Tough, that’s the straightforward way of describing fishing in February.

That said, there are still fish to be caught if you have patience and plenty of clothing.

Fish are very inactive in the cold water temps that have been in the 30s and now into the lower 40s. Fish still have to eat, just not as often. Fishing slow and deep are the best odds to play.

When the conditions are right, you can catch fish shallow, but more often than not fishing deep is the way to go.

Winter is, for reasons I can’t explain, a good time to catch bigger fish. Enduring a long slow day of winter fishing can be rewarded by catching bigger fish.

And on a more positive note, if you get out there on the water you might notice something missing, the crowds.

After spending the summer being bounced around by ski boats, the stillness and quietness of winter on the water helps make winter fishing one of my favorite times to fish.

Some of the older more seasoned fishermen say that a cold winter makes for better late winter/early spring fishing. Cold water does kill off a lot of shad and can cause the fish to be more on the prowl for dinner. I think our winter counts as a “cold winter.”

Lake Lure

The fishing on Lake Lure has been surprisingly good. The last three trips I have been on have yielded largemouth, smallmouth, white bass and crappie. The water temps were in the high 30s to low 40s, but the recent warm trend may warm the water a few degrees and this can make a big difference.

Lake Adger

No good news here. The fishermen I have talked to have not caught anything. Sounds like February fishing to me.

Green River Delayed Harvest

Josh Garris with Curtis Wright Outfitters in Saluda reports the delayed harvest section is “fishing tough.”

He reports the low water isn’t helping anything, “Fish tight to the bottom with small stoneflies and imitations, and fish extra slow” says Josh.

Josh also reports there is hope. March should bring a fresh stocking of fish and that will bring much easier fishing.

Rob McComas is a licensed North Carolina fishing guide on Lake Lure and Lake Jocassee in S.C.

He has been a guide for 11 years and fishing for more than 30. McComas lives with his wife, Amanda, in Sunny View and runs Robs Guide Service. He can be reached at robsguideservice@gmail.com.