Five Tips for Catching Bass in Winter

Fishing for bass in the winter can be challenging endeavor but you can still have some great days on the water with the right approach.

Here are five tips to help you succeed with your cold water bass adventures:

1)  Fish in deeper water: During the winter, bass tend to move to deeper water where the temperature is more stable. Look for points, drop-offs, and other structures with deep water access nearby that bass can use in the colder months.

2)  Use slow-moving baits: In cold water bass have a slower metabolism and 

are less active therefore less likely to chase fast-moving baits. Slow-moving baits, such as jigs, spinnerbaits, blade baits, ned rigs, and flat-sided crankbaits, are usually more effective in the winter.

3)  Fish during the warmest part of the day: Bass are most active during the warmest part of the day, which is typically midday until sunset. Take advantage of higher levels of bass activity by fishing during the warmest hours each day on the water.

4)  Look for baitfish: Bass are opportunistic predators and will follow baitfish as an easier food source. Look for schools of shad, herring, perch, or other baitfish that may be present in your local waters.

5)  Fish near warm water discharges when available: Bass will often congregate near warm water discharges such as those from power plants, natural drains, springs, or factories since warmer water can provide a haven for baitfish, and therefore bass.

Keep these tips in mind and you'll be on your way to some great bass catching days throughout the winter. 

Remember to always check the local fishing regulations and consider practice catch and release to protect bass populations for the future. 

Tight lines all!