Lake Talquin

Winter Fishing Conditions

WARNING: Below average rainfall for the past 12 months has all our area lakes and rivers very low, even Lake Talquin. Though Lake Talquin has somewhat of a stable water level it’s still lower than normal and some areas have stumps just below the surface that can cause severe damage to your boat or motor and possibly injure those in it. Use extreme caution when navigating Lake Talquin and ALWAYS wear your life jacket while boating!

While January brings New Years and College football bowl games, bass fishing on Lake Talquin slows down. Most fish have moved deep into the main lake and the river channel. Though some bass can still be found in deeper creeks you’ll want to focus on docks and ledges near deep water. Rattle traps, crank baits and large spinner baits fished in these areas are a good way to locate and catch bass. When fishing the rattle trap this time of year I like to use the “yoyo” method. Lift your rod tip quickly and let your bait drop back down. Be sure not to lose contact with you bait as most strikes occur when the bait is falling. For crank baits big, deep divers with a large wobble to them works best. No need to “rip” the bait across the bottom. If there was ever a time to fish a crankbait slow it’s now. Fish are much more lethargic as water temps drop into the 50’s and won’t chase a bait very far. But they still eat and when they do they want something big! Spinnerbaits can be very effective around docks that fall into deeper water. Bass use these as ambush points so “slow rolling” a 5/8oz or 3/4oz white spinnerbait near the ends of docks can be deadly this time of year. On warm sunny days bass will move into the upper column near structure especially on the upper end of the Lake near Coe’s Landing. Banks on the North side get most of the sun throughout the day and attract more fish.

January is also one of the best months to Crappie fish on Lake Talquin. Big slabs up to 3lbs can be found this time of year suspended under huge balls of bait in the main river channel. Hundred fish days are possible with many limits caught by trolling or drifting minnows. You’ll find some fish already have roe in them, building up for the spawn in February. Creek mouths, river channel bends, and main lake sand bars adjacent to the river channel is where the speckled perch tend to school up. As you troll through fish keep an eye on your graph. When you see bait with fish underneath, get ready for action! Small spinners, Hal Fly’s or Bab Fly’s trolled on 6lb test line at about 1mph behind the boat, is a great way to not only catch fish, but also cover water. Always troll with the current. Wether it’s wind or water current, you’ll increase your chances of a more productive day by following this tip.

For those of you that have never been to Lake Jackson, it’s loaded with big fish and at any time you can catch that trophy you’ve always wanted. As below average rainfall reaches 36”, water levels on Lake Jackson are dangerously low. For those of you with smaller boats and Kayaks, jerk baits and swim baits work very well this time of year.

So until next time, be safe, have fun and always wear a life jacket while boating!

Cliff "JR" Mundinger
850-294-9583
www.fishtallahassee.com