Adjusting to Winter Cold Fronts

The wind howls, the chill sets in, and seasoned anglers know what's coming: a winter cold front.

While these frosty blasts can send shivers down your spine and fish sliding into deeper water, you can still conquer the cold and land some bass with the right approach. 

Here are a few tips to set your hooks into chilled, post-frontal bass:

Seek Deeper Shelter Locations: Bass become more lethargic in cold water, seeking out areas with quick access to deeper water. Think deep cover like submerged trees, docks, and rock piles. Don't forget deeper weed lines, points, bluffs and channel edges especially those associated with steeper sloped areas.

Follow the Sun: Look for areas with sun exposure, as even a slight temperature difference can attract bass. South-facing banks and shallow flats can often be hotspots in post-frontal conditions.

Slow Your Presentations: Forget fast retrieves and power fishing. Think smaller baits like jigs, Ned rigs, blade baits and slow down your presentations, letting the lure linger near bass-holding cover thereby tempting lethargic bass into striking.

Bass pro and former Classic champ Jason Christie loves fishing during the cold to cool water periods, even when faced with post-front conditions. Take a few minutes and listen as he describes his approach to locating and catching chilled, post front bass...

Fishing Bluff Walls for Winter Bass

As the water cools through the winter, bass continue to be less active and head to cover/structure near deeper water. One of the best places to find active bass during the colder months is along bluff walls and drop-offs. 

Bluff walls are steep underwater cliffs and ledges that bass use for ambush points to attack schools of baitfish. 

Here are some tips for fishing bluff walls and catching more winter bass:

Location - Use your electronics and maps to find bluff walls that drop into deep water. Focus on bluffs on main lake and river channel ledges and points. The bass will hold tight to the walls and break lines during winter. Irregularities along the bluff like rock points, small stair step ledges, rock slides or wood tangles are excellent holding spots for forage and winter bass.

Lures - Crankbaits and jerkbaits that can reach deeper depths work well for bluff fishing. Use lipless crankbaits, blade baits, spoons and suspending jerkbaits to fish the sides and irregular contours along bluff walls. Slow rolling spinnerbaits can also produce along bluffs. Use natural baitfish patterns like shad and perch.

Presentations - Make long casts parallel to the bluff walls and count the bait down to depth. Use a stop and go retrieve bouncing the lures down the contours. Also make fan casts to hit different spots on the wall. Switch up lures and retrieves until you trigger strikes.

Take a few minutes and watch as bass pro Luke Palmer describes his approach to probing bluff walls for hungry winter bass...

Be thorough and methodical in your approach. Bass will relate to subtle rock piles, depth changes and wood cover along bluff walls. Pay close attention to your electronics and mark productive spots to revisit later. 

Fishing bluff walls is a go-to pattern for catching more bass when the water turns cold.

3 Tips for Fishing Boat Docks for Winter Bass

As the weather gets colder, bass go deep and become lethargic. However, they will still readily strike a tasty meal that drifts by. Boat docks provide an excellent opportunity to catch inactive winter bass.

Here are a few tips to help you catch more bass around docks when the water turns plunges below the mid 40s:

1. Slow Down - The metabolism of bass slows way down in the winter, so you need to slow down your presentations. Use plastics rigged Texas-style, lipless crankbaits, or suspending jerkbaits. Work them extremely slow and let the bait sit still for long pauses at times to see how they want the baits presented.
2. Fish Deep Docks - Target docks in deeper water, at least 6+ feet. As water around shallow docks get colder, bass will move out to deeper docks. Focus on dock posts, edges, corners, and boat slips. Vertical jigging can also be very effective if bass are found holding on brush piles around docks.
3. Downsize Your Offerings - Big baits catch big fish, but that changes in the winter. Scale down to more compact baits in the 2.5-4 inch range. Finesse plastic creature baits, ned rigs, and scented finesse plastics can all produce when retrieved slowly.

Bass pro Brandon Cobb often relies on docks to find hard cover oriented bass during the cold water period. Take a couple minutes and watch as he explains his approach to finding and catching winter bass when fishing boat docks...

