Post Cold Front Trout Fishing in Ozello

Captain Matt Kleckner – Stars and Stripes Charters

After the recent cold front pushed through Ozello, trout fishing has settled into a classic winter pattern, and anglers who adjust their approach are being rewarded with steady action.

The biggest post–front change has been water temperature. With cooler overnight lows, the speckled trout have slid off the shallow flats and are staging in slightly deeper water, especially along creek mouths, deeper potholes, and channel edges where the water holds a bit more warmth. The bite has been best from mid-morning through early afternoon once the sun has had time to warm things up.

We’re finding the most consistent trout in 3–5 feet of water, particularly along deeper troughs and oyster bar drop-offs. Fish have been grouped up, so when you find one, there are usually more nearby. Sizes have been solid, with plenty of keeper trout mixed in and the occasional larger fish mixed in.

One of the most productive techniques right now has been live shrimp fished slow on the bottom. A 1/8-ounce jig head has been ideal for keeping the bait down in the deeper troughs. Pinch the tail off the shrimp, then slide the hook in through the tail end and bring it out through the belly. This rig lets the shrimp sit naturally on the bottom and puts out a strong scent trail, which has been triggering bites when artificial baits slow down.

Soft plastics on light jig heads are still producing when worked tight to the bottom, and suspending twitch baits with long pauses can get bites in clearer water. The key across the board has been slowing everything down and keeping presentations close to the bottom.

Light winds and clear skies after the front have made for great fishing conditions, but stealth remains important. Long casts and quiet boat positioning have made a noticeable difference in getting bites.

As long as we avoid another major temperature drop, this post–cold front pattern should continue. Anglers willing to fish deeper and slow down will find consistent trout action throughout the Ozello backcountry.

Tight lines,

Captain Matt Kleckner

Stars and Stripes Charters