Lets talk about cold water

I have only ever had a few trips where I fished in sub 40 degree water. I think some things defiantly change
Today I fished in water as low as 35, marked some really good fish that were not real active. I think smaller bait size may be more productive, and we drifted through a lot of fish without a nibble. So I kinda think drifting may not be as affective. Maybe more of a dead stick approach.... anchor and keep bait still. What are some of you guys experiences with sub 40 degree water

I prefer anchoring. But today we had a super high barometer which may have been part of the problem you had

I know Tom 30.8 crazy high. We did get one good fish, a few eaters, but we were really in some good fish, and they were just lazy. Had a good day either way, but dang that hot shower felt better than normal today.

Yes, temps perfect, catfish calendar perfect, EXCEPT for that High Pressure ridge sitting smack dab in the center of the USA, even alterring the jet stream, as per this afternoon's weather report. It is actually going to linger a few days until it finally & slowly drifts away. It is also one reason that we are getting more of the Arctic Blast.

But with set lines, when they do have that periodic wake-up & feed, the lines are there waiting & baited. There are pros & cons to fishing either way- set lines or R-n-R. Sometimes when they are not roaming, with R-n-R you can drop it right in there on the eating table.