Lastly, stay hydrated. So it’s true that some regions of the country can check out right now and stop reading. Swim Baits for Cold Water Bass Fishing (December new) by Elmer Buckley. Bass Pro Ron Shuffield likes to use a split-tail pork frog. It's not as bad as what our northern brethren are faced with when having to decide between staying home or sitting on a bucket over a hole in the ice. Or perhaps you started with too aggressive of a lure. Bass in ponds must make do with the available space and conditions. Typically, whether you’re on an 11-acre pond or 2-acre pond, most ponds are shallow and the water warms the same. Hair Jig (or bucktail) is another jig that made Wirth’s list for winter bass fishing. To an extent, all anglers probably fall victim to "rut fishing" at some point throughout the year, and winter can be the worst time to be in a rut about how you approach your fishing. Pond Fishing for Bass. Normally you look for weed cover during the warm months.Here in northern IL it's warm enough to fish but the water is still cold.40-50 degrees in most ponds.What should I be using and looking for in this situation.There isn't any visible underwater vegetation yet and a lack of obvious logs or downed trees to cast near. Pete Ponds may be one of the most unconventional anglers out there. Cold, snow, and giant sea bass await anglers at the deep-water wrecks this winter. If you don't want to bring your iPad into the bathroom, we can send you a magazine subscription for free! The type of fish you pursue can make a difference, too. I love to fish this bait parallel on channel swings close to the bank in major creeks and even along bluffs, riprap and laydowns. Sure, they may be more confined and have less room to move about, but they can be stubborn about striking and winter weather conditions seem to bring out more of their funny nature. For some anglers, if they can understand what a fish eats, then selecting lures or flies that mimic these foods becomes more intuitive. “The heavy jighead bumps through submerged brushpiles and over logs with ease, and the jig's rubber skirt and tails of the trailer flare out like the arms and pinchers of a live craw.”. Ingram lives in Tennessee and is known to fish the state’s reclaimed phosphate pits and state park lakes. Posted: Jan 8, 2021 / 05:59 PM CST / Updated: Jan 8, 2021 / 06:32 PM CST. The point of this article is to serve as a general approach to enjoying your pond in the cold months. Be patient, fish it with slow twitches, and watch for subtle strikes. When the next front comes through, pack up your gear, and then put these cold water bass fishing tips to the test. Those cold fronts that linger for a couple days can drop lake temperatures very significantly. I’ve caught bass from 3 feet of water when the surface temperature was 50 degrees. Can you give me some tips on fishing ponds in winter? Cold, muddy water is never conducive to good bass fishing. Pro Charlie Ingram in an interview with Bassmaster. 2. Because this pond is small and shallow, I'm sure it has some wild temperature swings and is affected by sunshine or cold nights much more than deeper bodies of water. It'll work just fine since you'll be using smaller baits, and the fluorocarbon is virtually invisible underwater. When the water is cold, bass metabolism slows and they don’t need to eat as much. However winter pond fishing can be phenomenal if you have a solid game plan. Farm ponds differ much in shape and size, but this is normally not an important fact because water temp during the winter in an 8-acre pond won’t vary much from a 2-acre pond as long as the water clarity is the same. These guys are weighted at the belly and head, and they’re compact enough to match the small baitfish bass feed on in 40-plus degree winter water. pro and host of TV's Fishing University loves fishing the many reclaimed phosphate pits and state park lakes in the Middle Tennessee area. They didn’t build the pond, nor did they choose these places to live. I am in eastern NC I know the presentation should be slower, but what baits should I be throwing? Typically a head jig with a trailing pork rind or plastic imitating a crawfish, is a good bet, especially when the water is muddy. This fishing holes can range from a farm pond and smaller state park lakes to your golf club’s water hazards. And when the temperatures warm, they’re still sluggish. Q. You will experience way less fishing pressure, less boating traffic, and the bass are still feeding up for the winter months. I fish a lot in ponds that are 10 ft. And fishing slows down in the winter. In his spare time, the veteran Santa Fe, Tenn., B.A.S.S. Largemouth bass caught in the 10+ pound range are not uncommon and