Winter fishing in the Northeast: what bites and where

What the fish do in winter

• Smallmouth bass: Cold. Slow presentations on deep rock.
• Yellow perch: Cold. Deep schools; small jigs or minnows.
• Trout: Cold. Slow and near the surface on sunny days.
• Largemouth bass: Cold and sluggish. Fish slow and deep near steep banks.
• Lake trout: Cool surface. They come shallower; try shore points.

1. Lake Champlain, Vermont

Lake Champlain covers 278,000 acres of water. Expect smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, northern pike and yellow perch. It goes down to about 400 ft. Its bed shows two point drop-offs and two sheltered coves worth a first look.

Lake Champlain today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

2. Moosehead Lake, Maine

At 75,500 acres, Moosehead Lake is a huge piece of water. Lake trout, trout and smallmouth bass are the draw. It goes down to about 246 ft. The lake bed gives you three steep ledges and an upper arm to work.

Moosehead Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

3. Oneida Lake, New York

Oneida Lake covers 50,900 acres of water. Expect walleye, yellow perch, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass. It goes down to about 55 ft. Its bed shows three steep ledges and an upper arm worth a first look.

Oneida Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

4. Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire

At 44,600 acres of water, Lake Winnipesaukee is a big lake. The fish here are smallmouth bass, lake trout, yellow perch and largemouth bass. Its bed shows three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves worth a first look.

Lake Winnipesaukee today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

5. Seneca Lake, New York

At 42,800 acres, Seneca Lake is a big lake. It holds lake trout, trout, smallmouth bass and yellow perch. The deepest water is around 618 ft. The lake bed gives you three point drop-offs and a sheltered cove to work.

Seneca Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

6. Sebago Lake, Maine

Sebago Lake spreads over 30,500 acres of water. Expect lake trout, smallmouth bass, trout and northern pike. At about 316 ft deep, it stays cooler below the surface well into summer.

Sebago Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

7. Quabbin Reservoir, Massachusetts

Quabbin Reservoir spreads over 24,700 acres of water. The fish here are lake trout, smallmouth bass, trout and yellow perch. At about 151 ft deep, it stays cooler below the surface well into summer. Its bed shows three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves worth a first look.

Quabbin Reservoir today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

8. Raystown Lake, Pennsylvania

At some 8,300 acres, Raystown Lake is a good-sized lake. The fish here are striped bass, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass and walleye. At about 200 ft deep, it stays cooler below the surface well into summer. Its bed shows three point drop-offs and a wind-blown bank worth a first look.

Raystown Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

9. Lake Wallenpaupack, Pennsylvania

Lake Wallenpaupack spreads over 5,760 acres of water. The fish here are largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye and yellow perch. The deepest water is around 60 ft. Its bed shows three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves worth a first look.

Lake Wallenpaupack today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

10. Candlewood Lake, Connecticut

At some 5,420 acres, Candlewood Lake is a good-sized lake. Expect largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow perch and trout. The deepest water is around 90 ft. Its bed shows three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves worth a first look.

Candlewood Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

Reading the water

Before a winter trip, look at three numbers on the lake page: the water temperature, the wind and the bite windows. Together they say where the fish are and when they feed.

Ice safety

Clear new ice only; white ice is about half as strong. Check it yourself and follow your state agency.