Winter Time Smallmouth Fishing

Tactics and Behaviors

To some the late Fall and into Early Winter has a ton of off the water distractions whether it be hunting or the Holiday season but those that forget about Smallmouth because it may be colder out are truly missing out on some of the best opportunities to catch quality size catches especially in our region.

Not only has the fishing pressure dropped dramatically but the fish themselves can still be very active entering December especially in the Mid Atlantic region where little snow may have fallen. (Matt Shepherd Fishin- below)

Recently, the region experienced heavy rains and fortunately for anglers the air temps kept the precipitation from turning to ice or snow opening up an opportunity to target fish that were scattered about most rivers due to the rising water levels. For example, the Upper Potomac witnessed about a five foot rise on average throughout the river system while the Monocacy River saw seven feet. These increases were not isolated to these river systems either as the storm that moved through the region impacted just about every major river system.

So how do we target Smallies in these conditions and ultimately before the major snow falls upon the region?

Winter fishing for Smallmouth in river systems can be challenging due to colder water temperatures and the fish's decreased metabolism. Throw in some rising water that cause Smallies to exert more energy than typical for the season and conditions are set for them to be thrown off and potentially out of any pools they may have moved to after the Fall.

However, with the right strategies, anglers can still have success targeting these scattered bass. Here are some winter fishing tactics for targeting Smallmouth Bass in rivers and insights into their behavior during changing conditions such water temperatures:

Winter Fishing Tactics:

1. Fish Slow and Deep:

   • Smallmouth Bass become less active in cold water, so slow down your presentation. Focus on fishing deeper areas, as bass often move to deeper pools or slow-moving sections during winter. Finesse can still be effective but the cadence and fall rates are critical to dial in.

2. Use Jigs and Soft Plastics:

   • Jigs and soft plastics worked slowly along the bottom can be effective. Crawfish imitations can still work well in winter since crawfish are a staple in the bass diet but undertand the movements must slow and at times subtle. Try a 1st Gen Fishing Jaw Dropper or as far as JIgs goes check out the CPR Jig from Fish Hog Tackle.

     

     

3. Crankbaits and Jerkbaits:

   • Use slow-retrieving crankbaits and suspending jerkbaits to mimic injured baitfish. These lures can trigger a reaction strike from lethargic bass. Typically, the Suspending Jerks are the best in the cold water as the temps fall below that 48-50 degree mark but with rising water events the current flow of the river also opens up the door to other jerkbait styles.

     This season I switched predominately away from the longer 110 Vision style that dominates the market in terms of identity to a 110 Jr style from Lake Edge Lures in a Threadfin/Tennessee Shad style for the main river channel. For the lakes and smaller feeder creeks stocked by the sate with various trout specie I opt for the Rainbow Trout patterns.

     

     If throwing the Jerkbait pay very close attention to the style of jerkbait and the line you are using. A sinple change in the line can either get your bait deeper or keep it more bouyant in the water column depending upon the zone you are attempting to cover. My favorite line after trying about half dozen brands is P-Line and for Jerkbaits I have switched to the P-Line Topwater which is the most effective suspending jerkbait line I have found.

     

   Live Bait: ( not an option for me but for some)

   • Consider using live bait, such as minnow, shiners etc if available, presented close to the riverbed. This can be particularly effective in enticing less active bass but you also run the risk of attracting other species as well.

4. Fish During Warmer Periods:

   • On milder winter days, when the water temperature may rise slightly, Smallmouth Bass may become more active. Targeting them during these warmer periods can improve your chances of success. Smallies while setting up in pools of deeper water will still roam to warmer areas and even shallow in most of our rivers.

     Look for these in your river systems to locate smallmouth:

     1. Deeper Pools—- this can simply be a slight variation in the overall average water depth on flats or below ledges or typically a one or two foot change in the water depending upon the river system.

     2. Adjacent Current Flow which provides them the oxygen they require even with lower metabolic rates.

     3. Shallow areas that will warm up faster during mild warmer days nearby creating a Trifecta.

5. Focus on Structure:

   • Target areas with structure such as rocks, submerged logs, and bridge pilings. Smallmouth Bass often relate to structure, especially during colder months. During rising water events bass may align tight to bridge or nearby deeper depressions usually created during the construction or maintenance process of bridges. Depending upon the structure of the bridge often the structure protects bass by aligning behind below the structure or piling the direction in which the river is flowing.

