As December rolls in, many anglers may start to pack up their gear, thinking the fishing season is over, but for those who understand the subtleties of winter fishing, cold fronts bring some of the best opportunities for landing trophy fish. The arrival of a cold front in December signals a change in fish behavior and presents anglers with a chance to catch fish that have moved into deeper waters to seek shelter from the cold. But how do you track these fish when the water temperature drops, and the fish seem harder to find?
In this article, we’ll explore why fish tend to move to deeper waters during cold fronts, how to track their movements, and the best techniques for fishing these deeper zones in December.
Why Fish Move Deeper During December Cold Fronts
When a cold front moves through, it triggers several changes in the environment that affect fish behavior. These weather changes, which often include a sudden drop in temperature, increased winds, and pressure shifts, have a major impact on how fish feed and move. In the colder months, fish metabolism slows, and they tend to seek out deeper, more stable water to conserve energy. Here’s why:
1. Stable Water Temperature
Fish are cold-blooded, meaning their body temperature matches that of their environment. When a cold front pushes through, surface water temperatures drop rapidly, making shallow waters less hospitable. Deep water, on the other hand, remains more consistent in temperature, offering fish a more stable environment where they can conserve energy. Deeper areas provide shelter from the temperature swings and give fish a chance to find more comfortable, thermally stable zones to weather the storm.
2. Increased Pressure and Decreased Activity
Cold fronts are often associated with a drop in atmospheric pressure, which can cause fish to become less active. With reduced feeding opportunities in the shallows, fish will retreat to deeper water where they can remain more passive. As fish go deeper, they slow down their movements and become more lethargic, making it harder to catch them. However, this doesn’t mean that they’re not feeding; they’re just feeding less aggressively. That’s why fishing in deeper waters becomes a better option during these fronts.
3. Water Clarity
Cold fronts can also bring wind, rain, and turbulence, which can stir up the water and reduce visibility. As a result, fish often feel more secure in deeper waters where the reduced light penetration provides cover. This makes the deeper zones—especially those with submerged structures or drop-offs—key locations for fish during these cold spells.
How to Track Fish in Deeper Waters During Cold Fronts
Knowing where to find fish during a cold front is only half the battle. The real challenge is understanding how to track them and adjust your fishing techniques accordingly. Here’s a guide to help you locate and track fish during these cold December fronts.
1. Use Sonar and Depth Finders to Locate Fish
One of the most effective tools for tracking fish in deeper waters is a sonar or depth finder. These devices help you identify key structures such as drop-offs, sunken rocks, and ledge-like formations, which are ideal places for fish to congregate.
Look for underwater structures, such as submerged trees, boulders, or man-made features, as these attract fish seeking shelter. During cold fronts, fish tend to stick to areas where they can find both shelter and food. Focus your efforts on deep holes and troughs where fish can wait out the cold front without having to expend much energy.
2. Monitor Water Temperature
One of the most important factors during a cold front is the water temperature. Since fish are more sensitive to temperature changes, they will seek out areas where the temperature is more stable. By using a temperature probe or a depth finder with built-in temperature readings, you can pinpoint the areas where fish are most likely to be. Look for areas where the temperature remains relatively stable, particularly in deeper regions where the water is less likely to cool down quickly.
3. Look for Thermal Shelters
Certain underwater structures—like sunken logs, boulders, or cavernous rock piles—act as thermal shelters for fish during cold fronts. These structures absorb and retain heat, creating microenvironments where fish can find refuge from the cold water. By locating these thermal shelters, you increase your chances of finding fish. Focus on drop-offs and steep slopes, as these often have hidden pockets of warmer water that fish will seek out.
4. Fish the Bottom of the Drop-offs
During cold fronts, fish often move toward the bottom of drop-offs, where the temperature is more stable and the water is deeper. When fishing drop-offs, focus your attention on the bottom 10-15 feet of water. Use bottom-bouncing rigs or jigs to target fish that are hugging the bottom, where they’re most likely to be resting or foraging.
5. Pay Attention to Fish Behavior
While cold fronts can cause fish to slow down, they are still feeding—they’re just more lethargic. During these times, it’s essential to slow your presentation. Fish are less likely to chase fast-moving baits during a cold front, so using slow, steady retrieves or bottom-contact techniques is ideal. Additionally, try using finesse lures, such as drop shots or shaky heads, to tempt fish into biting.
Best Techniques for Fishing During December Cold Fronts
Now that you know where to find fish during a cold front, the next step is using the right techniques to land them. Here are a few effective techniques for fishing deeper waters in December.
1. Vertical Jigging
Vertical jigging is one of the best techniques for fishing deep water during a cold front. This technique involves dropping your jig straight to the bottom and working it back slowly, making small, deliberate movements. Vertical jigs mimic the erratic movements of struggling prey, which can entice even sluggish fish to bite. Be sure to use heavier jigs to get your presentation to the proper depth quickly, as fish during cold fronts often remain near the bottom.
2. Slow Trolling with Crankbaits
For larger predator species like walleye or northern pike, slow trolling with deep-diving crankbaits or swimbaits can be highly effective. The key is to troll at a slow speed (1.5 to 2 mph) and target the deeper edges of drop-offs, where fish are most likely to be. Slow trolling allows you to cover more ground while staying in the zone where fish are most likely to be found.
3. Live Bait on the Bottom
When fish are in deep water during a cold front, live bait such as shiners, minnows, or nightcrawlers can be incredibly effective. Drop the bait near the bottom of a drop-off and let it sit there, giving the fish time to approach it and feed. This technique works well for catfish, walleye, and trout, which tend to linger in deeper, colder water during this time.
4. Use Slow, Steady Retrieves with Soft Plastics
When using soft plastics like worms, creature baits, or grubs, a slow, steady retrieve can make all the difference. Opt for finesse techniques like shaky heads, Texas rigs, or drop-shot rigs, which allow the bait to hover just above the bottom, where fish are typically hiding.
Conclusion: Big Rewards in Deeper Waters
While fishing during December cold fronts may present unique challenges, it can also offer some of the best rewards for anglers who understand how fish behave in these conditions. By tracking fish to deeper water, using the right tools to locate them, and employing techniques that mimic their feeding patterns, you can increase your chances of success even when the weather turns cold.
Remember, patience is key. Fish during cold fronts are often slower to bite, but with persistence and the right approach, you can enjoy some of the most rewarding fishing of the year. So, get out there, track the fish in the deeper zones, and make the most of these chilly December days. Happy fishing!
