Columbus area weekend fishing forecast

Mild temperatures are predicted for the weekend, with lows just above freezing and highs hovering around 40 degrees. It looks like Columbus area anglers will be getting off the ice and getting out the trout rods.

Warmer temperatures and new moon may trigger action

Water temperatures in the Mohican, Mad, and other central Ohio trout streams and rivers are still going to be frigid, but mid-day warmth might convince the fish to feed. We’re also in a new moon phase, so the bite could turn out to be surprisingly good.

Light tackle, tiny flies, small bait


This is the time to slip up on the ‘bows and brownies with those dainty little 3 and 4 weight rods. Tying on the smallest flies cold fingers can manage will also help coax out the trout. Anglers who favor bait might get good results with mealworms or bits of nightcrawler.

Trevor Kugler, co-founder of JWRfishing.com has published some good advice about cold weather trout fishing at the Land Big Fish website.

Smallmouth anglers may have a good weekend


Smallies will still feed in the winter, although they aren’t as willing to strike. Mid-day temperatures will encourage activity, and minnows, jigs, and streamers fished deep and slow might just do the trick. This is the time for fly fishermen to rely on floating strike indicators, both to suspend the fly and to help detect subtle strikes.

Anglers contemplating some cold weather wading this weekend can get in the mood with this video from The Angler's Net.

Tight lines, Central Ohio.