Winter Largemouth Bass Fishing Tips

Here are some winter largemouth bass fishing tips that anglers can use for more productive winter fishing. Though few people actively fish for largemouth bass during the winter, the fish are still there and can be caught. With most fishermen and fisherwomen going are after trout or other cold weather species or simply staying at home, winter can be a great time to be out on the water.

Choose Lures By Water Clarity

Conventional wisdom might dictate that winter bass fishing requires larger lures, but when the water is crystal clear smaller lures are still the way to go. Often during winter the water is very clear and regardless of the temperature the bass can still see well. When the water is murky, larger and louder lures are easier for the bass to find.

Fish Slow

Fish are lethargic in colder water and lures should be presented slowly as it is more natural and it allows the bass to strike them more easily. Choose lures that can be fished well slowly.

Cast to Warmer Water

Shallow flats that are receiving noon time sun will be warmer than other areas and may be a great place to catch winter largemouth bass. When other sources of warmer water can be found they should be fished as well.

Fish Jigs Deep

Bass may be found in deeper water during the cold winter months. Jigs that can be worked vertically along bottom structure allow the lure to stay in the strike zone longer and can be used to carefully cover a lot of ground.

Present Lures Multiple Times

While jigs fished along the bottom can be worked in small areas, most lures will only make one pass. When fishing these lures, anglers should cast to the same area multiple times to give any bass present plenty of chances to strike.

Try New Things

Just as with other times of the year, the best lures are the ones that work. If the largemouth bass want to strike on something that doesn't make sense, that is fine too. If nothing is working, tie on and throw lures that seem unlikely to work and see what happens.

Bait

Minnows, nightcrawlers, and other bait can be used for winter largemouth bass fishing as well. Taking along multiple poles and having one out with bait at all times is a good way to increase the odds of hooking a winter bass.