Southern Winter Musky Options

TRAVEL SOUTH TO WHERE THE SEASON NEVER CLOSES AND GIANTS AWAIT

- Tony Grant

Winter is when most musky anglers across the country winterize their boats and put their gear away, yet opportunities south of the Mason-Dixon Line are still in full swing. States like Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, Maryland and Virginia generally offer open waters throughout the entire year that can provide a cure for musky withdrawals.

Whether you like casting, trolling or presenting livebait, your choices are many. In this article I will share tips from anglers in these regions. You’ll find many common denominators in techniques and presentations.

Kentucky

In Kentucky, the months of November and December kick off the area’s peak livebait season for muskies. With water temperatures generally in the 50s, sucker fishing is a prime way to capture a southern giant.

Without question, Cave Run Lake is the South’s jewel as far as muskies go. Weeds generally still hold muskies throughout this period, and deep timber and manmade structure are excellent targets for casting, trolling and livebait. Maps of manmade structure are available from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife; this added feature is really starting to pay off big time.

Casting big rubber is the prime artificial offering, with anglers using Medussas, Red October Tubes and Bull Dawgs — but don’t overlook big blades and top waters. Under frontal conditions, muskies can be found lurking in very shallow water and can be targeted easier. Larger, slow-moving, all wood creations from Widow Maker Lures have been producing in cold water for decades.

A trolling bite can be found throughout these winter months as well. Try slower speeds of around 3 mph and use a lure a little larger than normal shad-sized lures, like Believers, Grandmas, Tuff Shads and .22 Longs.