Winter Bass Fishing

Winter Bass Fishing can be some of the toughest fishing of any time of year. Due to the cold weather, the bass head for their deeper haunts and become very lethargic eating only one or two hours out of the day. It is extremely important to focus your winter bass fishing strategy around solid bass season-migration principles. During the fall of the year, fish move towards the backs of coves and creeks for heavy foraging. When the winter months arrive, the cold weather drives the bass out of the creeks and into the main lake/river to find deeper water. Here are some key tips to consider when fishing in winter:

Bass will be deeper than in warmer months.
Fish slower with more subtle movements.
Winter can bring major low-pressure systems which can cause bass to feed heavily.
Watch your line intently when fishing plastics as the bite will be soft.

Water temperatures below fifty degrees call for a much different game plan on the water. You should consistently evaluate the body of water you are fishing and determine where the greatest elevation drops are located near key structure. For instance, in the winter you want to find a shallow flat that is located right near a steep ledge that drops off in say twenty or thirty feet. The bass will remain at the bottom of the ledge in the 20-30 feet of water and move up once per day, usually around 2-3pm, to feed on baitfish. If you have a depthfinder, it is good practice to scan the edges of such ledges for any schools of baitfish. When you locate some baitfish, take notice of the depth they are at so you can gauge how deep you need to present your baits.

We cannot stress enough how important having extra sensitivity to strikes in winter is. Winter bass fishing is a true mental and physical challenge and the sad news is you will probably get bites and not even know it. Fish strike baits so soft that it is unlike the majority of strikes you get throughout the warmer seasons of the year. If you feel any resistance whatsoever, by all means set the hook. You do not want a cold water bass to spit your bait out before you can get a handle on the fish. Watch your line and hold your rod lightly with your finger tips for the best sensitivity.

Winter Bass Fishing

Tips for fishing cold water and weather!