   • Ledges still come into play during the winter time because in some instances the only river depressions may be underneath ledges so bass will still find these areas productive to conserve energy and target any forage coming down river.

   • Rock will still remain one of the best places especially isolated rock in the main river channel where smallies often will stack up on or lay on bottom of river around. Rock will provide thermals for the bass even during the coldest parts of winter.

   • Spinnerbaits—- during riseing water periods do not sleep on throwing Spinnerbaits in the winter. If you river has been muddied up a bit by rising water or high water events opt for natural browns and forage colors this time of year that have more of a thumping noise to them over the flash you may prefer in other seasons.

     Snagler Tackle makes some great regional Natural Series variations for our region as well as 1st Gen Fishing.

     

     

     6. Fish Slower Currents:

   • Smallmouth may also tend to seek areas with slower currents during winter or stable areas especially the larger ones which do not want to exert alot of their energy stored. Fish along the edges of slower pools and behind obstructions that break the current and often you will locate bigger smallies than near the faster current flow in winter. If the sun has been warming this area all the better. (Troy Wines- Citation Va Smallmouth)

     

Behavior During Changing Water Temperatures:

1. Decreased Metabolism:

   • As water temperatures drop, the metabolism of Smallmouth Bass decreases. This means they require less food to sustain themselves, and their overall activity level decreases. They begin to store what energy they have.

2. Deep-Water Retreat:

   • Smallmouth Bass often move to deeper water where the temperature is more stable. Deeper areas provide insulation from rapid temperature fluctuations at the surface. While the norm these areas often can get “blown out” during high water events like we just saw which cause the bass to reposition.

3. Selectivity in Prey:

   • With a reduced metabolism, Smallmouth may be more selective in their prey choices. Using lures or bait that closely imitate the local forage can be crucial but more importantly size comes into play more than ever. Opt for the smaller 1.5 Cranks or the 110 Jr.s for Jerkbaits.

     

   Opportunistic Feeding:

   • While overall feeding activity decreases, Smallmouth can still be opportunistic. They may target prey that is easier to catch, such as slow-moving or disoriented baitfish.

4. Winter Spawning Dormancy:

   • Smallmouth typically experience a period of reproductive dormancy during the winter. Their focus shifts from spawning activities to conserving energy.

5. Sensitivity to Temperature Changes:

   • Smallmouth are sensitive to temperature changes, and even a slight increase in water temperature can trigger a temporary increase in activity. Fishing during temperature spikes, such as in the afternoon on sunny days, can be as productive in the winter as those early morning bites in the summer before the sun comes atop the trees.

During this time of year it is also very important that you take the elements seriously and make sure that you have the right equipment and gear. Make sure you have quality batteries if running a trolling motor and check them often during the winter. Last thing anyone wants to be caught out on the river in winter far from the ramp with no power in the cold and wind.

If you are considering a trolling motor set up for the New Year I suggest battery wise you start with exploring the Power Queen Low Temp Battery. Check out this battery and specs here: https://www.ipowerqueen.com?ref=smalliechaser

Don’t forget to take advantage of the Holiday Savings until December 26 from Tactical Fishing Co. which has just launched a new line of Smallmouth offerings including hats and apparel for the community. You like to drop shot?

https://www.facebook.com/TacticalFishingCompany

Big Bass USA (MD) is now on holiday schedule throughout the winter season but you can still schedule an appointment with Chris to come and check out the new kayaks for 2024 like the Native X series upgrades and the Bonafide PWR-129, RVR-119, SS-107 and P-127 for those looking for a pedal driven kayak.

https://www.facebook.com/BigBassUSA 1-410-310-9994

POWER QUEEN--- (Your Battery Power Outfitter) **Use Discount Code: smalliechaser

https://www.ipowerqueen.com?ref=smalliechaser

Hook'd Fishing Gear :

https://hookdgear.com/

**Use Discount Code (20% off)**: jlsfishing20

Smallmouth Army Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1322144201945490

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