In many parts of the United States, the icy grip of winter puts the brakes on boating for a few months. There are, however, many places that offer great winter boating experiences.
What follows is a list of some great winter boating destinations across the country. Many of them are in the south. Others offer warm water (and boating access) 12 months due to man-made circumstances. Each provides a certain charm and a good excuse to get out on the boat at a time when many others have given up on the idea.
Galveston, Texas
On the upper coast of Texas, Galveston makes the list because of its bay access and the incredible wahoo fishing offshore. Winters in this part of the world are generally mild (though there can be severe cold snaps).
The wahoo fishing takes place in the Flower Gardens, a deepwater reef about 80 miles offshore. You’ll need to pick a weather window—and be sure to pack your foul weather gear (to keep you dry from the spray.) But once you get offshore you can experience some of the best wahoo fishing in the world.
Not only are the wahoo plentiful, but they grow big. Fish to 80 pounds are not uncommon, 100-pounders not unheard of. Large center consoles equipped with three or four Yamaha F350 outboards make quick work of the trip.
Power Plant Lakes
In the dead of winter, even when air temperatures dip in the single digits, power plant lakes offer access to consistently warm water. The outflow, where water used to cool the plants flows into the discharge, bass fishing can be really good and really consistent.
There are a number of such lakes around the country. The fishing tactics and strategies vary by region, but the ability to target and catch fish throughout the winter remain the same.
Here are a few power plant lakes that warrant consideration for winter-time boating destinations:
1. Newton Lake. Southern Illinois
2. Lake Ann. Louisa County, Virginia.
3. Belews Lake. North Carolina
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Stuart, Florida
Known as the “Sailfish Capital of the World,” Stuart is a gem. Wintertime is the peak of sailfish season. The fish are accessible near shore, sometimes just a few miles from the beach.
Beyond the realistic chance to release double-digit sailfish offshore, Stuart’s Indian River Lagoon provides an incredible diversity of boating experiences. The fishing for speckled trout, snook, and redfish can be really good. The lagoon is protected from the wind, so you can get out on the boat even if it’s too rough offshore.
If you bring your boat to Stuart, you’ll be greeted by small-town charm. It’s just a half hour or so north of Palm Beach. There are plenty of good dining options, the beaches are beautiful and it hosts a relaxing, enjoyable experience.
Lake Okeechobee, Florida
If your Florida wintertime boating aspirations involve more freshwater than salt, check out Lake Okeechobee. This iconic big bass fishery consistently makes all the “top wintertime bass” lists.
Not only do you have a realistic chance to catch the biggest bass of your life, but you can do so by fishing a variety of styles. Fishing the lily pads, bouncing weedless frogs atop and around their giant leaves, is an Okeechobee fishing experience that resonates around the world.
Another Okeechobee bucket list bass tactic? Soaking big shiners under corks. Whatever your style, the bass fishing here is known around the globe. Winter is a great time to check it out.
The state of Florida operates a great tourism website that breaks down all the lodging and visitor options around the lake. If you’re coming to the area for the first time, you might consider hiring a fishing guide for a day. The lake is a big place, a good guide can put you on the lunkers.
The California Delta
Located in the northern aspect of the state, the delta of the Sacramento River is home to a beautiful, well-rounded winter boating experience. Six rivers flow from snow melt in the Sierra Nevada range. These rivers come together in California’s Central Valley, forming what is known as the California Delta.
Now constrained by levees and dams, the Delta is home to more than 50 islands. The boating experience is made accessible by 40 marinas and more than 100 boat ramps. Beyond the great fishing and natural beauty, you can check out state parks, vineyards, and historical sites associated with the Gold Rush of the 1850s.
This wintertime boating experience is one for the books. It’s beautiful, expansive and provides access to both tourist-friendly activity and plenty of opportunities for solitude.
Winter Boating Checklist:
When Boating in the winter, these things always have room in the console:
1. Rain jacket
2. Regular Jacket
3. A Blanket or two
4. A Thermos full of hot coffee or hot chocolate
5. A package or two of handwarmers
Always keep an eye on the forecast. Weather can change quickly, being prepared for temperatures that are colder than you expected can not only make you more comfortable, but keep you safe, too.
