Bass are warmwater fish and most anglers target them during their peak seasons. From the late spring spawning period through the fall months, Bass action can be great. Winter, meanwhile, brings colder water, making for a different season for Bass fishing. Don’t hang up your rods, though, as you can still catch Bass even in the coldest conditions!
In this article, we’ll cover how you can get your Bass fishing groove on even in the depths of winter. Read on to learn cold water and general winter tactics for catching Bass in different locations and environments. We’ll also dive into destinations where the water remains warm and productive throughout the cold season. Let’s get to it!
Where do Bass hold in cold conditions?
In warm conditions, Bass hold where they have cover, ambush opportunities, and access to food. When the temperature changes, however, their behavior also shifts. In these times, Bass look for the warmest possible water and hold where they’re safe from a freeze. The shallow weed beds in northern climates become vacant and fish move to safer locations.
For cold water specifically, look to rocky drop-offs for Bass. They’ll suspend in areas with structure and protection from currents. Anywhere they can conserve energy and sit tight until the water warms up is a likely location. They also sit close to the bottom in many areas.
It can really pay to scout locations ahead of the season. When the water is warm, use a thermometer to probe for springs. If you can find sites where water temperatures remain stable year-round, the fishing can be great even in cold weather. When you find a great winter spot, hit the water early because the morning bite is usually the best. First light fishing is even more important during winter.
Proven Techniques for Winter Bass
While Bass slow way down in cold conditions, they’ll eat if a food source comes within range. Keep in mind that they won’t move far and the strike will be soft. This means sensitive techniques are more effective and you really need to get right on the fish.
Deploy fish finders to help locate Bass and find their depth. The depth part is critical because you need to put lures and baits right in their face. For this reason, I love fishing vertical jigs with bucktail or soft plastic worms. You don’t need a huge lure, either. The strike is typically soft and it helps to set immediately with a smaller lure. It’s easier to get a hookset in this manner.
The real key is to find stable waters and slow down your retrieve and action. Stable waters are places where turbulence is low and temperatures are consistent. Structure is key in slowing currents and creating slack zones. Choose low gear ratios, slow everything down, and take your time. Sometimes it’s almost painful to fish at such a slow pace but it can really make a difference.
Winter Bass Fishing Baits
The following are some of the best winter baits to try:
- Soft worms. Run a plastic worm on a jig hook and get in the zone. It’s simple and one of the most productive means of catching Bass in colder water.
- Flat crankbaits. Flat-sided crankbaits have great action and they fish really well on a slow retrieve. I like darker colors in winter but choose your favorite and give it a try.
- Knife jigs. These are also called jigging spoons at times, and their versatility is excellent for winter fishing. You can fish them vertically or use a retrieve.
- General jigs. Jigs with skirts, bucktail, or soft plastics are all great in winter. The skirts are excellent because they offer a ton of movement even when fished at a super slow pace.
Ice Fishing for Bass
You might be surprised to discover that you can also catch Bass through the ice. It’s not easy but when you find the right spots, ice fishing can be very productive. Look for muddy bottom bays and rock outcroppings. Baits are nice to use because the scent can help trigger strikes. Jigs are also a great choice for ice fishing. Be ready to set the hook because the fish will eat and spit it out quickly in some cases.
Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass are caught while ice fishing in northern climates. Some massive Smallmouth, for example, are common in the Great Lakes region and Canada. Using tip-ups is a great move because they set the hook for you. If you can’t make a winter trip to the south, grab your auger and give the ice a shot!
Winter Destinations for Bass Fishing
With all the talk of cold waters and specialized techniques, it’s important to know that some destinations are warm and productive throughout the winter months. This means that all of the sensitive techniques and specific holding areas aren’t important. Fishing in prime conditions is great with the usual crankbaits, spinnerbaits, Texas rigs, and favorite Bass fishing rigs. Check out these locations…
Florida
For northerners, taking a winter Bass vacation to Florida is a great idea. The Sunshine State has some incredible fishing for Largemouth and Peacock Bass. You can find Peacock Bass in Miami Canals, the Everglades, and plenty of other locations. It’s a unique opportunity to target these fish in convenient, urban locations. Largemouth, in particular, are present across the state. Start with the famous Lake Okeechobee and work out from there.
Texas
The Lone Star State may have the occasional cold snap that can slow the fishing down but winter is a productive time of year in general here. The biggest fish are often caught in winter in reservoirs like Lake Fork and Amistad. Consider enjoying the mild winter weather while chasing Bass around the many world-class fisheries in Texas – and don’t forget to try your hand at the state fish, Guadelupe Bass!
Northern Mexico
If you want to catch the Largemouth of a lifetime, head to Mexico. Some of the reservoirs in this country are absolutely fantastic and are on the bucket lists of many serious anglers. El Salto is the most renowned lake in the country but there are many more. The most productive fisheries are located in the Guadalajara and Mazatlan regions.
Costa Rica
If you want a more tropical vacation that comes with a very unique Bass species, head to Costa Rica and target Rainbow Bass. These fish are one of the most interesting Bass species I’ve ever encountered. Lake Arenal is a popular option and it has easy access thanks to the tourism infrastructure that makes it possible for traveling anglers to fish here.
Amazon Basin
Staying on the tropical theme, the Amazon basin in Columbia and Brazil is another hot spot for massive Peacock Bass. You’ll want to travel here during the dry season for the best fishing. There are a handful of outfits set up with floating cabins and comfortable lodging in the jungle. Bring your biggest crankbaits and heavy rods because the Bass here are next level. They’re bigger and harder fighting than any others out there!
Take Advantage of Winter Bass Fishing!
The best thing about the winter and cold conditions is the lack of other anglers. Some of the most popular spots will be empty and you can have a ton of water to yourself. Winter mornings might be chilly but there’s a good chance you’ll see plenty of action to keep you warm.
And not just that! Learning about Bass behavior in the slow times can also help you find and target them in summer when the conditions make sudden changes. Get ready to elevate your Bass fishing game year-round!
Do you chase Bass through the winter months? Share your favorite strategies and destinations in the comments below!