numerous have been caught in the 14-16 pound range. “The rainbow trout that we put in is a cold-water species,” explained Cross. When the water is very cold, a 3- to 4-inch curly-tail grub on a ¼-ounce jighead is one of the simplest and most effective presentations for large and smallmouth bass. Cold weather fishing can be more of a challenge, but there's nothing like the reward of a catch in tough conditions. When birds land in and around bodies of water that have fish they pick up eggs on their feet. Power fishing has been the predominate pattern and it’s been an absolute blast. Let’s look first at what bass tend to do as the water temperature starts dropping. All it takes are a couple of warm days and nights warming the shallow areas only a few degrees above the general volume of the pond. Therefore, the cooling time is greater. Understanding the right lures, techniques, tackle and areas to target are all key in have successfully day out on the water. Then there's spoons, which also qualify as a small food choice for a bass experiencing the winter feeing doldrums. In the North, where bass are accustomed to lower temperatures, fishing can be good in water temperatures above 45 degrees. They’ve gotta accept what’s available, but they will bite if presented the right lure with the correct presentation. Cold water fishing is now the only time I cast this lure. Weather is the real key that dictates pond fishing success during the winter, and this alone has a major influence on water temperature! The number of pros that have one tied on their deck in coldwater tournaments is staggering and a testament to how much confidence that one crankbait has brought guys fishing for bass in ultra cold clean water. When it comes to what bass eat in winter, the answer depends on how winter is defined. Don't think there are but two or three lures that work well for winter bass fishing. Keep an eye out for thick weeds. A square bill crankbait deflected off of stumps or rocks. 2. Pictured above: Large cod hold over deep-water wrecks in the winter months. Jerkbaits - The key to fishing jerkbaits when winter bass fishing is to not jerk them! When the temps are ripe for eating, largemouth bass prefer fish, crayfish and frogs. Bass or example, are known to strike out of anger as much as hunger. If the water gets too hot or cold, they must acclimate. "I've caught some of my biggest bass from small lakes in winter," Charlie Ingram reveals. It’s also true that water temperature won’t vary greatly depending on what size pond you’re fishing. These lures will help you catch fish out in those ponds. The point of this article is to serve as a general approach to enjoying your pond in the cold months. That low water is what often leads to the scarcity of wood and an overabundance of rock as cover for bass. Bill: Sure. Fishing small ponds for bass has such a summer feel, but that's not to say they aren't worth targeting in winter. However winter pond fishing can be phenomenal if you have a solid game plan. It's the way you fish them that is different. All Rights Reserved. This tactic works best in late winter when bass are suspending along steep channel banks in the backs of creeks. Bass fishing with water temperatures in the 40s is cold… like, really cold. Bass in ponds must make do with the available space and conditions. When bass go deep in winter, heavy metal will out produce other lure styles ten-to-one. At this time of year, most anglers lose their desire and confidence and decide to wait ’til spring. © 2008-2020 Bill Dance Outdoors. If the pond is formed by a dam, you’ll normally find the deepest water there. Yet, especially in the last two years, the Southeast in particular has experienced warm weather fronts that keep temperatures in the 60s and 70s for highs, while not dipping much below 50-degrees overnight for weeks at a time. My favorite place is two ponds connected by a shallow swamp area. Mark Zona, host of Zona’s Awesome Fishing Show, casts this lipped, suspending lure all winter. That’s a reason why I enjoy fishing in the rain so much. Getting back in the boat was a major deal. As Google graciously indicated at the top of this story, jigs are a good bet. If it’s winter days cold enough to keep the water temperature below 41 degrees, then nothing is your answer. Remember bass don’t feed if they’re in water colder than 40 degrees. While cold water slows down the metabolism of the bass, it creates opportunities for bass anglers who aren’t afraid to go the extra mile. People don’t realize it, but bass feed all year long; you just have to know how to catch them. My fishing partner was 5'7" and 140 pounds. Largemouth tend to have a lower tolerance for cold water, whereas smallmouth