Remember winter bass are usually less active, often preferring finesse over power fishing presentations. Always consider using finesse techniques like:

• Drop shotting: Rig a small finesse worm and a light drop shot weight and delicately "tickle" the bottom around dock supports and outside shaded areas.
• Jigging: Work a compact jig and trailer with a slow crawl or lift-and-fall retrieve under docks and along the edges.
• Ned rigging: Thread a Ned worm or similar size soft plastic bait onto a mushroom-style Ned jig head, letting it drift naturally near cover or cast it just under dock edges and slowly drag it out.

The Best Time of Day for Winter Fishing

When it comes to bass fishing in winter with water temperatures between 35 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the "best" time of day isn't as straightforward as warmer months. 

Bass become less active in colder water, so the timing becomes more situational than predictable. However, here are some factors to consider to maximize your chances of success:

Sun exposure:

• Midday: When the sun is highest, it warms shallow areas slightly and increases visibility, potentially activating lethargic bass for brief periods.
• Late afternoon: The warm surface layer from midday might linger for a while, creating pockets of slightly warmer water that could attract bass.

Forage activity patterns:

• Dawn and dusk: These times sometimes see increased feeding activity from baitfish that bass prey upon. Targeting areas near baitfish concentrations during these periods can be productive.

Weather conditions:

• Sunny vs. cloudy: Warm, sunny days can offer a slight edge over cloudy ones due to the aforementioned surface water warming.
• Wind: Moderate winds can stir up the water, potentially bringing oxygen and prey to areas where bass are holding. But strong winds can make fishing difficult.

Overall, when fishing in cold water, remember:

• Focus on areas with potential bass hiding spots: Sunken logs, rocks, docks, and weed edges hold heat and offer ambush cover for prey.
• Slow down your presentation: Use finesse techniques like Carolina rigs, drop shots, and small jigs with minimal movement.
• Experiment with bait color and size: Some colors stand out more in cold, murky water, and smaller baits might be more enticing to sluggish bass.

Bass pro Randy Blaukat has his own thoughts regarding the best time to be on the water for a successful day of winter bassin' as hes duscusses in the following video...

Remember, the best time to fish may vary depending on your specific location, waterbody characteristics, and weather conditions on any given day. Experimenting with different times and adjusting your approach based on the factors mentioned above can help you find success even in the coldest winter months.

Top Lures for Winter Bass Fishing

Winter is often considered the off-season for bass fishing, but with the right approach and lures, you can still catch fish even when the bass feel like chunks of ice. 

Bass metabolism slows down in cold water, so they tend to be less active, feed less and move to deeper water. This means that you need to use lures and presentations to entice them into biting.

Here are some of the top lures for catching bass during the winter:

1. Hair Jigs: Hair jigs are a versatile and effective lure for winter bass fishing. They may or may not be tipped with a soft plastic trailer, particularly scented minnow imitations. The hair jig's slow fall and subtle movement are often irresistible to cold-water bass.

2. Blade Baits: Blade baits are a type of metal lure that resembles a thin, flat fish with two treble hooks on the bottom. They are typically made of steel, brass, or other metals and come in a variety of sizes and colors. When jigged or retrieved through the water, the blade creates a unique vibration that mimics the movements of injured baitfish attracting the attention of cold water bass.

3. Underspin Jigs: Underspins are a type of fishing lure that consists of a jig head and minnow-style trailer with a small blade attached underneath. The blade spins as the lure is retrieved, creating a flash that attracts fish. Underspins are especially effective for catching bass in cold water, since they can be fished slowly and still produce a lot of strike-triggering action.

4. Suspending Jerkbaits: Suspending jerkbaits are a good choice for winter bass fishing. They are minnow-shaped baits that can be fished at a slow speed with frequent pauses, which is what you need to trigger reactions in cold water.

5. Ned Rigs: Ned rigs are a popular finesse technique for catching bass, and they work well in the winter as well. They consist of a small jig head and a small soft plastic bait, such as a Z-Man TRD or Finesse Hula Stick. The Ned rig fished slowly and with a subtle shake can be deadly for enticing winter bass into striking.

Bass pro Brandon Cobb spends much of the winter period chasing largemouth and spotted bass on reservoirs across the southern U.S. Take a few minutes and watch as he highlights his favorite baits when trying to trick sluggish, winter bass tnto eating his bait...

Fishing for Bass from Shore in Winter

When the water temperatures drop in winter, bass become less active and more lethargic. This makes bass a little harder to catch from shore at this time of year. 

Targeting the right cover and structure however, can help you find and catch more bass during the colder months as long as there is open water available in your area. 

