When is it time to get the boat out?

[Crankhead]

It's February, I live just west of Chicago and we've been getting snow about every other day. Today we got another 10" & I'm starting to get sick of shoveling snow. And what have I been thinking about the last few days? The 1st day I can put my boat in the water to start the 2008 fishing season! What water temp do you all look for to start your season off? I've read where bass start to get active when the water temp hits the high 40's. Since I fish a very deep clear lake, what water temp should I be waiting for? I can't wait to get back in my boat on the lake!  

[jdw174]

When I fished Lake Erie, about the coldest water that I could reasonably hope to find some activity was the mid-40's (smallmouth).  Largemouth started up about 10 degrees warmer.

[Crestliner2008]

"Active" is a relative word. Bass are always active to some degree. Contrary to popular belief, bass do NOT go dormant in winter. They have to eat. Maybe not very often, but they will eat. I'll start targetting bass (LM & SM) as soon as the ice opens up enough to put my boat in. Right now they're probably in their winter haunts; deep holes or structures where their prey regularly passes by and where the bass won't have to move much for a meal. And yes, if you had access to open water right now, you could catch bass! The main problem you would be faced with would be finding them. A great time for a blade bait. After ice out, the bass will start to move up and become even more "active". This is the time for the jerkbaits, or slow rolled spinnerbaits (slow, horizontal presentations). When the water temp gets above 45* to 50*, they'll start setting up on structures adjacent to the spawning flats (I'm not suggesting they're interested in spawning, just that they are getting ready for what nature dictates they must. Now you can try the drop shot, Senkos & tubes; anything with a more verticle/slow presentation being a better option.

[Raul]

Fishing "season" starts Jan 1st and finishes Dec the 31 st.

Ooooooops !!!!! sorry !!! closer to the Equator down here.  

[senile1]

If I had a warm place to store my boat I would use it all winter long.  As it is, I store it outside so I don't want to have to winterize it every time I take it out to keep water from freezing up in the motor.  The activity level of the bass is not the deciding factor for me.  

[BaitMS]

I say as long as the water is liquid have at it..but for that to happen for you, you're going to have to wait a couple more months. You could take a road trip south??

[ba7ss3in]

Bass gotta eat, know you can handle the snow, so, go fish!!!!!!!

[bassdocktor]

Crankhead. I know some guys that have been out on Lake Michigan during January. Seems that most people in the Chicago area seem to start in April if they can. I'm kinda tired of all the snow too. Everyday we get just a little more or rain.

[HesterIsGod]

Crankhead, Im just south of Chicago. Start fishing at ice out. Contrary to popular belief as soon as the ice completely thaws in febuary or march can be some of the best fishing. Pay absolutely no attention to water temps until you think its getting around 50.

One of the reasons the fishing is so good after ice out is because the only lure the bass have seen in the last 3 or 4 months was a minnow or a swedish pimple dangled from a guy sitting on a bucket in the middle of the lake. Get out there and go fishin!!!!!!

[Duma]

I concur, when you can safely say the ices for the year have come and gone, get out there, I know I will be ...seems like this always around March Madness time....at least on a Chicago timetable

[SPAZ]

I'm in Chicago as well so I feel your pain guys.  Where do you guys usually fish?  

[HPBB]

Here in Pa it is as soon as the water isn't hard anymore. that is usailly in mid march. and as for active, well that is some of the best fishing for big fish in the year. My club has a early tournament each year in late march or first week in april. at this one lake and its the tournament that always puts big weights  up. this seems to put up the lunker every year. there are many 5, 6 and even 7 pounders caught at that tournament.  every year when we have that tournament our TD tells everybody the same thhing ( its more for the new guys than anything) "when you get that 5 pounder in the livewell and you think you just won lunker. well, don't count your money just yet. 5"s are common"

[Bankbeater]

When the ice is off and it doesn't freeze rain.

[Rattlinrogue]

I skipped winter fishing this year,but it's feb and I'm already catching 'em.

[bassdocktor]

For fishing in Chicago the rivers like the Chicago and Cal Sag are good. Plus we've always got the big lake.

[HesterIsGod]

The big lake and the Chicago river are ok for bass but there are better choices out there. The mazonia chain of lakes are great as well as fox chain of lakes. If you want to drive a little less try all the lakes and ponds in the cook and will county forest preserve.

[bassdocktor]

Hester, the big pond is awesome if you are looking for some nice smallies. Went out on my birthday October 8 and we took what would have been a 20lb limit. Alot of it depends if you have a boat or wanna drag it out. And where you are located.