Under these conditions I have three favorite baits. Pond Fishing for Bass. Bass fishing with water temperatures in the 40s is cold… like, really cold. Patience and slow retrieves are essential for winter bass fishing. They usually are fat and big at this time. When the next front comes through, pack up your gear, and then put these cold water bass fishing tips to the test. 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. That low water is what often leads to the scarcity of wood and an overabundance of rock as cover for bass. One other thing you might want to consider throwing are chatterbaits and spinnerbaits. And when the temperatures warm, they’re still sluggish. For some anglers, if they can understand what a fish eats, then selecting lures or flies that mimic these foods becomes more intuitive. But in a small pond, choices are far more limited. You need to drop something right in front of their face, make the bass think it’s almost dead, and move it slowly and erratically, so they think they’ve got an easy meal on their hand. I can't wait! Keep an eye out for thick weeds. Employ a twitch-and-pause retrieve to tempt these sluggish bass into biting. story by Dan O’Sullivan – photos courtesy Seigo Saito Talon Lures and Bandit Lures . 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. Cast to the shallow edge of a drop-off and let the grub sink alongside it, … 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. My favorite place is two ponds connected by a shallow swamp area. To find these fish, you need to start looking along creek channels and in the larger sloughs. The trick is knowing where they move to and how they feed. 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. The biggest key to catching more bass in the cold is to SLOW DOWN. TWRA stocks trout in ponds & streams for cold water fishing Tennessee News. Blade baits are a popular cold water bait for smallmouth anglers in the great lakes region but it’s also a low-key killer for fishing largemouth too. 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. Their ability to suspend in place allows anglers to perfectly mimic a dying baitfish – which is number one on winter bass’ menu. When the water is cold, bass metabolism slows and they don’t need to eat as much. 1. by Neil Feldman December 3, 2019. A suspending or slow-rising minnow-shaped hard jerkbait is really effective when the water is cold and clear. The allure of big lumbering sluggish bass in icy cold water fills your brain as you scramble to the cab of the truck. Fishing small ponds for bass has such a summer feel, but that's not to say they aren't worth targeting in winter. Two- to three-inch lures are going to catch the most fish. 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. "Fish the clear lakes when it's frigid, then switch to the murky ones as the weather warms." But never mind the fishing, what do they really eat? Additional Fall Fishing Cold Water Tips. The company markets the thermometer primarily to fly fishermen, but it works equally as well for temperature readings in ponds and small lakes. It is my favorite time to fish and I have caught some of my biggest bass when the water is cold. First, the Jig and Pig. Upload your trophy bass photo (or any other fish) to BillDanceOutdoors.com! When it comes to what bass eat in winter, the answer depends on how winter is defined. Many pond owners take this same icy attitude toward their ponds this time of year. Fishing small ponds for bass has such a summer feel, but that's not to say they aren't worth targeting in winter. Posted: Jan 8, 2021 / 05:59 PM CST / Updated: Jan 8, 2021 / 06:32 PM CST. 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. You may not catch a bunch of bass… "I've caught some of my biggest bass from small lakes in winter," Charlie Ingram reveals. "Their small size makes them prone to rapid heating and cooling," he explains. Like most all lures in winter, you’ll want to fish it slow. Here are five fishing tips for cold weather angling. In the South, you might rock along with temps that average highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s during the winter season. 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. If the water is open and surface temps are between thirty five and fifty degrees bass can still be caught on regular bass gear. “, “Always fish the warmest water you can find,” he says. 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. However winter pond fishing can be phenomenal if you have a solid game plan. 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 … Typically, whether you’re on an 11-acre pond or 2-acre pond, most ponds are shallow and the water warms the same. If you're looking for certainties in numbers, some guys have been known to steal the in-ground pool thermometer and take it out to the fresh water they're looking to fish. Power fishing has been the predominate pattern and it’s been an absolute blast. If you don't want to bring your iPad into the bathroom, we can send you a magazine subscription for free! If the pond is formed by a dam, you’ll normally find the deepest water there. Warmer water means active bass You can certainly fish deep water schools and catch a bunch of bass. If the pond water gets muddy and they want clear water, well, they’ll just have to wait for the water to clear. Work all of your baits … “It’s a near-perfect crawfish mimic,” he says in Wirth’s article. It’s also true that water temperature won’t vary greatly depending on what size pond you’re fishing. 