Here are some of the best types of cover and structure to focus on when winter bank fishing for bass:

Wood Near the Bank - Submerged trees, stumps, branches, and laydowns provide excellent winter habitat for bass. The wood absorbs heat from the sunlight during the day, which attracts baitfish. This naturally draws in bass looking for an easy meal. Focus on fishing around wood cover in warmer, sunny areas of the lake.

Docks - Docks provide shade and protection for bass in winter. Look for docks in deeper water, as bass will move a little deeper when the water gets colder. Pitch jigs, creature baits, and grubs around and under the docks. The pilings and posts also serve as ambush points for bass.

Rocky Banks - Rocky banks and riprap absorb heat and provide hiding spots for bass. Target any rocks, boulders, and rubble along banks with crankbaits, spinnerbaits and rattling lipless crankbaits that imitate crawfish. The bass will tuck in tight to structure to stay warm.

Points - Points and tapering ledges are bass magnets year-round. In winter, focus on inside turns or points that are wind-blown. The wave action churns up the warmer water and micro-organisms from below, attracting baitfish and bass. Fish the points thoroughly with crankbaits, blade baits, drop shots and jigs.

Weed Edges - Even in winter, some weeds will remain. Look for edges of weeds or plants left over from warmer months. Bass will gravitate to the remaining vegetation for cover. Working jigs, lipless crankbaits and soft plastics along the weed lines can pay off. Slow rolling spinnerbaits around weed patches can also trigger strikes.

Take a few minutes and watch as the guys from Tactical Bassin' provide some great "on the water" insight in identifying winter bank fishing locations...

Targeting productive winter bass cover and structure from shore simply requires patience. Move slowly, make repeated casts, and cover water until you locate where the bass are hunkering down during the colder months. 

Though there will be days when the skunk wins out, you can find and catch bass even when fishing from shore in winter. Beats just sitting around on the sofa or playing with your tackle collection in my book!

Fishing Tail Spinners for Late Winter Bass

Fishing during late winter can be a challenging task, but it can also be an excellent time to catch some big bass. One effective lure for late winter bass fishing is a tail spinner. 

A tail spinner is a lure that imitates a struggling or dying small baitfish and is designed to create a combination of vibration and flash that attracts bass.

Here's some of the basics about tail spinners and how to fish them for late winter bass.

What is a Tail Spinner?

A tail spinner is a lure that has a metal blade on the back that spins as you retrieve it through the water. The spinning blade creates a flash and vibration that mimics a small baitfish or other forage. The lure's body is often made of lead and it typically has at least one treble hook on the bottom of the metallic body. Popular tail spinners include: Mann’s Bait Little George, Savage Gear’s Fat Tail Spin, Lunker Hunt’s Big Eye Tail Spin Jig, the Molix Trago Spin Tail, and the Duo Realis Spin.

Tail spinners typically range in size from 1/4 oz to 1 oz as well as a variety of colors, so it's important to select a color pattern matching baitfish found in your local waters.

Great Lures for Late Winter Bass

Many anglers do not fish throughout the winter months, epecially northern anglers where their favorite bass lakes are covered with ice. Once winter’s grip releases and ice out occurs however, it’s time to prep the bassin’ gear and set up a box wit the best baits for catching late winter bass.

When setting up your late winter specialty box, here are some of the best lures for late winter bass you should consider:

1) Jigs and pig or craw trailers: use a slow drag or drag n pause retrieve keeping the jig around the bottom;

2) Single and double blade spinnerbaits to be slow rolled over and around bottom cover;

3) Lipless or flat-sided squarebill crankbaits fished slowly while deflecting off bottom weeds or rocks;

Fishing Inline Spinners for Late Winter Bass

Fishing inline spinners is a popular and effective technique for catching late winter bass. Inline spinners are versatile lures that mimic the movement of a fleeing baitfish and trigger a predatory response from bass. They are available in various shapes, colors, and sizes, and are a go-to option for many anglers looking to target bass in late winter.

Late winter is a crucial time for bass, as they are starting to feed as they prepare for the spawning season. During this cold water period, bass tend to be sluggish and less active, making them a little harder to catch. However, fishing inline spinners can still be productive, as the subtle spinning action and vibration of the lure can attract bass when other baits fail.

