Largemouth bass will generally move to deeper water during the winter months. They will typically seek out areas with a drop-off from shallow to deep water, such as bluffs, main lake points, secondary points, ditches, and deep holes near vegetation. They will also generally head to the deepest part of the body of water, where they can find shelter from the cold weather. In lakes and ponds, bass can be found from 5 feet down to 35+ feet deep. On bright sunny days, the bass may find shallow rocky areas that warm up from absorbing the sunshine.

Smallmouth bass typically gravitate to deep eddies or slower current areas they can hold without expending too much energy in streams and rivers. In lakes, smallmouth bass often suspend in very deep water near or just below the thermocline. They may also move to the shallows when there is an influx of warmer water from rain. Areas with exposed wood or rock and dark mud and gravel bottoms can also heat the water on sunny days and attract smallmouth bass. To target winter smallmouth bass, look for slack or near-slack water near deep winter-holding water, such as late afternoons when the water is warmest. On the warmest days, it would be best to focus on inlets or flat pockets out of the main channel, like where creeks and draws dump in. If you can locate any of these areas, you may find success in targeting winter bass. You have to try these locations out on your lake. You have to figure out the pattern every day. Try things and see what works best. Check out how to read “How to read Hydrographic (Bathymetric) maps/charts.”

During this season, the water is colder. The fish are sluggish. To be successful, you need to adjust your gear and technique accordingly. When it comes to lures and bait, it is vital to select a slow-paced retrieve. Bass respond better to slower retrieves in the winter, try a jig, crankbait, or slow-falling soft plastic. A slow-rolling presentation is best. Using the right gear, location, and technique, you can maximize your chances of success and hopefully land that trophy bass!