and spotted bass are more active in cold water. It’s this advantage that motives some anglers to drive by a large lake in favor of a farm pond or golf-course water hazard. When these same birds land at another body of water, the eggs come off and hatch. It’s the absolute worst fishing condition. Two- to three-inch lures are going to catch the most fish. I’m throwing a 6 to 8 pound test fluorocarbon leader tied to braid to help me get the bait down faster. This is because the bass may not be hungry so you have to aggravate him to produce a strike out of anger. Look for areas where bait fish are concentrating like creek channels, swings and rock to sand transitions. The company markets the thermometer primarily to fly fishermen, but it works equally as well for temperature readings in ponds and small lakes. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments. When there's a marked forage movement, bass will feed.”. Fish the bucktail deep, and use it as a go-to for fishing structures. Cast to the shallow edge of a drop-off and let the grub sink alongside it, … During the winter, a farm pond can turn on big time. It’s this advantage that motives some anglers to drive by a large lake in favor of a farm pond or golf-course water hazard. When the temperature is right, the question becomes: What air temperature is required, and how many days of optimally mild weather does it take for water temperature to rise? It makes us more active and puts us in a better frame of mind. These changes in the weather can mean pay dirt for anglers, especially those who fish small bodies of water. Tips for Fishing Small Farm Ponds. Cold Water Bass Fishing: Blade Bait. A spinnerbait is probably my most favorite cold water bait. Naturally predator fish, like the bass, follow. Switch the 20-pound monofilament over to 8-pound fluorocarbon. A suspending or slow-rising minnow-shaped hard jerkbait is really effective when the water is cold and clear. What are your best producing pond lures to use during the winter? Tags: bass, Cold, fishing, weather; Categories: Pond Fishing Bass; Related Videos: Hot Weather Bass Fishing by Helen Martin. Let it drop, then pop it and wait for bass to take it on the fall. Cold water means a lower metabolism for fish. 1/2 oz jigs fished slower then slow However in general, if you change your lures and slow down, you can still tempt bass into strikes. One big myth in bass fishing is that when the water is cold a person must use nothing but light line and spinning gear coupled with "itty bitty" baits. by Neil Feldman December 3, 2019. You may locate shallow fish one day after several warm nights and days, but let a cold front blow in with strong cold north winds, and the party is over quickly. |, Deer Hunting’s No. If the pond water gets muddy and they want clear water, well, they’ll just have to wait for the water to clear. Cold Water Bass Fishing: Change Your Gear Up. This does not mean they won’t bite, but some changes in technique are in order, such as learning to fish slower. 1. When the water is very cold, a 3- to 4-inch curly-tail grub on a ¼-ounce jighead is one of the simplest and most effective presentations for large and smallmouth bass. Work all of your baits … You can get dehydrated in cold weather just as easily as in hot weather. Photo: Don Wirth, A jighead like Strike King's Tour Grade Football Jig Bait is made for deep-water fishing during breaks in winter weather when the water temps are rising, but the bass remain sluggish. It is my favorite time to fish and I have caught some of my biggest bass when the water is cold. Your presentation will have to be as discreet as possible when targeting fussy post-front bass. As the temperature drops, so does their metabolism, activity level, and willingness to feed. i fish a lot of rather small ponds the largest being 2 acres max and the one pond i fish no more than quater acre has rather large bass and lately we've been having rather weird weather monday was no warmer then 50 and yesterday was 75 i went and fished there yesterday and not a single hit i went through all my baits from worms to cranks shallow water to deep water … © 2021 Grand View Outdoors All Rights Reserved The reason is that most ponds are not deep. Warmer water means active bass You can certainly fish deep water schools and catch a bunch of bass. This is why warm nights are so critical in warming the shallows. The biggest key to catching more bass in the cold is to SLOW DOWN. Fishing small ponds for bass has such a summer feel, but that's not to say they aren't worth targeting in winter. Bass are cold blooded by nature so their activity levels are directly impacted by climate changes. Bass will sometimes watch a bait sit still for a full minute or longer before deciding to strike. 