Winter Musky Fishing Rivers
January and February usher in the doldrums of winter across the southern musky range. Icy boat ramps, rogue snow squalls, and frozen musky reels are all compounding factors during this time frame, but they come as no surprise. While the mighty reservoirs of the South absorb the brunt of winter musky fishing pressure, southern rivers remain, for the most part, untapped.
This is due in part to the fact that many northern anglers heading south for their winter musky fix are far more accustomed to fishing natural lakes. Coupled with the reality that many southern rivers lack quality navigational maps, fishing pressure on these systems is often light or practically nonexistent.
While river muskies tend to behave a bit differently regardless of where they are found, things become more complex when winter conditions and cold water temperatures are factored in. With that in mind, let’s look at a few tips to help you put more winter river muskies in the net.
Eddies
While slack water is key to river musky fishing year round, it becomes paramount during the winter months. Muskies are moving slowly and actively attempting to conserve calories. Eddies, pockets, and pools, by definition, lack heavy current and provide winter muskies with places to hold while expending minimal energy during the coldest periods of the year.
Structural Contouring
The vast majority of winter muskies hold tight to structural elements. This demands that anglers choose lures capable of reaching precise target depths while still retaining action in river current. While many scenarios may call for mid depth offerings, lures like the Livingston Lures Kraken and other rubber style baits are staples for winter river musky fishing. Sinking lures allow anglers to count down presentations and tailor retrieves to match river contours and break lines.
Gauge Current
With snowmelt and winter rains, river currents can change daily. These fluctuating flow rates directly affect lure depth and action. In extreme cases, crankbaits may run on their sides, and jerkbaits can be pushed so far downstream that they become ineffective. While moderate current is far easier to contend with, anglers must pay close attention to how current influences lure performance. At times, minor weighting modifications can counteract negative effects. In other situations, anglers may find themselves limited to a small selection of lures that retain proper action in heavy flow.
High Tide
Larger southern rivers are often regulated by dams that control water level and flow rate. These hydroelectric systems can raise or lower river levels in a matter of minutes. As a general rule, falling water levels negatively impact baitfish movement and, in turn, musky activity. Conversely, rising water often jump start baitfish movement, coaxing sluggish winter muskies into action. When planning a winter river musky outing, focus your efforts around periods of rising water whenever possible.
Boat Control
Effective river musky fishing demands precise boat control. Maintaining a controlled drift that allows for proper casting distance while accounting for lure running depth and target break lines is critical. With this in mind, I often run my boat in reverse with the bow pointed upstream. This allows the trolling motor to slow the drift when needed. With a little practice, navigating in reverse becomes second nature and makes it easier to maneuver around obstacles and river bends.
While one could write endlessly about the differences between river and lake musky fishing, these tips should help shorten the learning curve. At its core, river musky fishing is still musky fishing, with a few added complicating factors. Once those factors are understood and managed, you will undoubtedly find more muskies in your net.
Cheers,
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