Winter bass fishing can be tough. Nevertheless, it can also be beyond EPIC! 2021 recorded the coldest winter storm in Texas history. Days of frigid temps. Texas was the national headline. Power grids shut down. Records shattered. Yet, two anglers planned a trip to O.H. Ivie just days after Texas thawed out. Their biggest five fish weighed in at over 60 pounds. This includes a 16-pound beast.
Here are a few reasons, bass behavior at this time of the year can give you some of the best days of fishing you will ever have.
Concentrated Schools of Bass
Cold weather makes the shallows uncomfortable for most fish. This is why they move to the creek channels seeking more stable water temps that don’t fluctuate with every Texas windstorm.
Look for bends or “S” curves in the riverbed. Bass often gravitate to these areas as they provide stability and plenty of baitfish for those days when they decide to feed.
On many lakes these fish congregate in the same area. Oddly enough, they often do so by size. When you start catching four-pounders…you’re mainly going to find four-pounders in the area. If you catch a couple of dinks, that is probably what you will find. Now, that isn’t to say you can’t find that big bass mixed in but for the most part winter bass congregate by size.
This is exciting when you think about the OH Ivie day. They were catching better than 10-pound bass over and over again! When you find an area holding big fish, search the map for similar depths and bends. You might just find a big fish pattern you will never forget!
Get on a Mid-day Bite | a.k.a. Sleep in!
Another great thing about winter fishing is there really is no reason to hit the water at daybreak. When it’s cold the fish are often lethargic until the sun warms the water a bit. While I still love the sunrise and there is something special about that fog just off the water, it’s OK to sleep on if you are tired. The fish will be there when you wake up.
Winter Bass Fishing Means Fewer Crowds
One of my favorite things about winter is there is more solitude. The cold weather usually means only the craziest of those obsessed with finny tribe are willing to chase them. When you pull up to your favorite lake and see no trailers at the ramp and no cars on the shoreline, it gives hope. Hope that the fish haven’t been hammered with lures and might be willing to chase yours.
Another aspect of fewer crowds is no jet skis and skiers. This is especially true for bank fishermen. We have been sitting on the shoreline and could have cast and hit a jet ski flying by at 40 mph. During winter you just aren’t going to have to fight as many waves or deal with people who haven’t educated themselves or exercised etiquette.
Winter Bass Fishing Reduces Lure Options
Winter fishing for bass also means a narrower lure selection. Our favorite is a jerkbait. Other baits we like to throw as search baits include red lipless baits and deep diving crankbaits. When you locate fish it’s a good time to downsize and fish slower with jigs or a drop shot. Again, it’s about playing the percentages of what is going to get bites.
One Last Cast | Winter Bass Fishing
Texas has another great advantage and that is its amazing south Texas fisheries. If you are in or visiting the Lone Star state, a drive south can be well worth it in late January and early February. During these months, pre-spawn and early spawn can yield some giants.
While finding bass and getting them to bite can be tough, recent history has shown, braving the cold can pay off huge. Don’t store those fishing rods just yet. Your best day of fishing may be just around the corner. As air and water temperatures begin to drop, we are excited about what this winter holds for bass fishing. Make no mistake, someone…somewhere will have a day they will never forget. It might as well be you!
Until next time, tight lines and fin times. We hope to see you out on the water searching for thePerfectCombo.
Learn more about fall bass fishing.
