Fishing Calendar and Tips for January 2026

Fishing forecast

Introduction

January ushers in the heart of winter fishing, challenging anglers with cold waters and slower fish activity. However, with the right tactics and knowledge, this month offers rewarding opportunities to catch some of the most sought-after species such as bream, roach, perch, and pike-perch. Understanding seasonal behaviors and adapting your approach can significantly improve your success on the water.

What Fish Bite Best in January?

During January, fish metabolism slows down as water temperatures drop, leading to reduced activity levels. Nevertheless, species like bream and roach remain relatively active, often gathering in deeper or sheltered spots to conserve energy. Perch and pike-perch also present good targets, especially around structures and underwater depressions. Catfish tend to be less active in the cold but can still be caught with patience and the right bait. Winter feeder fishing techniques can help anglers present bait effectively to these species despite their sluggish feeding behavior.

Best Baits for Fishing in January

For Bream and Roach

• Bloodworm: Small quantities on a size 16 hook offer subtle attraction without overwhelming slow fish.
• Maggots (white and red-orange): Use sparingly to entice bites without spooking wary fish.
• Vanilla-scented groundbait: Mix indoors to create an attractive feeding area.

For Perch and Pike-perch

• Small jigs and spoons: Use light presentations to mimic winter prey.
• Balance jigs: Effective for subtle movement in cold water.

For Catfish (Backup)

• Earthworms: Use as a backup option where catfish are present.

Fishing Calendar for January 2026

Best Time: 8, 9, 10, 11, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26

Good Time: 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 27, 28, 29

Fair Time: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 20, 30, 31

Poor Time: 19

Best Fishing Days in January 2026

The top days to plan your fishing outings are January 8th through 11th and the period from the 22nd to the 26th. Early mornings and late afternoons around these dates tend to offer the most productive bites, especially when targeting bream and perch in sheltered locations.

Tips from a Sport Angler for January Fishing

Winter feeder fishing expert Vladislav recommends mixing your groundbait indoors to keep warmth and protect your hands from freezing. Use dark or red-colored groundbait blends with components like cold-water feeder mix, red roach meal with bloodworm, and vanilla essence to boost attraction. Keep rig presentations compact and light, utilizing hook size #16 and 12-14lb fluorocarbon or mono lines. Opt for sheltered spots near banks or underwater depressions, avoiding windy or exposed areas. Introduce live additives like bloodworms and maggots sparingly, as fish metabolisms slow during winter.

What Key Advice Would You Give Regular Anglers Planning to Fish in January to Increase Their Chances of Success?

• Tackle Selection: Choose light, sensitive gear with small hooks (#16) and appropriate fluorocarbon lines to present subtle baits.
• Groundbait: Prepare groundbait indoors and opt for dark or red mixes to attract fish in murky winter waters.
• Time of Day: Focus on dawn and dusk when fish show slightly increased activity.
• Safety: Avoid fishing on ice or in windy exposed areas; choose sheltered locations to stay safe and comfortable.
• Flexibility: Adapt bait amounts and rig sizes according to fish response; sometimes less is more in winter fishing.

Life Hacks for January Fishing

1. Always pre-mix groundbait indoors to protect from frostbite and maintain bait consistency.
2. Use micro-pellets in your groundbait for improved cloud effects in water.
3. Incorporate red roach meal to enhance bait visibility and scent attraction.
4. Limit live bait amounts to avoid overfeeding fish with slow metabolisms.
5. Scout for sheltered spots near underwater structures or tree cover to find active fish.
6. Make initial casts to map depth changes and prime feeding areas before fishing.

Author: Wild Fishing UA