Winter Fishing tips and ideas
Winter is officially here and there is somebody out there catching fish, I promise that. There are lots of ways to catch fish this time of year but it seems to get the best of us at times. In this article, I am going to discuss ideas of where to start and tips of what to look for. I hope you find this helpful and I will continue to develop it over time. Slow and steady is the key and look for the warmest water you can find. I am going to give you some suggestions of things that have worked for me and maybe it is something you haven't tried or that will work for you. This time of year the fishing is mental because it is slower and the bites are farther in between. Deep (a relative term) and slow is one key and the other is to find warmer water, so let's go through a couple of thoughts.
First, lets look at the deep and slow angle. I have used a heavy jig and spoon this time of year looking for brushpiles in deeper water around ledges and points. The key is to be methodical and precise in presentation and speed. When looking for ledges I like to find channel bends with brush or rock. I like to concentrate in at least 15' of water in clearer, deeper lakes and 6-10' in shallower dirtier lakes but the operative term is deeper so weather and cold doesn't effect temperatures in the water column as dramatically. Using your sonar is a very good way to locate bait and the fish, then it is just a matter of taking the time to get them to bite. If you can find an area with the 3 key factors that is ideal (Structure, Cover, and Forage) but you at least need structure and forage to attract the bass. In winter areas closest to the main lake or major tributaries are key areas to start in then work inward from there. Don't hesitate to look inside deeper tributaries with deeper water and access to warmer water (temp to be discussed later) because they can hold schools of resident fish that live in shallower water and don't want to travel to far from their homes. Those fish will be in the deepest section of the creek channel or deeper banks (bluff walls) in the back of a creek.
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Some key structures to look for are bluff walls usually formed from river and creek channels which provide the bass a place to mover vertically as weather warms or cools and also pulls bait into their home with currents and wind. Also, it gives the bass a natural ambush point in the form of walls and crevices. Points that extend into deeper water that break current or weather giving bass an ambush point for roaming schools of shad and other baitfish are also another great starting place. Channel bends with cover can also be great ambush points as current pushes bait up and over ledges and give bass current breaks to hide in while waiting for them to arrive. A-rigs, Jigs, Dropshot and Carolina rigs, and Spoons are some great choices for fishing these type locations and you just need to experiment to see what will work best.
The water is cold this time of year so think like a fish and look for the warmest water areas available as well as fishing baits matching them to the fishes mood and actions. Use your electronics to locate bait and the fish won't be far away, they don't want to move around a lot this time of year so they tend to group up in areas where wind or current will push food to them and if you catch one there will surely be more in the same spot or area. You can sit in one spot this time of year and catch fish from areas as small as your truck hood all day. They are looking for somewhere they can winter and stay fed without expending a ton of energy. Bass are a cold blooded creature and will react that way.
Some key structures to look for are bluff walls usually formed from river and creek channels which provide the bass a place to mover vertically as weather warms or cools and also pulls bait into their home with currents and wind. Also, it gives the bass a natural ambush point in the form of walls and crevices. Points that extend into deeper water that break current or weather giving bass an ambush point for roaming schools of shad and other baitfish are also another great starting place. Channel bends with cover can also be great ambush points as current pushes bait up and over ledges and give bass current breaks to hide in while waiting for them to arrive. A-rigs, Jigs, Dropshot and Carolina rigs, and Spoons are some great choices for fishing these type locations and you just need to experiment to see what will work best.
The water is cold this time of year so think like a fish and look for the warmest water areas available as well as fishing baits matching them to the fishes mood and actions. Use your electronics to locate bait and the fish won't be far away, they don't want to move around a lot this time of year so they tend to group up in areas where wind or current will push food to them and if you catch one there will surely be more in the same spot or area. You can sit in one spot this time of year and catch fish from areas as small as your truck hood all day. They are looking for somewhere they can winter and stay fed without expending a ton of energy. Bass are a cold blooded creature and will react that way.
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Blade baits like the SteelShad are becoming a mainstay in anglers boxes allowing a more controlled slower presentation. They can be fished like a crankbait, jig or spoon giving you a lot of flexibility with just one bait.
