Freshwater Fishing Reports

Freshwater Fishing Report, February 6 Update:

With the current weather, ice fishing has become a reality in our area. We’ve caught word that Deep Creek Lake has frozen over with the coves in good shape, with perch and some walleye hitting shiners. We also heard that Piney Reservoir has good ice with perch and crappie both biting. We haven’t received any reports from the northern Bay tribs as of yet, but it should be possible to find good ice in coves if not more open waters. The Angler In Chief, along with FishTalk contributors Eric Packard, Adam Greenberg, and David Rudow did get out for a late week trip on the upper Magothy near Beechwood Park to try ice fishing. The AIC reports that ice on the creek was seven inches thick, plenty deep for safe conditions. After drilling several holes and setting their tip-ups with live minnows, it was time to play the waiting game. Unfortunately, after several hours, only four tip ups had been triggered and none of them had fish on, though a few minnows had bite marks, which indicates there are at least a few active fish under the ice. Remember that ice four inches thick or more is considered best for safety reasons. If you need a refresher on the ice fishing in our zone, be sure to check out Mid-Atlantic Ice Fishing Spectacular and Cheap and Easy Ice Fishing.

Trout season is on the horizon as we anxiously try to get through the remainder of winter. Normally, by this time of year, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources has already started their stocking operations, but ice has put a halt to that. The Maryland DNR just announced that anglers will see a 26% increase in stocked trout, monthly schedule, and allocation adjustments to enhance their experience and catch rates. You can read the full press release on the department’s website. Mossy Creek Fly Fishing reports that most of the waterways in their region are still ice covered. The local ponds, lakes, and big rivers are all locked up with ice, but the spring creeks do have some open water. The banks are still very slick, so not many people have been out fishing. The lack of fishing pressure should offer a good bite once conditions improve enough to get back out on the water. More cold weather is on the way this weekend, but let’s hope for a warm stretch of weather on the sooner side.