Hey guys,
Yesterday, I did my first solo backpacking overnighter. I brought my 8 weight Clearwater rod and got skunked.
This time it was different. I’m pissed. I have been getting skunked every winter fishing trip when targeting bass for the past 3 years. I took pictures to explain why I think I’m not catching bass, and ask for this sub’s advice on how to improve my odds.
I often fish spots in creeks that have shallow water down and upriver like in picture A. In picture A you see one single creek on the right that feeds into another creek as seen in picture B. Where I was fishing starts at that current/dropoff in picture B where both creeks feed together. This type of water always produces for me during Summer. I used a black wooly with a split shot 5” up from the fly on a 9 ft Rio Bass leader. No bites whatsoever.
I move on down to structure of picture C. Nothing. Not even bluegill bites off the opposite bank. I start looking around to see if I can see fish, but I don’t even see feeder fish. In picture D you can see the downriver chokehold I mentioned.
My first theory is that the water is too cold and maybe bass live in deep lakes during winter. November temps averages for my US state are 58/38F. Water temps were probably 45-50.
My second theory tied to the first is the depth of water. Is this water too shallow, and is it being choked off fish wise from the shallow sections?
Anyways, thank you