During the year, I jot down noteworthy fishing experiences in a notebook I keep handy. With 2022 concluding its final chapter, I referenced said book to see what I learned over the course of the year. Three lessons stood out.

River Smallmouth Migration – I’ve long theorized that Allegheny River smallmouth bass, during late fall, make significant migrations to deep habitat in which they winter over. By significant, I’m talking many miles.

Over several years I’ve developed a milk run of deep spots that produce from late March through late April, after which time bass vacate the deep water in a movement to shallower areas suitable for spawning.

Spring of 2022, however, found my 200 hp river boat in the shop for an extended period, largely due to supply chain issues with needed parts. My fishing was limited to areas I could cover with my 20 hp lake boat. With my range severely reduced, I was forced to pick apart areas I might otherwise not have bothered with. Though I wouldn’t hope to be limited this way in the future, the experience unveiled a bunch of productive new spots.

Seasonal Crappie Movements – Crappies are challenging fish. Last year I spent more time rising to their challenge than in any prior one.

Outside of the spring spawning season, during which time you can consistently find them in specific shallow areas, they seem to be always on the move.