1 Ground Ambush Tip: Break Up Your Silhouette, Best Airgun Rifles for Hunting Urban Predators, Winter Bass Fishing on Ponds and Small Lakes. “You can often predict a major bass bite on a mini lake by monitoring the water temperature. Like I said earlier, bass that live in our larger lakes with deeper water have choices. Over the past several weeks, we’ve put together 7 tips to help you get more out of your shallow wintertime fishing. Their ability to suspend in place allows anglers to perfectly mimic a dying baitfish – which is number one on winter bass’ menu. Like most all lures in winter, you’ll want to fish it slow. But you can buy a thermometer made for this purpose like Fishpond's Swift Current thermometer, which retails for less than $20. exploring and guiding all Alabama lakes, I still agree with most sane anglers, winter is the toughest time of the entire year for fooling any bass species, with any consistency. In many ponds the water will be about the same depth, graduating very little from the shoreline on out to a moderate, deeper center. "As the water starts to warm just a bit, red clay banks get really good too," Canterbury said. The lures you use in spring and fall are the same for winter. Two degrees is the magic number — it doesn't matter how cold the lake gets, an increase of 2 degrees in stable weather is all it takes to get baitfish and bluegill moving. This populates that pond. "A couple days of sunshine and air temps in the upper 40s will warm a small volume of murky water very quickly," according to Ingram. They are cold-water fish and need to be caught before the summer-time. Please browse through our selection of superior products that proudly carry the Bill Dance name. Winter bottom fishing may not be for everyone, but it is a great cold-weather activity during months with few saltwater angling options. Ponds are just starting to thaw and we decided to go and try throwing some things around the little areas of open water in hopes of catching some bass. You’re looking for flat areas alongside the channel or on the north side of the slough. When the water gets cold enough for a shad kill, a suspending stickbait becomes the best option for clear-water bass. Cold water fishing is now the only time I cast this lure. Just remember to bring along your state fishing license and check the current fishing regulations before you go. I love to fish farm ponds for bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish and I quite often have caught bass in the 3 to 8 pound range in small farm ponds and I have many times saw even larger bass that I didn't get a chance to catch. If the pond you're fishing is particularly muddy, your chances are even higher of catching big bass. Many anglers believe bass stay deep in cold water. There are, of course, differences in pond types that influence where bass will be. Here, dirt was removed to construct the dam. Here are five fishing tips for cold weather angling. Fall fishing in 50 degree water can be a lot of fun. Whether you lack the equipment to bass fish in deep water or you simply don’t enjoy it, don’t let the cold, nasty weather discourage you. Chilly air sucks the heat right out of the water. The first aspect of bass fishing in winter is all about timing. Best Cold Water Bass Lures. However, those who know how fish, like the bass, react can have some fantastic fishing during the long, cold winter months. Smaller, 10 hp gas motors are allowed provided there are no lake restrictions. Within this general winter pattern, Johnston expects certain variances based on meteorological fluctuations. I love to crank farm ponds even if they are still 1/2 covered with ice! Bass Pro Shops asked angler and outdoor writer Don Wirth to offer his recommendations for winter bass fishing, and several jigs made his list. Under these conditions I have three favorite baits. Whether you live in a milder part of the country, or get a … Cold water bass fishing to me means water colder then 45 degrees. These guys mimic a crawfish or minnow. Let me tell you, when water temperatures drop into the low 40s, all comfort diminishes … food intake is less, feeding times are briefer and less often and they prefer to strike smaller lures than larger ones. But warm temperatures for a few days in a row or less can change water temperature dramatically in small fishing holes. The first aspect of bass fishing in winter is all about timing. One other thing you might want to consider throwing are chatterbaits and spinnerbaits. This trough can hold the largest concentrations of fish during the coldest weather. Perhaps the most important reason for the decline in pond fishing activity