Our timely, up-to-date Fishing Reports are delivered via email and on the website every Friday by noon, just in time for weekend fishing adventures. Meanwhile, here's our forecast for the upcoming month of angling based on the recent weather patterns and what we've seen on a month-by-month basis looking back at our eight years of weekly fishing reports. Cross your fingers for a great February of fishing!
COASTAL FISHING FORECAST
There often isn’t a heck of a lot going on along the coast at this time of year, but one bright spot is the Virginia special February sea bass season. The bite is usually pretty darn good, so bundle up and go for it if the opportunity arises. Another good target is tautog, that perennial cold-water option, which often runs hot and cold and will hopefully be hot if you get a good weather window. Crab baits dead on bottom are the ticket for the tog, people.
FRESHWATER FISHING FORECAST
It may be cold outside but watch for those brief warmups and sunny afternoons, because the biggest pickerel of the year are usually caught in February. Any ice-free reservoirs or millponds are a good bet, and the upper tribs can produce some monsters, too. Float a minnow on a dart with one rod while you cast a jerkbait, Roadrunner, or inline spinner with another. You’ll tie into some bass at this time of year, too, but remember to work deeper water than usual. Speaking of deep water: reservoir bridge pilings are a great place to check out at this time of year for crappie.
WAY NORTH FISHING FORECAST
It’s yellow perch time, people! As long as the river isn’t blasting with melt-off or covered with the hard stuff this is a prime time to drop down small jigs tied in tandems and/or minnow, and crank back those yellow neds. And remember, last February was when Thomas Dembeck, Jr. set a new state record with his 2.3 pound, 16-incher in the lower Susquehanna. You say you feel the need for a heftier tug? In that case, drop some baits for blue cats.
UPPER CHESAPEAKE BAY FISHING FORECAST
Look to the Baltimore-area creeks and the upper reaches of the tribs for excellent pickerel action this month. Fish minnow and you have a pretty good shot at encountering some yellow perch, too.
MIDDLE BAY FORECAST
Unless you want to visit the CCNPP discharge expect the main Bay to be quiet, unless we see a nice warm spell that triggers activity. Either way there are always fish in the tribs. Especially on the Eastern Shore there’s a shot at pickerel, yellow perch, crappie, and even some bass.
LOWER BAY FORECAST
It’s a great time to head up the tributary rivers and target monster blue catfish, and all you need to do is get ahold of some cut bait or chicken livers and sink it down to the bottom. You’ll also likely find yellow perch if you locate a deep hole just downstream of one of the feeder creeks and rivers they spawn in—minnow on bottom rigs are a killer in that scenario.
TANGIER, POCOMOKE, AND LOWER SHORE FORECAST
Heading up the tribs is the ticket for hot action during this cold month, and crappie, bass, yellow perch, and pickerel are all strong possibilities. Hit the channels and holes with minnow when the tide is low for the best bite. Don’t dismiss heading for one of the area millponds, either, especially if you’re on the hunt for a fat February pickerel.
WAY SOUTH AND VA FORECAST
Many anglers in this zone will be tempted to head for oceanic action and take advantage of the February special sea bass season, if they can access it. That said, there’s always a shot at specks and reds in the inlets if the weather cooperates. Especially if we enjoy a few days of warm, sunny weather, the action can go from nada to hot in short order.
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