Cold Front Fishing HACKS for Trout
- By: Pat Ogletree
- on

Trout fishing in the winter fishing can be some of the most rewarding fishing of the year — but it can also leave you scratching your head. One day, you’re crushing it left and right. The next, nothing. Same spot, no bites. Sound familiar? Don’t worry — you’re not alone.
Cold fronts play a huge role in how trout behave this time of year. That’s why in my latest video, I break down how to fish during both prefrontal (warming trends) and postfrontal (cooling trends) conditions to stay consistent.
Whether you’re fishing shallow flats or deeper creeks, there are specific strategies you can use to put more trout in the boat.
Here’s a quick preview of what you’ll learn:
- Before the Front Hits (Warming Trend): Trout are more active and feeding shallow.
Recommended Lures: - After the Front Passes (Cooling Trend): Trout get lethargic and head deep.
Recommended Lures:- Prawn Jr
- Rigged on 2/0 Hoss Football Jighead Jr 1/4 oz
- Recommended Gear (For Both Trends):
- Rod: Slam Stick Medium Light Fast Action
- Reel: Otis 2500
- Line: 10 lb Daiwa J-Braid
- Leader: 12 lb Ande Mono
- Where to Find Trout: From potholes on the flats to deeper holes in creeks, I’ll explain exactly where trout move during temperature swings.
🎥 Watch the full video above!
Questions about winter fishing or cold fronts? Drop a comment below the video, and I’ll be happy to help.
Tight lines!
Pat
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Chocthawhatchee Bay has bayous vs creeks. Spring/ summer around Eglin AFB flats is always good. So how far (miles, yards) will trout and Reds ” move” ? Will they seek deeper water very close, or travel several miles to the bayous? I just can’t see all the fish migrating up Bogey Bayou from Eglin flats. That’s a LONG way. But shoot, I haven’t found them all winter. And yes, the entire west flats of the bay get heavy pressure. As does the North…anywhere to escape the winds this time of year.
They absolutely will be there and year round. As an example, go to the Smart Spots app and turn on the Community Post layer, you’ll find catch reports even in June.
Typically the colder it gets, the farther back in the creeks they will go. I would recommend going up in the bayous and fishing farther in if you’re not catching them in your normal spots.
I never do good in the winter and still no good
The two biggest issues I see with people that struggle in the winter is that they’re still fishing in the same spots as summer or fishing to fast. I would love to help you figure out your struggles.
Like all ways Pat you give really go useful information on your videos thanks
Great info. Thanks Pat
You are welcome Joe!
Very good and concise tips Pat. I like that you use your good and not so good days of fishing in your narratives. Even the pros have some difficulty at times.
We’ve all seen tough days for sure!
Thanks Pat! Great info.
Thanks David!
This is great- shows it is possible to fish ANY time… If only I COULD just go fishing any time!
They were catching them in the snow the other week!
Pat, any thoughts about trout continuing to migrate towards the deep areas up creeks and rivers through January and February or do you think some spots with heavy fishing pressure just get tapped out?
They’ll move in and out depending on the weather. As it warms, they will move closer to the mouths. If we get another cold snap, they’ll push deeper again. Also fishing pressure will move them.
Pat, I always enjoy your videos! Very informative and always a good review to remind me not to rely on where I fished last week!
Thank you Frank!
Pat, you always make it easy to understand and still keep it informative and entertaining! Thanks!
Thank you Donald! That’s the goal!
Pat…you always make me want to hit the water after listening to your videos, good stuff!!
Thanks Steve! Hopefully you can soon!