General Pickeral Fishing

[tech11165]

I haven't fished for pickerel since the water temp was in the Mid 40s. What kind of patterns hold now that the water is in the 30s? Do they go deeper or still hold around the shoreline?
Thanks

[J.A. Veil]

They may go to slightly deeper spots, especially first thing in the morning when the overnight air temp was below freezing. The shallows will be colder than mid-depths. On a cold day look for shallow mud flats in direct sun. These areas warm up quickly and attract bait. Pickerel will follow.

I have taken a lengthy break from pickerel fishing after catching quite a few up until early Jan. I recall in previous winters going to a tidal pond that was 80% covered with ice. As the sun got stronger during the afternoon, more and more of the ice cover melted. Each hour I was able to catch fish in parts of the pond that were ice-covered earlier in the day.

[tech11165]

They may go to slightly deeper spots, especially first thing in the morning when the overnight air temp was below freezing. The shallows will be colder than mid-depths. On a cold day look for shallow mud flats in direct sun. These areas warm up quickly and attract bait. Pickerel will follow.

I have taken a lengthy break from pickerel fishing after catching quite a few up until early Jan. I recall in previous winters going to a tidal pond that was 80% covered with ice. As the sun got stronger during the afternoon, more and more of the ice cover melted. Each hour I was able to catch fish in parts of the pond that were ice-covered earlier in the day.

Thanks. It's had been since early January since I fished for them last. Learned how at the Dec meet and Greet. I plan to use minnow jig and live minnow. Are they less aggressive in the cold. I used a faster retrieve when warmer. Is it a slower presentation?
Thanks

[J.A. Veil]

Yes. Slow down the retrieve but make sure the lure or bait does not hit the bottom. If so, it will get covered in slime.