❄️ Winter Fishing: Why the Coldest Days Bring the Hottest Bites

By EJ’s Lures & Flies

When most people think of fishing, they picture warm summer days, sun on their backs, and easy casts into open water. But here in New Hampshire—and anywhere the temps dip and the frost sets in—something magical happens in winter. The crowds disappear, the world gets quiet, and the fish… well, they don’t stop feeding just because we’re cold.

Winter fishing may look a little different, but it offers some of the most rewarding days on the water (or the ice!) you’ll ever experience.

🌬️ Why Winter Fishing Is Worth It

While many anglers pack away their gear in November, the dedicated ones know a little secret: winter is when the big ones come out to play.

As water temps drop, fish slow down, stick close to structure, and feed in short bursts. That means when you find them—they’re hungry and ready. Whether you're jigging through the ice or casting into a cold river, winter fish are deliberate, strong, and often larger than you'd expect.

❄️ Gear Up Right: Cold Weather Must-Haves

Winter fishing is all about preparation. A great day can turn miserable fast if you’re not set up right.

Here’s what every cold-season angler should have:

• Warm, layered clothing – Stay mobile, but insulated.

• Waterproof gloves – Because cold hands mean a short fishing trip.

• Proper footwear – Ice cleats if you're on a lake, warm boots on the riverbank.

• A slow-moving lure or fly – Fish aren’t chasing fast in winter. Smaller is usually better.

At EJ’s Lures & Flies, we hand-craft winter-friendly flies and lures designed to move naturally and trigger slow-feeding fish. Every lure is made with care, tested by real anglers, and built to withstand frigid conditions.

🎣 Best Winter Techniques

Slow and steady wins the fish. In winter, fish conserve energy, so your presentation should match their mood.

Try these methods:

• Jig lightly and pause often

• Use smaller profiles

• Fish deeper water where temps are more stable

• Look for sunny spots—even a little warmth can bring fish closer to structure

If you’re fly fishing, winter is the perfect time for soft hackles, nymphs, and small, subtle patterns. If you prefer spinning gear, think small jig heads, spoons, and natural colors.

❄️🐟 Species You Can Target in Winter

Depending on where you fish, winter can be incredible for:

• Trout

• Salmon

• Panfish

• Bass (slow but worth it!)

• Pickerel

• Perch

Each species behaves differently in the cold, but the one thing they have in common? They still eat!

🧊 Ice Fishing: A Whole Different Kind of Magic

If you love peace and quiet, nothing compares to stepping onto a frozen lake at sunrise. Ice fishing has a charm all its own: the crunch of snow, the echoes under the ice, and the thrill of watching your trap spring or your jig rod bend.

For ice fishing, simplicity is key. Small bright lures, gentle jigging, long pauses. And always check ice thickness—safety first.

❤️ Why We Fish in Winter

For us at EJ’s Lures & Flies, winter fishing is more than a hobby—it’s a reminder that even in the quietest months, the outdoors has something incredible to offer.

It’s time spent with friends or family, stories shared over steaming coffee, and those unexpected moments when your rod bends and you forget the cold completely.

Winter fishing isn’t for everyone—but for those who try it, it often becomes a tradition.

🎣✨ Ready for Winter Gear?

If you're gearing up for cold-season fishing, check out our handmade winter-friendly lures and flies.
Every lure is carefully crafted by hand, tested in real conditions, and created with love and a whole lot of passion.

👉 Visit us at EJ’s Lures & Flies and get ready to make this winter your best fishing season yet.