species like smallmouth and largemouth bass, as well as northern pike and perch. The lake's diverse structure and underwater features make for exciting angling opportunities.
8. Lake Amistad, Texas
For those looking to experience winter fishing with a Texan twist, Lake Amistad is a top-notch choice. The lake straddles the Texas-Mexico border and is famous for its clear waters and trophy bass. Take advantage of the milder Texas winters and try your luck at landing some impressive largemouth and smallmouth bass.
9. Kentucky Lake, Kentucky/Tennessee
Kentucky Lake is a 184-mile-long reservoir spanning the states of Tennessee and Kentucky. Multiple species are plentiful throughout its waters, including all three major species of bass, crappie and many other panfish, walleye, white bass, and catfish. During the winter, creek channels near deep water transitions are prime spots for targeting bass, and deep stands of timber harbor hordes of slab crappie. Rocky banks also retain heat and transfer it to the water, so look to those areas that face the sun.
10. Table Rock Lake, Missouri
Construction on this stunning 67-square-mile lake was completed on the White River near the Missouri/Arkansas border in 1958, and it has since become a premier destination for bass anglers. You can hit grand slam of smallmouth, spotted, and largemouth bass on any given day, and the fish remain active during all but the most frigid weeks of winter.
11. Lake Texoma, Texas/Oklahoma
Lake Texoma, on the Texas/Oklahoma border, is renowned for trophy striper fishing, and though they slow down a bit in winter, they still have to eat. If you’ve never battled a 10-lb. striper, you need to add it to your bucket list—and then check it off with a trip to this legendary reservoir. And don’t worry about crossing state lines with the wrong fishing license—you can purchase a Lake Texoma license from local retailers that covers the entire reservoir on both the Texas and Oklahoma sides.
Elevate Your Winter Fishing Adventure
With these trailer-worthy destinations, you're on the brink of a winter fishing experience that's nothing short of extraordinary. So, gear up, hitch your boat, and venture on a winter fishing adventure that promises thrilling catches and lasting memories.
Bonus Winter Fishing Tips:
Tip 1: Suspending jerk baits, slow-rolling deep crankbaits, and crawfish-imitating jigs can all be productive in the colder months.
Tip 2: dead-sticking soft-plastic jerkbaits on a ½-ounce jig head will produce big striper in winter months, but pay attention—the bite can be very soft.
Tip 3: drag heavy football jigs on points or throw 3” paddle tail swimbaits at submerged timber.
For more info on trailering your boat, read our blog on boat trailer anatomy and maintenance