All things Winter Fishing
I hate to say it, but winter is right around the corner. Bass Pro has has set up their Winter Wonderland in every store. Cold weather is starting to set in across the Northern United States, and in the rest of the country, bass are taking part in the fall feeding pattern. Many people write off winter as a season to go fishing, but if you have the right head knowledge, winter can be a great time to catch some fish. This week we asked Chat GPT for some advanced tips to catch bass during the winter. Here's their response:
Winter Fishing Mastery: Advanced Tips for Success in Cold-Weather Fishing
Winter fishing can be challenging, but for those willing to brave the cold, it can yield some of the best catches of the year. Fish may slow down in colder months, but with the right strategies, advanced anglers can still thrive. Here are some expert tips to keep your line tight all winter long.
1. Adjust Your Bait to the Fish’s Metabolism
In colder temperatures, fish are less active, meaning they’re slower to chase bait. During winter, focus on using live bait or soft plastics that mimic local prey but in more muted, subtle colors. Bait like minnows, nightcrawlers, and leeches can be particularly effective. Slow down your retrieve to match the slower movements of the fish’s cold-weather metabolism, and consider suspending your bait higher in the water column where fish might be moving slower.
Pro Tip: Use scents on your lures to make them even more attractive to sluggish winter fish. Scents help fish zero in on your lure and hold onto it longer, giving you extra seconds to make your hookset.
2. Target Specific Depths
In winter, fish move deeper to find stable temperatures, usually settling near structures like ledges, drop-offs, and deep holes. These areas hold pockets of slightly warmer water where fish tend to gather.
Using a fish finder is a game-changer here, as it allows you to locate specific depths and structures where fish are likely to be. Once you’ve located fish, use jigs, blade baits, or weighted soft plastics to get down to them.
Pro Tip: If you’re targeting bass, start at 10-20 feet and work deeper until you find where they’re holding. Small movements are often enough, as bass tend to sit still, waiting for prey to come to them in cold water.
3. Opt for Subtle Presentations
In winter, fish are less aggressive and more cautious. Avoid high-action lures, which can spook fish. Instead, opt for subtle, slow-moving baits. Jigs with soft plastic trailers, tube jigs, or even finesse baits like drop-shot rigs work exceptionally well.
Consider colors that are natural and subdued, like green pumpkin, brown, and black. Keep your bait as close to the fish’s line of sight as possible but don’t overdo the action; subtle twitches are often enough to entice a bite.
Pro Tip: If you’re fishing in clear water, go for lighter line, as fish can be wary of heavier setups. A fluorocarbon line is ideal for its low visibility and sensitivity.
4. Time It Right
While fish feed less frequently in winter, they do have certain windows of activity, particularly during midday when the water is at its warmest. Timing your fishing sessions around these periods can make a noticeable difference.
Cloudy days with a slight breeze are optimal, as fish are more likely to feel comfortable leaving cover. However, a sudden temperature rise—even a couple of degrees—can trigger a feeding response. Keep an eye on weather forecasts to plan your trips around mild, stable weather patterns.
Pro Tip: Full moons and new moons can increase fish activity as they align with minor feeding periods. This makes it a great time to hit your favorite winter spots.
5. Gear Up for Comfort and Efficiency
Winter fishing can be brutal without the right gear, and discomfort can make you want to cut your trip short. Dress in layers, with moisture-wicking underlayers, insulation, and windproof outer layers. Don’t forget quality gloves, thermal socks, and waterproof boots for maximum warmth.
A portable heater in your ice fishing shelter (if you’re fishing on hard water) can make a world of difference, and investing in a high-quality winter fishing jacket ensures you stay warm and comfortable. Remember, the more comfortable you are, the longer and more focused your fishing sessions will be.
Pro Tip: Keep a spare set of clothes and hand warmers in a waterproof bag in case you get wet. Hypothermia is a real risk in winter, so staying dry is essential.
6. Go the Extra Mile with Electronics
Advanced electronics are invaluable for locating fish in winter, especially when fish are gathered in small groups at deeper depths. A good fish finder can help you identify these clusters and even allow you to monitor fish activity and movement patterns.
If you’re ice fishing, consider investing in a flasher or an underwater camera to see what’s happening below the ice. Knowing precisely where to drop your lure or jig is a huge advantage in winter.
Pro Tip: Master the settings on your sonar to filter out unnecessary clutter and get a precise picture of fish and structure at various depths. Understanding how to read your electronics thoroughly will give you an edge in the winter months.
7. Stay Safe and Plan Ahead
Winter fishing comes with risks, particularly if you’re fishing on ice. Always test ice thickness (4 inches is the minimum for walking) and carry safety gear like ice picks and a rope. If you’re fishing in open water, ensure your boat is equipped with safety essentials in case of an emergency.
Never go fishing alone in winter, and always let someone know where you’ll be and when you plan to return. Conditions can change quickly, so a well-thought-out plan is essential.
Pro Tip: An ice fishing app can provide GPS tracking and emergency contact features, which can be very helpful when you're out on the ice or in remote areas.
Final Thoughts
Winter fishing is all about adapting to the conditions, understanding fish behavior, and being prepared for cold weather. With these advanced tips, you can improve your chances of landing quality fish, even when the water is cold, and the fish are slow.
Now, bundle up, gear up, and get ready to enjoy some productive winter fishing—just because it’s cold doesn’t mean the action has to be!
Winter angling might require more planning and patience, but the reward of landing a fish in tough conditions makes it all worth it
Our Response
Yet another week of Chat GPT saying something about electronics in their response. That seems to be a commonality in their responses. In all seriousness, winter is a largely overlooked season of fishing. I've caught some good sized bass during the cold months. A lot of the things Chat GPT said are my general thoughts of winter bass fishing. Slowing down is key, Using realistic baits is key, and so is using subtle presentations.
Winter fishing is the prefect time to practice you patience while fishing. Most days, fish want presentations that don't have a lot of action and move slowly along the bottom. Downsizing your presentation is also a great way to get more bites. These fish are either sitting on the or sitting below the thermocline, which is the line where water temperature changes a few degrees. Fish like to hang out around this line where the water is warmer.
Some of my favorite winter time lures include: jigs, ned rigs, drop shots, silent lipless crankbaits and jerkbaits, and flat-sided crankbaits. The goal is to be subtle with your presentation. Silent lipless crankbaits and flat-sided crankbaits are great because they have a tight wiggle versus a wide wobble. Suspending jerkbaits are great during the winter because you can twitch and pause. I remember a Bassmaster Classic one year where they were using jerkbaits and waiting 15-20 seconds between pauses and catching them.
The moral of the story is winter fishing can still be fun, as long as you are willing to slow down to catch fish. Don't overlook the offseason where the boat ramps are empty. Those can be some of your best days on the water. As always, go out and love the adventure!