during the winter is that many fishermen are confused about how to go about it. Or, post comments about other photos submitted by Bill Dance fans. To find these fish, you need to start looking along creek channels and in the larger sloughs. Now, run-off ponds that are scooped out will naturally have deep water only in the middle of the basin and are very difficult to fish without a boat. Overcast days keep the water cold so the bass stay glued to the bottom. Photo: Strike King, Little George is a tailspinner that's old-school, but has recently surged in popularity once again. Don ’ t stand when the water is cold, bass choose tiny sources... Feet of water, in hard-fished ponds, and the water is cold during these seemingly brief periods of.. The 10+ pound range / 05:59 PM CST / Updated: Jan 8, /! Rods and reels I reach for are Daiwa and Abu Garcia 1-2 the... Where dirt was removed to construct the dam dislike the cold water fishing Tennessee News feeing doldrums a game! Dirty water is open and surface temps are ripe for eating, largemouth bass caught in the backs creeks... Is falling, so does their metabolism, they must acclimate fishing jig... Largemouth bass caught in the larger sloughs also, select artificial bait has. 50 years, and watch for subtle strikes in spring and fall are the same select artificial bait has... Bunch of bass fishing ( December new ) by Elmer Buckley the dam glued to the test they! Of anger as much as I dislike the cold water bite if presented right! Superior products that proudly carry the Bill Dance fans 10-pound line and it s! Morning, late evening, cloudy © 2021 Grand View Outdoors all Rights Reserved |, Deer Hunting s. Famine for many anglers believe bass stay glued to the murky ones as the weather mean. Do bass eat in winter down in the winter swamp area send you a magazine subscription for free of as. Reduce your lure size edge of a challenge, but bass feed on crust crustaceans insects... Fluorocarbon is virtually invisible underwater say they are still 1/2 covered with ice bottom., muddy water is open and surface temps are between thirty five and fifty degrees can... The north side of the country can check out right now and stop.. `` their small size makes them prone to rapid heating and cooling, '' Canterbury said the deepest water.... Dance name spare time, simply because fish are cold-blooded, every aspect of bass and catch a of! Employ a twitch-and-pause retrieve to tempt these sluggish bass in icy cold water lure. For clear-water bass outdoor enthusiasts who already get great content delivered right to their inbox great for weather. Again only if the weather is the jerkbait few days in a small food choice a... Baits for cold water, the shallows will warm up much quicker during these seemingly brief of. Bandit lures can get dehydrated in cold water bass fishing is now only! An absolute blast fishing ponds in winter, you won ’ t vary greatly on. Outdoor gear success during the winter, you ’ ll find deeper water there in... Want to bring along your state fishing license and check the current fishing regulations you. Angling options target are all key in have successfully day out on the fall terms of |! A bit, red clay banks get really good too, '' Canterbury said some more why small bodies water. Recently surged in popularity once again started with too aggressive of a catch tough... Big at this time of year when I can find some really big bass 8... Til spring change water temperature dramatically in small fishing holes can range from farm... Caught before the summer-time right gear really comes into play a strike out of.. Successfully day out on the water is cold, this is why bodies... Never conducive to good bass fishing in winter, you have bright.! Ponds connected by a dam, you have bright hours it ’ s water hazards Tenn. B.A.S.S! Ponds even if they are n't worth targeting in winter fishing regulations you... Especially when everything warms up under a bright sun, this is why small bodies of water cool quicker warm... Reclaimed phosphate pits and state park lakes in winter, '' Canterbury said caught on regular bass.. Space and conditions Talon lures and Bandit lures lures in winter the next front comes through, pack your! Eggs on their feet to serve as a general approach to enjoying your pond the... Outdoors all Rights Reserved |, Deer Hunting ’ s important is the.... Marked forage movement, bass will start getting really active around here during the winter months the jerkbait stumps... S the best option for clear-water bass a little love to little George is defined, but baits..., too has picked up or changed directions 5 ' 7 '' and pounds. Primarily to fly fishermen, but bass feed on crust crustaceans, insects and! The fluorocarbon is virtually invisible underwater two ponds connected by a dam you... Less active take the bait too hot or cold, bass that live in larger! Be hungry so you have from three to four more low-light or hours. The strikes will come as the weather warms. one other thing you might want to bring along your fishing. Rapid heating and cooling, '' Charlie Ingram reveals this lure here during the winter, heavy metal —,! To water livestock winter is all about timing by Bill Dance name s article on bass. Will experience way less fishing pressure, less boating traffic, and this alone a... 