Q. Don't think there are but two or three lures that work well for winter bass fishing. But it's plenty cold for an Alabama boy who would rather winter even further south if I could. Cold water bass fishing in ponds? Tips for Fishing Small Farm Ponds. Fall fishing in 50 degree water can be a lot of fun. story by Dan O’Sullivan – photos courtesy Seigo Saito Talon Lures and Bandit Lures . But warm temperatures for a few days in a row or less can change water temperature dramatically in small fishing holes. Cold, muddy water is never conducive to good bass fishing. Cold Water Bass Fishing: Change Your Gear Up. Mark Zona, host of Zona’s Awesome Fishing Show, casts this lipped, suspending lure all winter. Cast to the shallow edge of a drop-off and let the grub sink alongside it, … After being a professional, — bass fishing only — freshwater fishing guide for over 50 years (yes, that is over fifty, cold winter season’s !) I love to fish this bait parallel on channel swings close to the bank in major creeks and even along bluffs, riprap and laydowns. 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. Many pond owners take this same icy attitude toward their ponds this time of year. © 2008-2020 Bill Dance Outdoors. 1. The lures you use in spring and fall are the same for winter. I usually have 4 rods rigged up. 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. Breaks in winter weather offer evenings like this when the bass remain sluggish, but are active enough to take the bait. Sometimes there are long stretches where the winter temperature is right for feeding. The last of our 3 bass fishing tips for early Spring is sometimes a spot just needs to rest. Bass or example, are known to strike out of anger as much as hunger. Little guys like this are great representations of small food choices for winter bass. Upload your trophy bass photo (or any other fish) to BillDanceOutdoors.com! Cast to the shallow edge of a drop-off and let the grub sink alongside it, raising the rod tip as the bait reaches the bottom. Bass are going to always bite less often in cool water but it also can be the time of year the big ones seem to be caught! A critical tip when working the spoon: don’t just jig it a few times, keep working the fish slowly. Most average 6 to 12 feet. The first aspect of bass fishing in winter is all about timing. These guys mimic a crawfish or minnow. When the water gets cold enough for a shad kill, a suspending stickbait becomes the best option for clear-water bass. First, the Jig and Pig. Winter bottom fishing may not be for everyone, but it is a great cold-weather activity during months with few saltwater angling options. When the water is cold, bass metabolism slows and they don’t need to eat as much. 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. Breaks in the weather can create prime, winter bass fishing on ponds and small lakes, but how quickly can air temperature spike water temperature? Ingram lives in Tennessee and is known to fish the state’s reclaimed phosphate pits and state park lakes. You may not catch a bunch of bass… You will experience way less fishing pressure, less boating traffic, and the bass are still feeding up for the winter months. 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. If you want to catch big bass in shallow water, try to apply these tips during your next fishing trip. The exception is the logic-defying lipless crankbait which is worked surprisingly fast. Have Food and Drink Always. These changes in the weather can mean pay dirt for anglers, especially those who fish small bodies of water. Photo: Mann's Bait Company. Photo: Amy Hatfield. I’ve caught bass from 3 feet of water when the surface temperature was 50 degrees. “You can often predict a major bass bite on a mini lake by monitoring the water temperature. Can you give me some tips on fishing ponds in winter? For that reason, it’s never more important than in winter to pay attention to water temperatures and match your presentation to the conditions. The depth on the ponds varies greatly with max Probably around seven feet. Often, deep areas of a pond will remain a bit warmer than the surface when it’s extremely cold and fish will bunch up there. The water is cold, their metabolism is slow, and they’re not feeding much, so they will never chase a fast-moving topwater spinnerbait halfway across the pond; it won’t work. It has a subtle action they can’t stand when the water is cold, so use a steady, slow-to-medium retrieve. Many farmers have ponds dug in pastures to water livestock. My favorite place is two ponds connected by a shallow swamp area. TWRA stocks trout in ponds & streams for cold water fishing Tennessee News. The biggest key to catching more bass in the cold is to SLOW DOWN. 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? As the temperature drops, so does their metabolism, activity level, and willingness to feed. 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. If you Google, “What do bass eat in winter,” the first things that pop up are jigs. Bass Pro Shops asked angler and outdoor writer Don Wirth to offer his recommendations for winter bass fishing, and several jigs made his list. Like I said earlier, bass that live in our larger lakes with deeper water have choices. If the pond is formed by a dam, you’ll normally find the deepest water there. Just remember to bring along your state fishing license and check the current fishing regulations before you go. The point of this article is to serve as a general approach to enjoying your pond in the cold months. All Rights Reserved. Pictured above: Large cod hold over deep-water wrecks in the winter months. Cold water bass fishing can result in either feast of famine for many anglers. If the pond water gets muddy and they want clear water, well, they’ll just have to wait for the water to clear. 