SUNRISE/ FIRST CAST-7:02 AM
SUNSET/ LAST CAST-6:29PM
WEIGHT: 5/8- 3/4 oz
BLUEGRASS ISLAND: Crossing is permitted
I feel like this long, cold winter has led to a slow start to the 2026 river fishing season, characterized by low water, low temperatures, lingering ice, and sluggish fish metabolism.
But then again we didnt see the first walleye last year til March 7th, guess I’m just antsy.
Key Factors for a Slow Start
- Fish Metabolism: Due to cold water, fish are less active, requiring less food and often staying near the bottom in deeper, slower-moving water.
- Lingering Ice: The 2026 season has featured a “real winter,” keeping many rivers iced up with limited open water, particularly in this early March.
- Water Conditions: once we get rain and the ice above the dam breaks up the river can become dirty and stained due to thaws and runoff..
- Compressed Migration: Cold, long winters occasionally can compress the spawning season, with many fish waiting to move until conditions rapidly change.
All I know for sure is that every year is different.
Have fun be, safe and good luck fishing.