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When winter settles across the Keystone State, boat ramps empty, activities diminish and the waterways take on a stillness unseen the rest of the year. For the prepared kayaker, this seasonal shift offers some of the year's most solitary, productive fishing of the year.
No recreational boaters churning the surface or clogging your favorite cove, and gamefish follow a predictable winter pattern, creating an excellent opportunity to fill your creel. Finding success, however, requires adjustments to species behavior, proper presentations, and adherence to cold-water safety.
Cold water consolidates fish into distinct, energy-conserving sanctuaries. On major rivers like the Susquehanna, Juniata and Allegheny, smallmouth bass leave shallow riffles for deep, slow-moving winter holes, current breaks, and eddy lines along ledges, where they can stack tightly for protection.
Walleye will seek the same deep runs, dam tail races, and rocky depressions, feeding not only at night but also on overcast winter afternoons. At impoundment, big and small crappies and perch will be found suspended over submerged timber and deep basin flats.
Trout are one of the few species that don’t require major adjustments. They remain active in the numerous spring-fed limestone waters because water temperatures stay stable year-round.
As temperatures drop, so does the fish's metabolism. This means feeding windows are brief and strikes are subtle. Summer's favorite reactionary baits give way to presentations designed to stay in the strike zone, waiting for a sluggish fish to finally bite.
Suspended jerkbaits worked over suspended rocky breaks with sharp twitches and long, agonizing pauses -- 10-12 seconds. The subtle movement gets their attention, but they usually strike during the pause.
Hair jigs and ned rigs worked slowly along deep bottom structure mimic dying baitfish. Keep your rod action minimal, often, current drift is all the movement needed.
Blade baits and vibrating metals are still an effective lure, but not in the same way as during the summer. No long casts paired with fast retrieves. In the winter, it is about short, sharp vertical lifts to trigger reflexive strikes. Again, very subtle rod movement is needed. You should barely feel the blades twitch.
Operating any watercraft in cold water, even kayaks, carries additional safety regulations. Adherence is more than meeting legal requirements -- it is about survival. All boaters operating watercraft under 16 ft in length, including kayaks, must wear a USCG-approved life jacket between Nov. 1 and April 30 when underway or anchored. Inflatable personal floatation devices can be unreliable in cold temperatures, and belt-style PFDs do not instantly turn an injured wearer face-up.
Always choose a foam vest or float coat specifically designed for cold-weather wear.
All other boating regulations remain in effect. This means that if operating on a PFBC or DCNR waterway or using a PFBC access, a launch permit or registration is still required. State law also requires a sound-producing device and, if operating during reduced visibility or at night, a white light to warn other boaters of your location.
The biggest danger of winter kayaking is cold water. Temperatures below 50 degrees trigger an almost immediate cold-shock response, including involuntary gasping and loss of motor function. An immersion suit over fleece layers creates a sealed barrier against heat loss.
Add neoprene gloves, thermal boots and a wool head covering to complete the ensemble. A dry bag containing dry clothing, fire-starting gear, a first aid kit, and a charged cellphone or radio is also a good idea.
Before sliding into the winter waters, confirm critical preparations:
• Leave a detailed float plan with a family member or emergency contact listing launch time, planned route, take-out point, and contact information.
• Inspect your immersion suit and associated gear, ensuring all seams are tight, zippers function properly, and gaskets are undamaged.
• Inspect the kayak and remove excess gear, especially items that create potential trip or entanglement hazards.
• Monitor the weather and river gauges for changes that may impact your route. Remember, the river is affected not only by local weather but also by everything that happens upstream.