Not many people know that winter bass fishing is a real thing. Most people think the fish is only active throughout the spring and summer. But despite the cold and almost frozen temperature, fishing in the winter may give you some of the biggest basses you will ever catch. So it’s time to tackle some myths on bass fishing in the winter as well as give you some pointers on where to start.
The Myth of Winter Bass Inactivity
Several myths about bass and winter are primarily because it’s cold-blooded animals. Therefore, most are going “dormant” or “inactive” in the winter. And that’s why people think bass are inactive for a whole season.
Another reason for this myth is that most bass stay in the deep rather than on the surface. Therefore, anglers who are used to fishing bass in a shallower area like in the summer won’t catch the same amount of bass.
But they still need warm water to get their meals. The only difference is the fish will not be as active in pursuing their target.
Are Bass Active in the Winter?
The short answer is yes, they are active in the water. The bass’ version of hibernation is by going deep when the temperature drops below 40 degrees. But even the most well-prepared bass are still following baitfish near the surface.
Being in the cold water means their movement is sluggish compared to their regular self. But you can rest assured that you will find bass up to 60 feet deep underwater. You also can follow baitfish or their regular pray schooling in a warmer area, as the bass will be waiting for them in the deeper adjacent area.
Winter Habits of Bass
After a while, you will notice some of their habits. Bass can be a creature of habit. You will know when the temperature drops just by looking at their activities. Naturally, they will go deeper than their usual depth. If the bass is usually around three-feet deep, then in the winter they will go down to ten feet or even lower.
Essentially, the bass has two habits you need to look out for, their location and feeding habits. You can use this information to catch bass easier than in other months.
Staying Deep
Some Bass may enjoy being active near the surface. But most of them will go to a deeper area to slow down their metabolism. This will affect the
Keep in mind that a river has a different depth than a lake. Some lakes can be as deep as fifty feet with bass active at ten feet and under. But rivers are less deep than a lake.
But depth is one thing that should be the least of your worry. On the contrary, you should use it to your advantage. The fish is less likely to go anywhere else.
All you have to do is to be patient and continue searching the lower banks. They are likely hiding near the bottom and won’t go anywhere else. With the correct lure, you will get a lot of basses just from scouting the deep water.
Feeding Habits
Being a carnivore means bass eats everything from small fish, crawfish, and some worms. But in the winter, they have to eat less and can’t be picky about their meals. There are no crawfish in the winter, and worms are likely to stay hidden. Their only option is the small fish.
These small fish are most often in a shallow area or already flying flat due to the temperature. Knowing these feeding habits can help you increase your success rate in catching bass. You can use a crawfish lure since bass enjoys them and they’re mostly unavailable in the winter. They will be like a kid and ice cream.
Tips for Catching Bass in the Winter
After knowing their habit, it’s time to put the knowledge into action and catch some bass in winter. You’re greatly mistaken if you think that you only have to resort to deep rigging to catch bass in the winter. Numerous techniques are doable and even improve your success rate. Two crucial things can set your success. They are choosing the correct lure and using it in the right location.
Baits
When fishing in the winter, you will want a small lure that can go deep. Bass can be quite cautious. And since it’s in the winter and they can get sluggish, you won’t have much success with larger lures. In addition to downsizing the bait, you also need to slow down the movement. There won’t be much fighting from the bass in the winter, so you can be more relaxed.
Your bait is best to be in a neutral color to resemble the baitfish in the habitat. But you also can use colorful soft plastic baits to get their attention. And because they are far in the deep, you need to get the best rig that is heavy enough to go deep, but still light to be near the surface.
Some of the most popular bait for winter bass fishing are jerk bait and head jigs. Some anglers choose to have a specific rig for their winter fishing and deep jigging.
Location
If you have found a sweet spot when you’re fishing in the fall, the location may be still as sweet in the winter. Bass is looking for warm water, but they also prefer the deeper site to preserve their energy.
One thing you should know is water clarity. It can help you see the bass and another fish’s movement better, but it also tells you how deep the baitfish and bass will be. To some people, water clarity is a better determinant than temperature.
Winter gives a different challenge than fishing in other seasons. But it doesn’t mean impossible to catch a bass. Like most animals, they are less active for months. But when you know their habit and use the correct technique to get them, it will be a very rewarding experience to have.