BlogFebruary 2023

Where is the Best Fishing in February?

Where is the Best Fishing in February?

By Debbie Hanson

Feb 01, 2023

Where is the best fishing in February? Summary of top fishing destinations during February for bass, striped bass, sailfish, walleye across the country 

Are you wondering about the answer to the question, “Where is the best fishing in February?” If so, there can be many answers to this question, depending on the species of fish you want to target. From the best bass fishing in Florida in February to the best deep-sea fishing in February, there are plenty of options for you to consider.

 

Best Fishing in Florida in February

Two of places that offer some of the best bass fishing in February are Lake Okeechobee and Lake Istokpoga. Both lakes are trophy bass fisheries that are filled with heavy vegetation. Since Florida has mild winters, big largemouth bass (in the 8-pound range) come up into the shallows in preparation for spawning. Largemouth bass can start spawning as early as late October on Okeechobee and the spawn can go all the way into the month of May. Check a solunar calendar to find out which of the best fishing days in February 2023 will give you the best opportunities for catching the bass of a lifetime.

 

Best Fly Fishing in February

If you want to plan a fly fishing trip to California, the Delta is a good place to target striped bass (also referred to as “stripers”) during the month of February. Striped bass are an ideal fish to pursue on fly since they often feed aggressively in the upper portions of the water column. You can fish for striped bass with either floating or sinking fly lines and a Whistler or Clouser fly pattern. If you haven’t experienced fly fishing for stripers on the California Delta, you should know that it can be one of the best places to fish in February.

Offshore or Deep-Sea Fishing in February

One of the best fishing destinations in February for offshore fishing is Islamorada, Florida. Islamorada is a village in the Florida Keys where you can target sailfish just 3 -5 miles offshore near the edges of reefs during their winter migration. Since sailfish are very acrobatic, often jumping multiple times when hooked, they are one of the most highly sought-after offshore sportfish.

 

Best Ice Fishing in February

Lake of the Woods in Minnesota covers 951,337-acres and is known for being one of the best ice fishing destinations during the month of February for walleye and sauger. If you’re new to ice fishing, it is a good idea to hire an experienced ice fishing guide who can help get you set up with everything you need for a successful first trip. Professional ice fishing guides can be arranged through many of the fishing lodges on the lake. Most guides will provide you with live bait, fish buckets, garbage bags, ice scoops, and fish cleaning gear.



Where is the best fishing in February? Now you have a few answers to this question, including places in Florida, California, and Minnesota. From here, your next step is to check a solunar calendar or the Farmers’ Almanac to find out which of the best fishing days in February 2023 will work for planning your trip.

Debbie Hanson
Debbie Hanson
Debbie Hanson is an award-winning outdoor writer, women’s sport fishing advocate, IGFA world record holder, and freshwater guide living in Southwest Florida. Hanson’s written work has appeared in publications such as Florida Game & Fish Magazine, BoatUS Magazine, and USA Today Hunt & Fish. To learn more about her work, visit shefishes2.com or follow her on Instagram @shefishes2.