Back to Blue Life
What follows is a list of some great winter boating destinations across the country. Many of them are in the south. Others offer warm water (and boating access) 12 months due to man-made circumstances. Each provides a certain charm and a good excuse to get out on the boat at a time when many others have given up on the idea.
Galveston, Texas
On the upper coast of Texas, Galveston makes the list because of its bay access and the incredible wahoo fishing offshore. Winters in this part of the world are generally mild (though there can be severe cold snaps).
The wahoo fishing takes place in the Flower Gardens, a deepwater reef about 80 miles offshore. You’ll need to pick a weather window—and be sure to pack your foul weather gear (to keep you dry from the spray.) But once you get offshore you can experience some of the best wahoo fishing in the world.
Not only are the wahoo plentiful, but they grow big. Fish to 80 pounds are not uncommon, 100-pounders not unheard of. Large center consoles equipped with three or four Yamaha F350 outboards make quick work of the trip.
Power Plant Lakes
In the dead of winter, even when air temperatures dip in the single digits, power plant lakes offer access to consistently warm water. The outflow, where water used to cool the plants flows into the discharge, bass fishing can be really good and really consistent.
There are a number of such lakes around the country. The fishing tactics and strategies vary by region, but the ability to target and catch fish throughout the winter remain the same.
Here are a few power plant lakes that warrant consideration for winter-time boating destinations:
1. Newton Lake. Southern Illinois
2. Lake Ann. Louisa County, Virginia.
3. Belews Lake. North Carolina
Stuart, Florida
Known as the “Sailfish Capital of the World,” Stuart is a gem. Wintertime is the peak of sailfish season. The fish are accessible near shore, sometimes just a few miles from the beach.
Beyond the realistic chance to release double-digit sailfish offshore, Stuart’s Indian River Lagoon provides an incredible diversity of boating experiences. The fishing for speckled trout, snook, and redfish can be really good. The lagoon is protected from the wind, so you can get out on the boat even if it’s too rough offshore.
If you bring your boat to Stuart, you’ll be greeted by small-town charm. It’s just a half hour or so north of Palm Beach. There are plenty of good dining options, the beaches are beautiful and it hosts a relaxing, enjoyable experience.
Lake Okeechobee, Florida
If your Florida wintertime boating aspirations involve more freshwater than salt, check out Lake Okeechobee. This iconic big bass fishery consistently makes all the “top wintertime bass” lists.
Not only do you have a realistic chance to catch the biggest bass of your life, but you can do so by fishing a variety of styles. Fishing the lily pads, bouncing weedless frogs atop and around their giant leaves, is an Okeechobee fishing experience that resonates around the world.
Another Okeechobee bucket list bass tactic? Soaking big shiners under corks. Whatever your style, the bass fishing here is known around the globe. Winter is a great time to check it out.
The state of Florida operates a great tourism website that breaks down all the lodging and visitor options around the lake. If you’re coming to the area for the first time, you might consider hiring a fishing guide for a day. The lake is a big place, a good guide can put you on the lunkers.
The California Delta
Located in the northern aspect of the state, the delta of the Sacramento River is home to a beautiful, well-rounded winter boating experience. Six rivers flow from snow melt in the Sierra Nevada range. These rivers come together in California’s Central Valley, forming what is known as the California Delta.
Now constrained by levees and dams, the Delta is home to more than 50 islands. The boating experience is made accessible by 40 marinas and more than 100 boat ramps. Beyond the great fishing and natural beauty, you can check out state parks, vineyards, and historical sites associated with the Gold Rush of the 1850s.
This wintertime boating experience is one for the books. It’s beautiful, expansive and provides access to both tourist-friendly activity and plenty of opportunities for solitude.
Winter Boating Checklist:
When Boating in the winter, these things always have room in the console:
1. Rain jacket
2. Regular Jacket
3. A Blanket or two
4. A Thermos full of hot coffee or hot chocolate
5. A package or two of handwarmers
Always keep an eye on the forecast. Weather can change quickly, being prepared for temperatures that are colder than you expected can not only make you more comfortable, but keep you safe, too.
Back to Blue Life
