Winter is almost here.... Where will the Smallies Go?
Smallmouth Bass Behavior in the Winter
If you have been following the regional Smallmouth Bass series Smallie Chaser River Bassin than you know that over sixteen Citation Smallies have been caught by participants since the series bgean in October fishing Fall and Winter monthlies on TourneyX.
October was certainly an incredible transition month for smallmouth but what about what lies ahead ……….
Angler Kevin Waddell with a Citation Virginia Smallmouth
Smallmouth Bass, like many other fish species, undergo physiological and behavioral changes in response to seasonal variations, particularly during winter. Here's an overview of what happens to our Smallmouth Bass in our region during the winter and how their metabolism changes with the seasons:
Metabolic Changes:
Decreased Metabolism: In colder water temperatures, the metabolism of Smallmouth Bass decreases. This means they require less energy to sustain their bodily functions compared to warmer months. The slowed metabolism helps them conserve energy during the winter when food resources may be limited.
Behavioral Changes:
Reduced Activity: Smallmouth Bass become less active during the winter months. Their movements slow down, and they tend to stay in deeper, slower-moving waters where the temperature is relatively stable.
Schooling Behavior: Smallmouth Bass may gather in schools during winter at times, which provides them with some protection against predators and helps them conserve energy especially if we see rishing water levels.
Habitat Selection:
Deeper Water: As the water temperature drops, Smallmouth Bass move to deeper parts of lakes or rivers where the temperature is more stable. Deeper waters also offer protection from freezing surface conditions. Deeper water can simply be a change in depth from the average overall system or a pool area typically around rocks.
Feeding Behavior:
Reduced Feeding: With decreased metabolism and lower activity levels, Smallmouth Bass eat less during the winter. They may primarily rely on stored energy reserves rather than actively hunting for prey. *
Selectivity in Prey: If there is any feeding activity, Smallmouth Bass may focus on smaller and slower-moving prey that requires less energy to catch.
Physiological Adaptations:
Cold Tolerance: Smallmouth Bass, like many cold-blooded animals, have adaptations to tolerate colder temperatures. They may have antifreeze proteins in their blood to prevent ice crystal formation and damage to their cells. These become evolutionary. Chances are if your rivers never freeze this adaptation may never be expressed.
Spawning Preparation:
Reproductive Dormancy: Smallmouth Bass typically experience a period of reproductive dormancy during the winter. This is when their reproductive activities slow down or cease until the warmer spring months when water temperatures rise again.
Angler, Tyler Fiorda (December ) Smallmouth
It's important to note that the specifics of these changes can vary depending on the geographical location and local environmental conditions. The state of your river system as a result of year long weather patterns also comes into play in winter especially if you enter the winter period in low level water conditions like most of our region is experiencing this year. Additionally, individual fish within a population may exhibit some variability in their responses to seasonal changes.
Winter bass fishing in river systems, especially for Smallies, requires a different approach compared to other seasons. During winter, bass tend to be less active, and their metabolism slows down. Understanding the behavior of forage species like minnows, darters, and shiners can help you choose effective fishing techniques. Here are some tips for catching some winter Smallies in rivers and insights into forage species behavior:
Bass Fishing Techniques:
Fish Slowly:
Smallmouth Bass are less active in cold water, so slow down your presentation. Use techniques that allow your bait to stay in the strike zone longer. Typically the finesse presentations come more into play now than moving baits.
Deep Water Focus:
Target deeper pools in areas of the river and slow-moving sections of the river where bass often gather during winter. Look for areas with structure, such as rocks and ledges, as bass may use these as ambush points. Deeper water may simply be a change of a foot or two compared to other adjacent areas like this area on the Upper Potomac.
The Jig and “Bottom Bouncer”:
Jigging with soft plastics or hair jigs can be effective in colder water. Bounce your bait along the bottom, imitating a dying or struggling prey. I would also place the Ned Rig in this category as well where you can pair a ned worm with your Hair Jig.
The Live Bait Guys-
Consider using live bait such as minnows or shiners. Present them in a natural manner, allowing them to swim freely in the current or near the riverbed.
Suspending Jerkbaits Are The Rage:
Suspending hard jerkbaits can mimic the slow, wounded movements of prey fish. Work these baits with pauses to entice lethargic bass.
Use of soft jerkbaits is one of the most underrated presentations in winter whereby the bait is nose hooked and swims freely
If in MD/VA use rainbow trout and threadfin shad style patterns. Many of the regions rivers and reservoirs are stocked with Trout by the State during late fall so these new fingerlings are prolific and a quality resource for bass to feed on in early winter.
More Hair Jigs and Tubes:
Hair jigs and tube baits, presented slowly, can imitate crawfish or other bottom-dwelling forage. Choose natural colors that match the local prey. I prefer the smaller variations of the tubes but also tubes paired with a jig head.
Fish During Warm Periods:
On milder days, when the water temperature may rise slightly, bass may become more active. Take advantage of these periods for better fishing success. Draw on your year long experience in terms of baits. This can be when you open up your arsenal especially if you get a few days in a row with rising air temps.
TIP: Start with the warmer bank areas first. The bank that gets the sun on it first from sunrise up through the morning will hold more of the thermals and warm up faster than middle river or the opposite bank.
Forage Species in Winter:
Migration and Hiding:
Some forage species, like minnows and shiners, may migrate to deeper, slower waters during winter to escape the colder surface temperatures.
Reduced Activity:
Forage species often exhibit decreased activity during winter. They may become more lethargic, making them easier targets for predatory fish.
Bottom Dwelling:
Some forage species, such as darters, may seek refuge in substrate or hide among rocks on the river bottom to avoid predators. Crayfish regionally have gone to ground by winter but they never truly go dormant as many believe.
Adaptations for Cold:
Forage species have various adaptations to survive in cold water, such as changes in metabolism and behavior. Understanding these adaptations can help anglers choose the right lures and presentation.
When fishing for our Smallies Bass in winter, it's crucial to adapt to the fish's behavior and the availability of forage. Experiment with different techniques, pay attention to water temperature, and be patient, as winter bass fishing can be challenging but rewarding. Additionally, always check local regulations and practice ethical catch-and-release to conserve fish populations.
If you happen to come into a Muskie even better as winter is the best time to safely grab pictures of your catch as opposed to catching one during the high water temp summer. If you fish in Upper Potomac or Monocacy River systems you more than likely will come into some great Walleye populations as they are growing and expanding.
Angler, Thomas Cox with Virginia Muskie while fishing for Smallies.
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