Don't put away your fishing gear just yet. Sometimes the cold weather can produce the most memorable fishing trips. A lot of people quit fishing in the winter because they don't catch fish. It's not that the fish aren't feeding, it's just that they're not where you're used to catching them, and they may not be able to see your lure as well. When the water gets colder, and the days get darker, fish in reservoirs like our Central Coast lakes are more likely to be suspended in deeper water. The cold surface temperatures drive the fish deeper, but the low light penetration brings the zooplankton, and consequently the baitfish, higher up in the water column. Crappie, Sunfish, and Bass will suspend near these depths. In these deeper waters, and darker days, the fish will rely more on their lateral line than their vision to find prey. The lateral line is actually a sense organ which allows fish to detect vibrations in the water. Even a tiny nymph swimming in the lake will create vibrations that tell a fish its size, how fast it's swimming, or if it's injured. Too much vibration could spook the fish. Remember, also, that the colder temperatures will slow their metabolism. So, they won't want to swim too far for a meal.
The fish are still there. They still have to eat. You just have to find the right depth, and convince them your lure is alive. Fish on!
