Fishing At Night...Now?

[fishinyank]

So the Susky River has been way up the past week or so, so between that, Thanksgiving and work, its been over a week since Iv'e last been on the water. But Im out of work now, its been warm up here in NY the past few days, and its a balmy 50 degreees right now. I was thinking about hittin a warm water discherge for an hour or two. Ive never fished at night past september or so and I was wonderin what you guys thought. Do I have a chance? Any tips?

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

Boating on a river at night can be hairy but I'm assuming you knowthe water.  even still, cold water temps,...it's not worth it.

should you decided to go anyway, be sure to NOT GO ALONE and PFD's are a must 100% of the time, not just driving.

JMO

[Guest avid]

Notwithstanding LBH's wise precautions, there is no reason to expect fish not to feed at night because we find conditions a little chilly.  the colder it gets the slower their metabolism is, so it could be tough out there, but I say fish when you can.  If nighttime is your time, then go for it.

Just be careful out there.

Did I tell you the story of the Angler eating goblin that lurks in the woods by your town? NO?  Well, don't worry he only eats at night.  

[fishinyank]

THanks LBH. I was asking about the fishing though, not saftey. Im not going by boat which should comfort you, couldnt reach the places I want to hit by boat. NO wading either, at least no past my knees anyway. Heck thats risky enough in broad daylight. well anyway, I'm of. Ill report in the outing section in a little while if anyone is interested.

[justfishin]

I have been fishing the Susky for over 25 years now. You are right, it has been high over Turkey day at 14'. The last few days we have been slaying them in Harrisburg Pa. It is running between 5'5" and 6' in which is the perfect level for this time of year. The water has been around 45-48 and things could not be better. I do fish her at night in the summer at Three Mile Island and City Island in Harrisburg and do very well but, for your own safety, at this time of year, stay off of the old girl at night. Five minutes in the water at those temps and -----Seeee Yaaaa!!!!---. I do not know what part you fish but, down here I would not do it this time of year. Plus, BrrrrrrrrrrrrrColllllllldddd. If you do get to Harrisburg throw Green Pumpkin/red flake or Dark Mellon/purple flake 3 1/2" gitzits between the Front ST. ramp, the Statue and up until the Campground in Duncannon. You will certainly have numbers. They have been numerous, fat and sassy !!!! Stay in the front of the small islands and fish every current break you see. Mostly the mini eddies. Hope this helps, good luck.

[justfishin]

Sorry, I just read your previous message. I thought you were Jet Boatin. I would not be afraid to fish the eddies along the bank at night. Might be fun and you might get into them. Good luck.

[Catt]

My experience is confined strictly to Toledo Bend Reservoir not a river so you can take it far what it's worth. I night fish from April through October and have on occasion night fished in November.

I normally fish the same areas fished during the day with one exception; night lighted areas. Lighted docks, lighted boat ramps, a row of camps with lights along the bank or a single camp with a light near the water.

Contrast is more important by far than color at night. If you fish water where shad or minnows are the predominate prey species, then try white spinners with a white grub. The usual night time favorite black is the second choice in shad populated lakes. Black or dark hued lures give maximum contrast at night when run on or near the surface. Under water vision for the bass is reduced at night, so use lures that are a little larger. Slow retrieves work better because it lets the bass locate the lure easier and zero in on it.

Shallow verses deep water: I have not noticed a distinct advantage one way or the other. I will normally fish both areas thoroughly staying with the one that produces the best results. However shallow water does offer a greater opportunity to use different baits.

[fishinyank]

Thanks for the info guys. I just got back and there was nothing going on. I threw some tubes and grubs and didn't even get a bump. I worked current breaks near shore, the mouth of the discharge creek, and up the creek where the powerplant lights up the water and nothin'. Oh well, it still felt good to get out.