We sampled fishes from nearshore, continental shelf (≈30 m) to shelf-slope, deep-water habitats (≈100 m) in the Mid-Atlantic Bight (MAB) and South Atlantic Bight (SAB) during winter (2005) to explore compositional differences among temperatures and depths. Trawl surveys conducted by the National Marine Fisheries Service do not typically sample winter fish assemblages concurrently from both the MAB and SAB, although increased concern over changes in distribution of species such as Pterois volitans (Lionfish) may warrant such studies. We collected 41 families and 68 species of fish, and found that temperature and depth influenced their distribution. More species were collected in the SAB where temperature was 10 °C higher. At nearshore sites of SAB, we collected reef fishes (Chaetodontidae; Fistulariidae) and Stenotomus chrysops (Scup). At deep water sites of SAB, we collected Ophichthidae, Acropomatidae, and Scorpaenidae. Assemblages of the MAB were dominated by Squalus acanthias (Spiny Dogfish), particularly at nearshore sites. Pomatomus saltatrix (Bluefish) and Scomber scombrus (Atlantic Mackerel) were also abundant in the MAB. Our results highlight distributions of some fish species during winter. However, more data are necessary for understanding macroecological patterns of marine fish distribution in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean, especially as they relate to the interactive effects of temperature and depth on populations.