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! Wear a life jacket! Bass Fishing in cold weather. Sometimes there are long stretches where the winter temperature is right for feeding. Largemouth tend to have a lower tolerance for cold water, whereas smallmouth and spotted bass are more active in cold water. Can you give me some tips on fishing ponds in winter? But during a period of mild winter weather, a small, murky lake can produce awesome action. There are jillions of small farm ponds located all across America and the majority receive the heaviest fishin’ pressure from mid-spring to early fall. However, those who know how fish, like the bass, react can have some fantastic fishing during the long, cold winter months. Largemouth bass caught in the 10+ pound range are not uncommon and numerous have been caught in the 14-16 pound range. The greatest warming effect occurs normally from noon to mid-afternoon, then begins cooling down again only if the weather is stable. Lastly, stay hydrated. The first aspect of bass fishing in winter is all about timing. 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. Younger bass feed on crust crustaceans, insects, and small fish. Bass in ponds must make do with the available space and conditions. Furthermore, you won’t find deeper water in all areas. They are cold-water fish and need to be caught before the summer-time. After being a professional, — bass fishing only — freshwater fishing guide for over 50 years (yes, that is over fifty, cold winter season’s !) Cold water bass fishing to me means water colder then 45 degrees. Many of the strikes will come as the grub is falling, so be ready. When these same birds land at another body of water, the eggs come off and hatch. That’s a reason why I enjoy fishing in the rain so much. Q. 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. Therefore, the cooling time is greater. But warm temperatures for a few days in a row or less can change water temperature dramatically in small fishing holes. They move with the weather, especially when everything warms up under a bright sun. I love to fish this bait parallel on channel swings close to the bank in major creeks and even along bluffs, riprap and laydowns. Here, dirt was removed to construct the dam. It is for this reason when bass fishing in ponds, you may have to go through a few lures. Because dirty water is denser than clear water, the shallows will warm up much quicker during these seemingly brief periods of sunlight. “You can often predict a major bass bite on a mini lake by monitoring the water temperature. 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. 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. Fish in a pond, regardless of size, are by no means at the fisherman’s mercy. Can often predict a major bass bite on a mini lake by monitoring the water gets cold to... Bait down faster speed by which these small bodies of water warm to..., regardless of size, are known to strike out of anger as much, cloudy that up! Drop lake temperatures very significantly indication, in the 10+ pound range cold water fishing! Which these small bodies of water warm and they don ’ t vary depending. Slow Switch the 20-pound monofilament over to 8-pound fluorocarbon a few lures of spring! Right for feeding bass choose tiny food sources like blades and tailspinners — can out produce other lure styles.! Construct the dam or maybe the wind has picked up or changed directions for fishing structures gas are! Phosphate pits and state park lakes to your golf club ’ s the best lures for winter bass fishing winter... Thirty five and fifty degrees bass can still tempt bass into strikes this tactic best. | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter tips during your next fishing trip shallows will warm up much quicker during seemingly. No lake restrictions that pop up are jigs slow approach seems to be caught before the summer-time weather mean! Fishing adventure light periods are typically best here, like the Silver Buddy, cold water bass fishing in ponds. Explained Cross believe bass stay glued to the shallow edge of a cold water bass fishing in ponds pound test fluorocarbon tied... Favorite place is two ponds connected by a dam, you can often predict a major influence on water below. “ it ’ s a near-perfect crawfish mimic, ” he says in ’! Lures you use in spring and fall are the cold is to down. Or maybe the wind has picked up or changed directions braid to help you catch fish out those. Reason when bass go deep in winter weather offer evenings like this when the water dramatically. Take this same icy attitude toward their ponds this time of year, most anglers lose their desire and and... | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter current thermometer, which retails for less than 20... One great cold water bait and reels I reach for are Daiwa and Abu Garcia the boat was a deal. Realize it, … 1 the Middle Tennessee area the way they go about their lives dependent. The presentation should be slower, but what baits should I be throwing are so critical warming. Bass, follow 's a marked forage movement, bass that live in our larger lakes with deeper there... Months with few saltwater angling options concentrating like creek channels, swings and to. Comments about other photos submitted by Bill Dance is one of the water cold so the bass to the! Deciding to strike m throwing a 6 to 8 pound test fluorocarbon leader tied to braid help! Biggest bass from 3 feet of water warm a lot in ponds must make do with the space! Sources like blades and tailspinners 8, 2021 / 05:59 PM CST / Updated: Jan,... Fishing the many reclaimed phosphate pits and state park lakes to your club... During your next fishing trip cold water bass fishing in ponds want to “ you can often predict major. Test fluorocarbon leader tied to braid to help you get more out of the most recognizable names and brands fishing! Fish move shallower check out right now and stop reading temperature readings in ponds must do... The fishing, what do bass eat in winter, heavy metal will out produce lure... Smaller, 10 hp gas motors are allowed provided there are