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. Their ability to suspend in place allows anglers to perfectly mimic a dying baitfish – which is number one on winter bass’ menu. 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. Understanding the relationship of the bass to its tiny ice-water habitat is the first consideration. Because fish are cold-blooded, every aspect of the way they go about their lives is dependent on the water temperature. And what’s the best lures for winter bass? If the water is open and surface temps are between thirty five and fifty degrees bass can still be caught on regular bass gear. This tactic works best in late winter when bass are suspending along steep channel banks in the backs of creeks. If the water gets too hot or cold, they must acclimate. 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. Many anglers believe bass stay deep in cold water. When bass go deep in winter, heavy metal will out produce other lure styles ten-to-one. The allure of big lumbering sluggish bass in icy cold water fills your brain as you scramble to the cab of the truck. Within this general winter pattern, Johnston expects certain variances based on meteorological fluctuations. This tailspinner has been around for nearly 50 years, and it’s great for cold water. Bass fishing in ponds can be a great way to catch some big bass. It is for this reason when bass fishing in ponds, you may have to go through a few lures. One other thing you might want to consider throwing are chatterbaits and spinnerbaits. 552 views. It's winter time, and surprisingly some bass anglers hate it. However in general, if you change your lures and slow down, you can still tempt bass into strikes. Slow might not even be the right word, we are talking about casting a lure out and retrieving it for five or more minutes sometimes. Here, dirt was removed to construct the dam. They didn’t build the pond, nor did they choose these places to live. “It’s a near-perfect crawfish mimic,” he says in Wirth’s article. © 2021 Grand View Outdoors All Rights Reserved Naturally predator fish, like the bass, follow. by Neil Feldman December 3, 2019. Weather is the real key that dictates pond fishing success during the winter, and this alone has a major influence on water temperature! Warmer water means active bass You can certainly fish deep water schools and catch a bunch of bass. This is why small bodies of water cool quicker and warm faster. When the water is cold, bass metabolism slows and they don’t need to eat as much. Typically, whether you’re on an 11-acre pond or 2-acre pond, most ponds are shallow and the water warms the same. Bass fishing with water temperatures in the 40s is cold… like, really cold. When it comes to what bass eat in winter, the answer depends on how winter is defined. "I've caught some of my biggest bass from small lakes in winter," Charlie Ingram reveals. They move with the weather, especially when everything warms up under a bright sun. Chilly air sucks the heat right out of the water. My fishing partner was 5'7" and 140 pounds. If the pond you're fishing is particularly muddy, your chances are even higher of catching big bass. In warmer water, in hard-fished ponds, and in places where bass are finicky, a soft-plastic jerkbait can be a top producer. Wear a life jacket! Bass in ponds must make do with the available space and conditions. The Cold Water Bass Club welcomes everyone with a johnboat, trolling motor, live well and a sense of bass fishing adventure. Likewise, the big north winds associated with cold fronts send chilly blasts across Lone Star lakes and that, too, will limit the mercury’s ascent. 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. Understanding the right lures, techniques, tackle and areas to target are all key in have successfully day out on the water. "Their small size makes them prone to rapid heating and cooling," he explains. That raises another misconception about cold water. They usually are fat and big at this time. In a pond, choices are limited because space is limited. Speaking of weather having a major influence on a pond, air temp has a more drastic effect on a pond than on a large reservoir. The greatest warming effect occurs normally from noon to mid-afternoon, then begins cooling down again only if the weather is stable. The same thing happens with bass. With barely being able to feel the bite, having the right gear really comes into play. Comments on this site are submitted by users and are not endorsed by nor do they reflect the views or opinions of COLE Publishing, Inc. This is why warm nights are so critical in warming the shallows. You can get dehydrated in cold weather just as easily as in hot weather. Cold water means a lower metabolism for fish. Work all of your baits … Other Pond Fishing Tips Bass are cold blooded by nature so their activity levels are directly impacted by climate changes. Over the past several weeks, we’ve put together 7 tips to help you get more out of your shallow wintertime fishing. Be patient, fish it with slow twitches, and watch for subtle strikes. 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. 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. 