in winter, perch fishing gets very slow as we all know. Those of you that continue fishing through the winter months, how deep do you normally fish for them?

During the winter time I usually target Crappie,Rainbow Trout,and LM Bass. When I do fish for the sunnies they are usually in 15 to 21 feet of water hanging around brush piles with the Crappie. I also take advantage of warm spells. During the warm spells you can usually catch em in 10 to 12 feet water close by deeper water. Did fairly well on the sunnies last winter.



Side Note: Winter time is Trophy Redear time!

Thanks Banker. I was hoping I could continue catching a few on through winter, but I'm sure it is not easy. Since I no longer have a boat, I may have to do as you said and target other species. What kind of bait do you normally use for crappies in winter?

Winter time was great for me in the ponds and creeks. I caught trophy sized green sunfish, red ear, bluegill, hybrid sunfish, white bass and a 8 1/4 inch longear between December 4th and March 21st. Most of the sunfish were caught shallow around the remaining weed beds.

Thanks for the reply J-Moe. That is encouraging.

I get the out of creek pools with a worm and a pencil bobber no hight. and then filet them out and use them for catfish bait. they school up in the creeks. thats about all i know about fishing for sun fish

I use both jigs and live minnows. For the jigs I mainly us a 1/8th Oz jig head. Good colors to use are Chartreuse/black,Chartreuse/pink,and Chartreuse/red. I use both "Jig em Jigs" and the Crappie Magnets. You will be surprised the number of Bluegill you will catch while fishing for Crappie.

Interesting Banker, thanks. Unfortunately there aren't many crappy where I fish. Too bad because they are one of my favorite fish.

Decker has a few. Also Lake Austin has some. Just about an hour south on IH 35 the Guadalupe is loaded with em.

Fish rip rap and other rock where you can. Islands are a great spot year round, but the head and tail of islands is especially good during winter months. Use small craw imitations or small craws.

Also, 45 degree banks are normally a great place to catch redears and sometimes bluegills in the Winter. Old sunken fence rows and pole timber are also great places to try during winter.

Great information Jagg, thanks for sharing.

Yes sir, good info. Appreciate it.

If there is brush and structure over at least 10ft of water, I've done pretty good on gills in the winter time using wax worms with a size 8 mosquito hook 4lb line and a small shot. This is also a good way to catch finicky crappie when it's cold

Thanks for the reply CoC Angler. Appreciate it.