Stream Fishing in January (With Spinning Gear)

[PakAttack86]

So my friend and I have a fishing itch that desperately needs scratching, however we aren't much for ice fishing. So we think come January we're going to head down to Winona and fish the streams there for some trout just for fun. However we don't fly fish, we plan on using light spinning gear and small lures.

Earlier in the year we fished the Trout Run and various other spots of the Whitewater River using tiny rooster tails and spinners, and while we were successful we only managed to hook into rainbows. What's a better strategy as far as bait goes for browns and brookies? Particularly for January? Also anyone have any good spots in the Winona/Whitewater Park area? Thanks for all the advice!

[mark p]

I don't have any suggestions, but wanted to mention that there are a limited number of trout streams that are open for the winter season. Also, it is normally only a portion of that stream not the entire stream that is open. Therefore, make sure you check the regulations to find out where it is legal to fish in January.

[PakAttack86]

The DNR HSOforum says that Jan 1st - March 31st the entire Whitewater River and Trout Run and most of the Winona stream fisheries are open for catch and release.

[DrJuice1980]

buy a line that doesnt hold water or youre in for a bit of a let down.

[PakAttack86]

What do you mean by a line that doesn't hold water?

[Slabasaurus]

Sounds like you already know this link but I'll post it here just in case anyone needs it.

MN DNR Winter Stream Trout Fishing

On the fishing line thing... just want to make sure your line doesn't absorb water or it'll tend to freeze up a bunch... which if my memory serves me right is a real pain with spinnin gear. I mean it's a pain with fly gear too just not quite as much of one.

I'll be out as soon as possible... doubting 1/1 but it won't be too long after that. Here's to hoping the coldest of the winter is behind us (it isn't. But i can hope)

[PakAttack86]

I tend, for winter fishing, to use Fluorocarbon which I typically hate using with spinning gear, but it seems to cast smooth with the super light line and it doesn't seem to retain water as much as regular mono. So I'm hoping my 2 pound Fluoro will work.

[hookncook]

That sounds like a great time!! and just to think, just a little more than a week away.

Make sure you post your report- I'd love to toss it up on the Facebook Page!

[DrJuice1980]

I'd go with nano, I haven't used it before but I've heard there is zero water absorption. Last thing you'd want to do is have a frozen reel and rod once you got there