Primary Tackle offers these in several colors and 2 sizes. Check them by clicking on this link. SteelShad 3/8oz SteelShad 3/4oz |
Another consideration is when we get a good warm front through to look for warmer water to concentrate on. Water around certain kinds of rocks and banks (especially northern banks which get the most sun) seems to warm quick when we get a good warm spell and that seems to attract the bait and of course the bass. You still need to fish slow but can fish a little shallower, but these fish are very susceptible to fronts and weather changes. I like to throw heavy spinnerbaits, slow moving wide wobbling crankbaits like a wiggle wart and suspending jerkbaits for these fish. A carolina rig or jig can be very effective as well. Another source of warmer water can be rain if the temp outside is warmer than the current water temperatures, but the runoff has to be filtered in some way so that it doesn't cool and muddy up which is detrimental this time of year. Lakes that have dark grass or stumps that extend into the warmer air can provide warmer water in those areas that can attract fish as well. This is why in early spring you catch prespawn bass around wood or dark matted grass because that warmer water gets those old sows ready to spawn and the earlier they can lay their eggs the more chances they have for a successful spawn. So when we get that long warming trend in winter don't hesitate to look at those shallow points or bars close to deep water that the bass will utilize to warm themselves from that cold winter chill.
Let talk about one more thing when it comes to Winter fishing and that is safety. Accidents can happen and quickly you can find yourself in a dangerous and impossible situation. Hypothermia is a very real danger if you fall in to the lake or even if you don't wear enough gear on a long run or get wet making a run. Cold water and cold air mix to reduce your body heat and can disorient you quickly in the right combinations. Make sure to layer clothing and a waterproof/windproof outer layer can be the best defense in cold weather. Keep your boat covered til you head to the lake to avoid snow and ice covered decks and wear shoes that are warm and slip proof. Take extra clothes and socks to change into in case you get wet as well. Have a plan to get back into the boat safely if something goes wrong. Be safe and take a partner!
Hope you have found this helpful and maybe take something away from it that can help!
Below is another article from Tyler Brinks posted on fix.com, a great site full of informational articles.
Below is another article from Tyler Brinks posted on fix.com, a great site full of informational articles.
wINTER bASS fISHING STRATEGIES
Don’t put your rods away during the winter. The bass will still be biting, and it is one of the best times of the year to catch a trophy fish. A different approach is required during this season, but preparation and knowing fish behavior will ensure that you are able to catch bass all year long.
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SAFETY AND PREPARATIONOne of the most important strategies for winter bass fishing has nothing to do with fishing. Depending on where you live, the water can be anywhere from cold to dangerously frigid. Winter weather and the threat of hypothermia can quickly lead to trouble.
Make a plan of where you want to fish and be sure to let someone know where you are going and what part of the lake you will be fishing. If going alone, use extra caution, but ultimately, do your best to find someone to go with you. When it comes to keeping warm, dress in layers and be sure to bring extra clothing in case you get wet or fall in. Layering is the best way to stay warm all day. Start with a base layer of a thermal shirt, pants, and socks. On top of that, use a fleece jacket and shirt for your middle layer. This will provide the most breathability and ensure you stay as warm as possible. A good outer layer is a rainproof set of pants or a bib and jacket. Wearing multiple layers in a heated vehicle on your way to the lake will do more harm than good. Instead, add your final layer only when you arrive at the lake and begin to fish. Hand warmers and wool gloves with exposed fingers work well for keeping your hands warm and functional. |
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FISHING LOCATIONS
When looking for locations for winter bass fishing, two things are most important; baitfish and deep water. Both of these are keys to finding bass in winter, and if you find both in one area, you have a prime fishing spot. By looking at a topographical map or an electronic map card in your GPS unit, you can easily find likely locations. Areas such as humps, underwater islands, and long points are good places to start. The ideal locations will have deep and shallow water close by. Even though bass tend to be deeper this time of year, they will move up and down to different depths in search of food. |
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If you are familiar with the body of water, it is often best to visualize where the fish are during the other seasons. If you know that an area is known for spawning fish, the bass are usually not far from this area. The first area featuring deeper water from a known spawning flat is a prime location for wintering bass. The same goes for locations that worked for you in autumn. Taking one step back to deeper water is another way to find a bass hot spot.
