Fishing forecast (December through February): During cold winters, Minersville Reservoir can cap with safe ice (up to 12 inches) and provide fair to good ice fishing for rainbow trout; be aware of best practices for ice safety. Marabou jigs and jigging spoons often work best since bait and scented soft plastics are not allowed. During mild winters, however, the ice can be unsafe and large patches of open water can be present. Open water fishing from shore or tubes can be effective for trout with various flies, lures and jigs. Smallmouth bass and wipers are less active during the winter.