A quality rod and reel combo is key to effectively fishing inline spinners. To start, you will need a 6.5' to 7' medium-light to medium power, fast action spinning rod and matching reel to balance the outfit. The reel should be spooled with 8- to 10-pound test braided main line, as it provides good sensitivity and casting distance. A fluorocarbon leader of 4- to 8-pound test is recommended, since it provides low visibility and abrasion resistance.

Inline spinners come in a variety of sizes, colors, and blade styles. For late winter bass, select inline spinners that mimic small baitfish or crawfish. Silver or gold blades are good starting choices for clear water, while copper, chartreuse or painted blades are better for stained or murky water. A size 1/8 to 3/8 oz inline spinner is a good starting point, as it allows you to fish at a variety of depths and retrieve speeds.

10 Tips for Catching Late Winter Bass

Late winter can be a tough time to catch bass but with the right tactics and techniques, it is possible to still have successful days on the water. 

Here are 10 tips to help you catch more bass in late winter:

1) Pay attention to water temperature: Bass are more sluggish in colder water, so focus on areas where the water is slightly warmer, such as near springs, dark bottom bays on north side of lake or shallow flats with residual weed beds or boulders.

2) Slow down your retrieve: In colder water, bass are less likely to chase fast-moving lures. Try slowing down your retrieve when using reaction baits like crankbaits, spinnerbaits and chatterbaits or using a finesse technique like a drop shot or Ned rig.

3) Fish near deeper water: Bass often retreat to deeper water during late winter, so concentrate your fishing efforts near structure or cover with deep water (drop offs, steep points, river channels) close by.

4) Use natural-looking lures when fishing clear water: Late winter is a time when bass are less active and less likely to chase flashy or fast-moving lures, especially in clearer water. Instead, use lures that mimic the look and movement of the bass’ natural prey.

Fishing for Winter River Smallmouths

Fishing for smallmouth bass in rivers during the winter can be a rewarding experience, though it does require a bit of knowledge and strategy. Smallmouth bass, like most fish, become less active in colder water temperatures so they tend to move to deeper, slower-moving pools and troughs in rivers. With the right mindset, techniques and equipment, however, you can still have some great days catching smallmouth bass in rivers throughout the winter.

When it comes to selecting your fishing spot, focus on areas with structure such as deep pools, eddies, and troughs especially with cover like boulders, rock piles, submerged vegetation or wood present. These types of areas provide smallmouth bass with current breaks along with ambush points and protection they need during the cold water period. Also, look for areas where the current slows down or changes direction, such as behind rocks, near wing dams, laydowns or near the mouths of tributaries. These areas will often hold smallmouth bass that are feeding on bait such as minnows and crayfish.

A highly effective lure for catching winter smallmouths in rivers during is finesse-sized jig and pig (trailer) since it mimics both minnows and crayfish. 

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.

How to Fish Jigging Spoons for Winter Bass

Fishing for bass in the winter can be a challenge, but jigging spoons can be an effective way to target these fish during the cold water period. In this post, we'll go over some tips and techniques for fishing jigging spoons for bass during the winter months.

First, it's important to understand the behavior of bass in the winter. As the water temperature drops, bass will become less active and will often seek out deeper, more sheltered areas. These areas often include deeper basin areas adjacent to the ends of points, steeply dipping banks, ledges/buffs, or in the deeper rivers on the outside edge of channel bends. Therefore you'll need to adjust your fishing techniques to target these fish in their winter haunts. These areas will often hold concentrations of bass in the winter.

One of the most effective presentations to accomplish this is by using jigging spoons. These lures mimic the action of struggling or dying baitfish, and can be fished vertically, making them perfect for targeting bass in deep water.

When fishing with jigging spoons, it's important to pay attention to the weight of the spoon. In the winter, you'll want to use a heavier spoon to get the lure down to the deeper holding areas where the bass reside. A good rule of thumb is to use a spoon that is at least 1/4 ounce for every 10 feet of water being fished. Since common depth ranges for winter bass are in the 20 to 30 foot range, 1/2 oz and 3/4 oz jigging spoons are often used. The most common rod and reel combo for jigging spoons is a 7' M/H power, fast action baitcasting rod with 12 lb to 20 lb test fluorocarbon line.

Winter Finesse Fishing with Soft Plastics

Getting bass to bite when winter when water temps are approaching the freezing point is rarely easy. 

