Winter Pickerel Fishing

Type: Nontidal
Region: Eastern
Location: Smithville Lake

With the weather being so unseasonably warm for late January, what�s an angler to do? Take advantage and go fishing.

I fished Smithville Lake on the Eastern Shore this past Sunday (1/26) and Monday (1/27), catching a total of 11 pickerel and 9 largemouth bass. The majority of the fish were caught on minnows with a few of the pickerel caught on a four inch paddle tail jig and ned rig. The fish were caught in the lower third of the lake in the open water. I took advantage of the light wind by letting it push my kayak across the lake. Then, I would simply start the drift over, pulling two baits (minnows on a small jig) under a bobber. Another great day of fishing with friends.

For more information about kayaking and canoeing in Maryland, visit our Kayak and Canoe Fishing page.