Winter Redfish & Trout SECRETS (Best Areas & Lures Revealed!)
- By: Pat Ogletree
- on
Winter fishing can be tricky, but if you know where to look and what to use, the results can be incredible! In this quick guide, we’re breaking down the essentials for finding and catching redfish and trout in tidal creeks and rivers when the temperatures drop.
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Why Fish Move to the Backcountry
When winter hits, redfish and trout seek out tidal creeks and rivers for two main reasons: stable water temperatures and abundant food. The key to catching them is understanding where they concentrate and timing your trips to match their feeding habits.
Redfish: Where to Find Them
- Low Tide Magic: Look for creeks that nearly drain out during low tide. Fish concentrate in deeper holes or around structure like docks, rocks, and oyster beds.
- Bonus Tip: Hard structure that absorbs sunlight can create slightly warmer water, attracting fish.
Best Lures for Redfish
- Prawn Jr.: Mimics their favorite winter meal.
- Prawn & Tweaker: Perfect for a slow crawl on the bottom.
Trout: Where to Find Them
- Deeper Water, Strong Current: Target deeper creek bends and marsh drains with 6+ feet of water. Trout stack up here, waiting to ambush prey.
- Timing Is Key: Focus on the last third of the incoming tide and the first third of the outgoing tide for the best bite.
Best Lures for Trout
- Prawn Jr.: Excellent during warming trends.
- FRED Paddle Tail: Use on a jig head for a versatile presentation.
Winter Fishing Gear
To maximize sensitivity and control during winter, choose the right rod and reel combo:
- Rod: 7–7’6″ medium or medium-light power, fast action.
- Reel: 2500–3000 size with 10 lb braid and 20 lb fluorocarbon leader (or lighter for trout in clear water).
- GOOD: Otis 2500
- BETTER: BG MQ 2500
- BEST: Saltist MQ 2500
Final Tips
- Pay attention to tide cycles and water temperature trends.
- Fish slower in cooler water and adapt to fish behavior (bottom for redfish, mid-column for trout).
- Don’t forget—shrimp is king in the backcountry during winter!
Ready to dominate the winter bite? Grab your FREE fishing tools here!
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STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish ever trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish every trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
Great info Pat. i fish the back water in the winter a lot. thanks adding one more piece to the puzzle.
Great info Pat. Thanks
Thank you Dale!
Thanks Pat! Good stuff!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for all the great info🎣
No problem Becky!
I have a winter spot that checks every box and is very fishy, but I can’t get past the lady fish. Anything I can do besides leave the area? It’s literally every cast on every lure.
Lady fish can be so aggressive it’s hard to get past them. A faster sinking lure might help but unfortunately even that doesn’t cut it
thanks for the tips Pat. Just have to ingrain some of it in my head so it comes natural, which I am working on
I understand that! The learning isn’t the issue for me, it’s the recalling of the knowledge that gets hard.
Appreciate you watching!
Good stuff Pat, always good to hear these wintertime tips.
Thank you! When the weather is like the way it is now, watching these videos is a good way to pass the time!
Very good Pat. Always learn something. I wish I had all this information when I was younger. But better late than never. Now I pray our fish manage the Arctic weather this coming week.
Thanks Ray! I’m praying there will be as little damage to the fishery as possible with this weather.
As always, great information Pat! Love the details you included, thank you!
Thanks for watching Chris!
Pat, I always enjoy your informative videos. Thank you!
Appreciate you Alex!!