For many years the thought of using any type of soft plastic bait during the winter was not even considered by most cold weather bass anglers!

With advancements in the manufacturing techniques of soft plastics as well as the introduction of finesse presentations like the drop shot, neko and ned rigs that has all changed.

Take a few minutes and watch as Falcon Rod bass pro Luke Palmer demonstrates his favorite finesse fishing techniques to trigger strikes from lethargic winter bass...

Winter Bass Fishing When Water < 40 Degrees

Even when you are fortunate to live in parts of the country where the water doesn't freeze during the winter, bass fishing when the water is below 40 degrees is usually tough. 

That doesn't mean you can't have great days of bassin' during the winter but more often than not the bite is slow and days with 0 to a few bass crossing the gunwale are more the rule than the exception.

Take a moment and watch as 2022 Bassmaster Classic winner Jason Christie details his approach when fishing a new lake and water temps don't even make the 40 degree mark!

Definitely not a great day but one thing's certain; even on the days when the catching is almost nil there's still lessons to be learned to make future trips more productive :)

Dead the Ned for Winter Bass

Ever since its widespread introduction to the bassin' world about a decade ago, the Ned rig has become one of the "go-to" finesse baits for most savvy bass anglers. 

Despite the growing varieties of soft plastic baits and jig head styles available today, the Ned presentation system is one of the simplest techniques for catching numerous bass of all sizes throughout the calendar year, especially on highly pressured waters.

The ultra subtle appearance of the light, flat-bottomed jig head and stubby 2 3/4" soft stickbait trailer makes the Ned rig bait a highly productive bait during the cold water period during late fall, winter and very early spring. 

Dead the Ned!

Although any of the standard Ned rig retrieves may work during the cold water period, "deading the Ned" by using a dead-stick and super slow drag presentation is often the best option when the water is cold (low 40s or colder)!

Winter Jig Trailer Tips

A jig and trailer is one of the most versatile bass fishing baits in most people have in their tackle boxes. Because it's virtually snagless, a jig can be fished through almost any type of cover and structure allowing anglers to probe areas where most baits get hung-up. 

Add in the seemingly endless types and styles of trailers, the jig can be fished during any season. It's especially effective when using extremely slow retrieves in cold water situations.

There is little doubt the jig and trailer is often a "go-to" bait for most bass anglers during the winter months; it's just a matter of using the right type of trailer as bass pro Gerald "G-man" Swindle explains in this video from the folks as Mossy Oak...

Where to Catch Big Bass in Winter

Bass anglers living south of the winter "iced-in" region of the north country have the opportunity to continue their pursuit of open water bass throughout the winter's cold water period. 

Novice winter open water bass chasers focus on deep water areas since many bass gravitate to basin holding areas during the winter months. Knowledgable bass anglers understand that many times, bass including some big bass temporarily migrate to shallow flats during the winter months to feed.

Take a moment and listen as bass pro Mark Menendez describes one of his favorite times to fish for bass, the winter's cold water period...

Are All Blade Baits the Same?

What do you get when you take a this sheet of metal cut into the shape of a baitfish, add hooks, color and tabs of lead for weight? 

The simplest cold water baits on the market, a blade bait!

One of the first blade baits introduced to the market is the Heddon Sonar (circa 1959) followed a couple of decades later by the Silver Buddy; both still in production and highly popular today. Since that time many tackle manufacturers have introduced their own version of the blade back by tweaking the components and design to add their own twist to the bait.

Even though the various baits have different shapes, hooks, tie-eye and weight placement on the thin metal body, do they all act or vibrate the same way in the water?

Absolutely not as the folks from Omnia fishing explain in this short video on their favorite blade baits for cold water bassin'

Check out the variety of blade baits available from Omnia fishing by clicking on the following link to start your blade bait collection:

Blade Baits @ Omnia Fishing

Lure Selections For Winter Bass

If you are fortunate enough to live in southern areas of the US and your local waters do not freeze over during the winter, piling on the clothing and hitting the water for a little bass fishing helps reduce cabin fever.

Even though a fair number of hearty souls brave the cold winter chill and head out for a little winter bass fishing, many struggle with the “catching” part of the success equation.

One question instantly springs into mind …

Are you using the right lures when searching for those elusive winter bass?

Key Winter Bass Fishing Lure Selections …