If you're planning to hit the Charles River in Boston today, January 9, 2025, here's what you need to know. First off, let's look at the tides: you've got a low tide at 00:19 AM with a height of 0.56 feet, a high tide at 6:39 AM reaching 10.51 feet, another low tide at 1:07 PM with a height of -0.03 feet, and a final high tide at 7:20 PM at 8.91 feet. These tidal shifts can significantly impact fish activity, so plan your trip accordingly.

Weather-wise, it's going to be quite chilly, similar to the past few days. Expect mostly sunny skies with highs around 31°F and winds from the west at 10-15 mph, making it feel even colder. Sunrise is at 7:12 AM and sunset at 4:30 PM, so make sure to bundle up.

Fish activity has been decent despite the cold. Yesterday, anglers reported catching largemouth bass, particularly around the bridge pilings and submerged structures in the Charles River Basin. This area, starting at the Watertown Dam, is dotted with pilings and docks, and its deeper waters provide a cooler environment for fish, even in the winter. You might also catch striped bass, especially during the spring shad runs, but they are less active this time of year.

For largemouth bass, using jigs with dark colors like black and blue, and adding a soft-plastic trailer, tends to work well. Mimicking crayfish, which are abundant in the Charles River, is another productive way to catch these bass.

One of the hot spots is near the Esplanade, particularly the Storrow Drive Lagoons. This area is known for its picturesque arched footbridges and shallow waters, where you can catch quality largemouth bass and occasionally giant carp. Another spot is around the Elliot Street Bridge near the Cambridge Boathouse and Mount Auburn Hospital, where the river's structure and cover create numerous opportunities for anglers.

Remember, the Charles River has come a long way from its polluted past and now offers a diverse and exciting fishing experience right in the heart of Boston. With a little patience and the right gear, you can enjoy some great fishing despite the chilly weather.