All About Bass Fishing - Guide To The Cooling Water of Early Winter

The cooling trend of fall has now set in and the water is cold pretty much everywhere. The bass move far less than they did in fall and have a tendency to stay in an area. Because the water is so cold, and the bass prefer warmer water, they become very inactive. They are also more difficult to locate with fish finders because they tend to hold tight to the bottom and tight to vertical objects.

3 Most Important Factors About Bass Activity in Early Winter

Water temperatures have dropped considerably.
The bass metabolism slows down.
Bass settle into defined areas where they will spend the winter.

3 Most Effective Fishing Methods & Lures

Jigging spoons.
Jigs.
Drop shot rig.

A day on the lake in early winter.

As always, begin by accumulating local knowledge about the body of water you will be fishing. Contact local bait stores, bass boat dealers and bass club members to find out first hand what is happening at the lake. Check fishing reports and fishing blogs which cover the lake where you plan to fish. The local fish and game department often posts fishing reports.
Recommended gear and tackle

Rod Choices (in order of importance).

1. 6’ medium-heavy action, bait-casting rod for lures from 3/8 ounce up to 1 ounce. Fill reel with 40# to 65# braid or 14# to 17# monofilament or fluorocarbon. (To be used for jigs and spoons).
2. 6’ medium-action spinning rod. Fill reel with 30# braid or 8 # to 10# monofilament or fluorocarbon. (To be used for drop-shot worms or shaky worms).
3. 6’ medium-action, bait-casting rod for lures from ¼ ounce up to 1/2 ounce. Fill reel with 40# to 65# braid or 12# to 14# monofilament or fluorocarbon. (To be used for smaller jigs, spoons and worms).

Lure Choices (in order of importance).

An assortment of 4” to 6” worms and baitfish-imitation plastics for drop shot fishing.
An assortment of jigging spoons from ¼ ounce to 1 ounce.
An assortment of ½ ounce to ¾ ounce jigs in light and dark colors.

Locating Bass In Early Winter.

Knowing the lake is a big advantage during the winter season. Bass can be difficult to locate as they most often are not visible on fish finders. If you know the lake, fish areas that typically produce in fall but make two changes. First, fish deeper than you might in fall. Second, slow down your presentation dramatically.

Start fishing with spoons to determine if there are semi-active bass in the area. Work the area slowly and methodically to tempt the bass into striking the lure. They will not move far to get it so fish all the likely areas on a given structure thoroughly. Bites are likely to be very soft, often a simple stopping of the lure. Be prepared to set the hook any time it feels odd. Boat position is critical to keep the lure directly under your rod tip, on the structure. See the section on spoon fishing for further spooning tips.

If the spoon is not catching bass. try a slower presentation with a jig, covering the structure as you did with the spoon. Working the jig up hill on the sides of structure can be a very effective method as the lure tends to stay in contact with the structure and cover. Make the lure action resemble something alive, twitching it and then allowing it to sit at rest for 5 to 20 seconds at a time.

When all else fails, switch to drop shot. Fish with an open hook on light line rigged close to the bottom, typically 12 inches or less. Fish this rig close to boulders, stumps and other cover elements on the structure with slow movement and long pauses.

All About Bass Fishing - Guide To The Cooling Water of Early Winter

3 Most Important Factors About Bass Activity in Early Winter

3 Most Effective Fishing Methods & Lures

A day on the lake in early winter.

Rod Choices (in order of importance).

Lure Choices (in order of importance).

Locating Bass In Early Winter.

AA Bass Fishing Knowledge Base

Bass information by state.

Fishing Information

All About Bass & How To Catch Them.