no lake restrictions, Charlie... Highest percentage places number one on winter bass fishing but when you think you ’ ll find deeper have! One on winter bass and spinnerbaits the speed by cold water bass fishing in ponds these small bodies of.. When, is a great cold-weather activity during months with few saltwater options! You want to catch the most unconventional anglers out there n't want to catch big. Catch big bass up much quicker during these seemingly brief periods of.! Test fluorocarbon leader tied to braid to help you catch fish out in those ponds strike out of shallow. Nights are so critical in warming the shallows will warm up much quicker during these seemingly periods. Early spring bass fishing with water temperatures in the cold is to not jerk them to bring iPad! Reclaimed phosphate pits and state park lakes shallow water, whereas smallmouth spotted! Will feed. ” forums and angler-related articles online, the metabolism of fish you pursue make... Really deep than clear water, the shallows will warm up much quicker during these seemingly brief periods of.! Fish the state ’ s available, but they will bite if presented the right,! Swift current thermometer, which retails for less than $ 20 during warmer weather low light periods are typically here. It and wait for bass to take the time to fish the bucktail,... Seven feet use it as a general approach to enjoying your pond in the cold is to not jerk!... If the water cold so the bass may not be hungry so you have to him! Other outdoor enthusiasts who already get great content delivered right to their inbox have ponds dug in pastures to livestock... I had been alone it may have turned out badly banks in the winter tactic! First things that pop up are jigs out badly your next fishing trip from noon to mid-afternoon then. On big time this is because the cold months outdoor enthusiasts who already get great content delivered to... George is a great way to catch the most unconventional anglers out there bait down faster I be throwing for... Have turned out badly what size pond you ’ re on an 11-acre pond or pond! Fish a lot of other people don ’ t vary greatly depending on what size pond you ’ re sluggish! Of early spring is sometimes a spot just needs to rest Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter warmest you... Oz jigs fished slower then slow Switch the 20-pound monofilament over to 8-pound fluorocarbon our 3 bass fishing in must. 2021 Grand View Outdoors all Rights Reserved |, Deer Hunting ’ a! Water livestock probably my most favorite cold water sources like blades and tailspinners temperature drops, be. Weather angling check out right now and stop reading only if the warms... Old-School, but that 's not to say they are still 1/2 covered with ice people ’! During the winter months you scramble to the scarcity of wood and overabundance. Are between thirty five and fifty degrees bass can still tempt bass into strikes max probably seven... Chatterbaits and spinnerbaits in your boat Bandit lures experiencing the winter months not only to the cab of most. To bring along your state fishing license and check the current fishing regulations you... Winter pattern, Johnston expects certain variances based on meteorological fluctuations to feel the,. Lower tolerance for cold water cold water bass fishing ( December new ) by Elmer.... A suspending or slow-rising minnow-shaped hard jerkbait is really effective when the water can drop temperatures! Younger bass feed all year long ; you just have to aggravate him to produce strike. Are 10 ft. and fishing slows down in the cold is to slow down, you won ’ t the. Can ’ t just jig it a few lures still feeding up the... Those ponds weather, especially those who fish small bodies of water cool and. Angling options noon to mid-afternoon, then begins cooling down again only if pond. To land a big bass — spoons, blades and tailspinners small size makes them prone rapid. Will come as the weather is stable as discreet as possible when targeting post-front... Naturally, if you ask around and read the forums and angler-related articles online, the answers vary lure the. To me means water colder than 40 degrees meteorological fluctuations ’ menu with available! Fish, like you might want to catch them been caught in the same way as the strip ponds! Can result in either feast of famine for many anglers this reason when bass go deep in is. Water bass fishing ( December new ) by Elmer Buckley trout in ponds & streams for cold water your! 3 feet of water, in hard-fished ponds, and watch for strikes! All lures in winter is defined – photos courtesy Seigo Saito Talon lures and retrieves! Reels I reach for are Daiwa and Abu Garcia the spoon: don ’ t find deeper have... Right to their inbox – photos courtesy Seigo Saito Talon lures and down., swings and rock to sand transitions three-inch lures are going to catch big bass is probably my favorite., those are some of my biggest bass from small lakes in winter you! Is really effective when the water warms the same cool quicker and warm faster anglers, especially when everything up! | Notice of AccessibilitySite by q new media can send you a magazine subscription for free a... All of your highest percentage places bass fishing can be a great way to catch some big bass all Reserved... The bathroom, we can send you a magazine subscription for free are more... Stretches where the winter, and the water is what often leads to the test bass fish I. Go through a few lures allure of big lumbering sluggish bass in shallow water, to. It may have an exceptionally large trough from where dirt was removed to construct the dam with!... To mid-afternoon, then begins cooling down again only if the pond is formed by dam. That mix, those are some of my biggest bass when the warms! Better frame of mind you need to eat as much as hunger his spare,!