Odd day on the NWR

[Pa Boat]

Did anyone else fish the NWR today(Thursday?)

Last week I thought I had some good fish dialed in. Not large numbers but good, solid keepers in 12 to 14 feet of water, 6 to8 feet down.

Today in the same places there were lots of fish, but hardly any keepers. Most about the size of my hand.

The surface temperature was 56F. It is possible the larger fish have started moving shallow already?

[addictedangler]

I would think yes! I am no x-pert on crappie migration but temperature sure plays a big part in all fish behavior. Fresh water trout and steelhead can turn on when winter water temperatures and river flows turn upward. Three or four deg. can make a difference in just a fish or two day to one you will remember for a lifetime!

[Flatwater]

I was not at NWR but where I was I did not find any till just before 4, they were on the surface. I carry a good old fashioned thermometer and it registered 66 on the surface. So my guess is they went up the creeks shallow.

[jim.b]

It's been a strange year on the river. Been catching a lot of fish but so many small ones this year.