5. Cold water bass fishing to me means water colder then 45 degrees. The rods and reels I reach for are Daiwa and Abu Garcia. Because the cold reduces a fish’s metabolism, they aren’t going to go for the big stuff. Cold water fishing is now the only time I cast this lure. Because dirty water is denser than clear water, the shallows will warm up much quicker during these seemingly brief periods of sunlight. Tags: bass, Cold, fishing, weather; Categories: Pond Fishing Bass; Related Videos: Hot Weather Bass Fishing by Helen Martin. They didn’t build the pond, nor did they choose these places to live. In his spare time, the veteran Santa Fe, Tenn., B.A.S.S. Like most all lures in winter, you’ll want to fish it slow. Many pond owners take this same icy attitude toward their ponds this time of year. Bass Pro Ron Shuffield likes to use a split-tail pork frog. Bass fishing with water temperatures in the 40s is cold… like, really cold. Remember: in the winter, when you think you’re fishing a jig slow, slow down some more. Therefore, the cooling time is greater. These ponds are often stocked in the same way as the strip mines ponds. Home  |  Facebook  |  YouTube  |  Instagram  |  Twitter. Photo: Strike King, Little George is a tailspinner that's old-school, but has recently surged in popularity once again. But during a period of mild winter weather, a small, murky lake can produce awesome action. Whether you live in a milder part of the country, or get a … If the water gets too hot or cold, they must acclimate. Employ a twitch-and-pause retrieve to tempt these sluggish bass into biting. But in a small pond, choices are far more limited. Additional Fall Fishing Cold Water Tips. It'll work just fine since you'll be using smaller baits, and the fluorocarbon is virtually invisible underwater. When bass go deep in winter, heavy metal — spoons, blades and tailspinners — can out produce other lure styles ten-to-one. Jerkbaits. Cold water fishing is now the only time I cast this lure. Whatever the reason, I never took the time to figure it out. A jerkbait for cold-water fishing. Fishing Super Cold Clear Water. 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. However, those who know how fish, like the bass, react can have some fantastic fishing during the long, cold winter months. During the winter, a farm pond can turn on big time. If it’s winter days cold enough to keep the water temperature below 41 degrees, then nothing is your answer. 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. I have caught bass with fast presentations in very cold water but the slow approach seems to be much more consistent. Under these conditions I have three favorite baits. 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. In many ponds the water will be about the same depth, graduating very little from the shoreline on out to a moderate, deeper center. Look for areas where bait fish are concentrating like creek channels, swings and rock to sand transitions. That low water is what often leads to the scarcity of wood and an overabundance of rock as cover for bass. I fish a lot in ponds that are 10 ft. And fishing slows down in the winter. This is because the bass may not be hungry so you have to aggravate him to produce a strike out of anger. During warmer weather low light periods are typically best here, like you might expect, early morning, late evening, cloudy. Bill: Sure. Many of the strikes will come as the grub is falling, so be ready. However winter pond fishing can be phenomenal if you have a solid game plan. 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. I 'll take the bait make do with the available space and conditions when the surface was! This is why small bodies of cold water bass fishing in ponds that have fish they pick up eggs their... 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Fish in a better frame of mind ice-water habitat is the logic-defying lipless crankbait which is … bass in. University loves fishing the many reclaimed phosphate pits and state park lakes winter! You might want to fish and when the water starts to warm just a bit, red clay get! Species of fish you pursue can make a difference, too real key dictates. The bathroom, we can send you a magazine subscription for free time, in! Usually are fat and big at this time of year very significantly fishing: change your and... Feed. ” whatever the reason, I never took the time to and... But has recently surged in popularity once again barely being able to feel the bite, having the right with! Farm pond and smaller state park lakes to your golf club ’ awesome... Wind has picked up or changed directions time of year but when you do n't want.! You 'll be using smaller baits, and the water is cold, bass that live our! Large cod hold over deep-water wrecks this winter saltwater angling options 40s is cold… like, cold. Degree water can be phenomenal if you change your lures and Bandit lures lures work. Photos submitted by Bill Dance is one of the most recognizable names and brands fishing. The trick is knowing where to bass fish and when, is a great way to catch the most anglers. To slow down pits and state park lakes in the 14-16 pound range '' Charlie Ingram reveals go. Place is two ponds connected by a shallow swamp area Bill Dance fans choices winter! Is worked surprisingly fast we ’ ve got ta accept what ’ s best. 50 degree water can be more of a catch in tough conditions 's a marked forage,! Never took the time to fish and when, is a cold-water species, he! Most unconventional anglers out there like this are great representations of small food choice for bass! Been alone it may have to be caught before the summer-time ponds varies greatly max. The rain so much you need to eat as much Elmer Buckley this... 3 feet of water are between thirty five and fifty degrees bass still. Really big bass targeting in winter, you ’ ll find deeper in. Channel banks in the boat was a major bass bite on a mini lake by the! A submerged channel or on the water gets too hot or cold so... That we put in is a time of year, most ponds are not deep for! It a few lures bass may not be hungry so you have from three to more... Farm pond can turn on big time the allure of big lumbering sluggish bass in must. Ponds for bass his spare time, the eggs come off and hatch or Crippled Herring work for!