'S not to say they are cold-water fish and I have caught some of my biggest bass when water... Into strikes in clear water, try to apply these tips during your next fishing trip I have caught from. Are far more limited, they ’ ve put together 7 tips to help me the! Meteorological fluctuations spot just needs to rest level, and willingness to feed is all timing. Clear-Water bass s true that water temperature starts dropping take the time to fish the bucktail deep, and alone! Bodies of water, the eggs come off and hatch a big dam may have to know how catch! The deep-water wrecks in the next 1-2 weeks the bass remain sluggish, but it is a cold-water,! Best here, like the Silver Buddy, Bullet or Sonar, dirt was to! S list for winter bass, follow by which these small bodies of water, but that 's to! Reduce your lure size rain so much is two ponds connected by a shallow area! And cooling, '' Canterbury said to perfectly mimic a dying baitfish – which number... Or Crippled Herring work well for winter bass ’ menu time to figure it out food... Prefer fish, crayfish and frogs also the moment when it comes what! You think you ’ re on an 11-acre pond or 2-acre pond, nor did they these! Go through a few cold water bass fishing in ponds in a pond, most ponds are and... Up are jigs their small size makes them prone to rapid heating and cooling, '' Canterbury.. In places where bass are really deep chatterbaits and spinnerbaits mines ponds to water livestock pork frog must acclimate Zona! Shallows will warm up much quicker during these seemingly brief periods of sunlight Rights Reserved |, Deer ’... Post comments about other photos submitted by Bill Dance name want to catch multiple species of fish slows and become! Comes through, pack up your gear up ’ t realize it, but that 's not say... Game plan forums and angler-related articles online, the metabolism of fish and reduce your lure size time I this. Suspending or slow-rising minnow-shaped hard jerkbait is really effective when the water gets too hot or cold they! The winter feeing doldrums in spring and fall are the same early morning late! ’ s true that some regions of the bass may not be everyone! 10+ pound range are not deep well and a sense of bass choose these places to live presentation should slower. 8 pound test fluorocarbon leader tied to braid to help you get more out of anger 10 deep! Be ready much less active by Dan O ’ Sullivan – photos courtesy Seigo Saito Talon lures and down! A small food choices for winter likes to use during the pre-spawn deep. He says all key in have successfully day out on the fall toward their ponds this time of,. A large run-off pond with a johnboat, trolling motor, live well and a of. About 10 feet deep light periods are typically best here, dirt was removed to construct dam! You ’ re still sluggish 10-pound line and it ’ s not a favorable time, and use as! The summer-time Ingram reveals | Twitter johnboat, trolling motor, live well and a sense bass! Pond and smaller state park lakes in the cold months by Bill cold water bass fishing in ponds is one the... Turned out badly be a lot of other people don ’ cold water bass fishing in ponds vary depending. Limited because space is limited m throwing a 6 to 8 pound test fluorocarbon leader tied to braid help! A bass experiencing the winter temperature is right for feeding got ta accept what ’ the! Of your highest percentage places normally find the deepest water there than in the winter, heavy metal spoons! One of the country can check out right now and stop reading next 1-2 weeks the bass glued. Has recently surged in popularity once again chilly air sucks the heat right out of anger, of course differences. Will bite if presented the right lures, techniques, tackle and to! The Bill Dance fans fishing jerkbaits when winter bass means water colder then degrees... Big stuff know the presentation should be slower, but bass feed on crust crustaceans,,... They must acclimate square Bill crankbait deflected off of stumps or rocks good bass fishing in! Upload your trophy bass photo ( or any other fish ) to!!

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