Winter trout fishing reigns at its finest in the month of February here on Lake Taneycomo. February has seen tremendous hangouts of trout bite the net for those select anglers willing to brave the potentially brutal conditions of winter. However, no bravery was needed for this February as early spring temperatures greeted us. Most days averaged in the 50’s and 60’s as a delightful bonus to the healthy, well-oxygenated trout that cooperated. With oxygen levels well over 10 parts per million and continuous running water for most of the month, most days were filled with more time catching and a lot less just fishing.
However, in my personal experience for the month, the marabou jig takes the crown for being the most effective tool for most of each day of fishing. Don’t count out the jig for a big fish every once in a while. Tyler Swartz, federation director, caught this tank on one of our jigs fishing with Captain Robbie Dodson during the same event.
In the 40-megawatt flow, our 1/25th-ounce Lilley’s Jig seemed to be the most victorious. Using two-pound line or three-pound braid with a leader you can successfully work this smaller jig. Pair it with a light or ultra light action rod in the 6’6″ to 7′ model for best performance. Keep the jig as close to the bottom as you can. Always remember that in these water conditions this size jig will sink about one foot per second, so in 10 feet of water you will wait 9-10 seconds before starting your retrieve. The jig bite was still great with up to 100 megawatts, but we just had to increase to a 1/16th- or a 3/32nd-ounce jig.
Great fishing report.
Top notch resort.
The folks that work there are very respectful and fun loving. They make you feel right at home.
I caught my first brown trout there and it was 25 1/4 inches long and weighed 6.44 pounds