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LURE SELECTION
Winter fishing techniques are much more streamlined than those for other seasons. Fast-moving and topwater baits are generally out of the question. What’s left are bottom-hugging baits and slow-moving lures. Some of the top winter baits are jigs. Football-head jigs and hair jigs work well when the water is cold. Moving them slowly along the bottom is your best chance at getting a lethargic bass to bite. Since football jigs imitate crawfish, choose colors that closely mimic the crawfish in that body of water. The colors vary greatly by region, but generally anything green or brown will usually be enough to match the hatch. Hair jigs also imitate crawfish, but can also look like small baitfish. The same approach to matching colors works here; white- and silver-hued baits are often good choices. Metal baits such as spoons and blade baits are another great idea this time of year. The hard metal often outperforms everything else when the water is cold. They do a great job of imitating dying baitfish and are a key way to catch winter bass. Soft-plastic baits fished slowly on a drop-shot rig are another top choice in the winter. Fish these slower than you would other times of the year and experiment with both the size of bait as well as your leader length. Smaller baits are often better and adjusting your leader length based on how far the fish are setting off the bottom is a solid wintertime bass strategy. |
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WATER TEMPERATURE
One of the most important things in all of bass fishing is water temperature. The temperature is what keeps the bass moving shallow to deep, and also lets them know when to spawn. It signals the end of a season and gets the fish moving to a different phase.
The following are water temperatures that trigger bass to change their eating habits. These will also vary based on region, as some bass in northern climates are more resistant to cold weather.
Under 40 Degrees
This is one of the most challenging times to fish for bass, but it can be done. Bass in water below 40 degrees will be inactive and require an easy meal. This means the angler must get the bait right in front of the bass for it to strike.
40 to 50 Degrees
These are prime winter fishing temperatures. Bass living in these conditions will have slowed down their feeding, but are not too cold to eat. They will chase lures to some degree and are likely to be caught on a number of baits.
50 to 60 Degrees
Bass living in these temperatures are willing to bite a wide range of lures. These are not typical winter temperatures for much of the country, but in Southern waters they may be the coldest time of the year. These temperatures are also when the bass are transitioning from season to season, either from fall to winter or winter to spring. Generally, these are excellent fishing conditions anywhere in the country.
Electronics Usage
Besides using your fish finder to locate prime fishing locations on your GPS, your electronics are likely never more vital than in the winter. Quickly scanning over areas as you are idling your boat is the best way to locate baitfish and the bass that will be nearby.
When seeing fish on your screen, dropping your bait to them in a vertical presentation is an excellent approach. The drop-shot rig and metal baits such as spoons and blade baits can be worked vertically and catch bass you see on your fish finder. It takes some practice to get your bait directly in front of the fish, but once you do it is often the best way to catch winter bass.
By exercising safety, being prepared, and focusing on the best locations, you can have success bass fishing all winter long.
One of the most important things in all of bass fishing is water temperature. The temperature is what keeps the bass moving shallow to deep, and also lets them know when to spawn. It signals the end of a season and gets the fish moving to a different phase.
The following are water temperatures that trigger bass to change their eating habits. These will also vary based on region, as some bass in northern climates are more resistant to cold weather.
Under 40 Degrees
This is one of the most challenging times to fish for bass, but it can be done. Bass in water below 40 degrees will be inactive and require an easy meal. This means the angler must get the bait right in front of the bass for it to strike.
40 to 50 Degrees
These are prime winter fishing temperatures. Bass living in these conditions will have slowed down their feeding, but are not too cold to eat. They will chase lures to some degree and are likely to be caught on a number of baits.
50 to 60 Degrees
Bass living in these temperatures are willing to bite a wide range of lures. These are not typical winter temperatures for much of the country, but in Southern waters they may be the coldest time of the year. These temperatures are also when the bass are transitioning from season to season, either from fall to winter or winter to spring. Generally, these are excellent fishing conditions anywhere in the country.
Electronics Usage
Besides using your fish finder to locate prime fishing locations on your GPS, your electronics are likely never more vital than in the winter. Quickly scanning over areas as you are idling your boat is the best way to locate baitfish and the bass that will be nearby.
When seeing fish on your screen, dropping your bait to them in a vertical presentation is an excellent approach. The drop-shot rig and metal baits such as spoons and blade baits can be worked vertically and catch bass you see on your fish finder. It takes some practice to get your bait directly in front of the fish, but once you do it is often the best way to catch winter bass.
By exercising safety, being prepared, and focusing on the best locations, you can have success bass fishing all winter long.
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