Winter Transition Bass can be caught before the flowers bud, and the birds begin to nest. Throughout much of the country, some of the best pre-spawn action begins in late winter. I’m referring to the early migration movements that bass make from their winter haunts to the spawning areas. Even though they may not spawn for weeks, bass begin to stir long before most anglers realize it.
Catch heavyweight bass NOW!
Timing is everything for catching Winter Transition Bass. In the Southern United States, heavyweight bass leave their wintertime haunts when the water temperature slowly rise. Daylight hours lengthen in late winter and bass start migrating to spawning sites. In Northern lakes, where the fish are more accustomed to colder water, that migration could occur at much lower water temperatures. If you have open water right now, you are in the middle of one of the best times to catch the biggest bass you’ll see all year.
Winter can be an outstanding time to go bass fishing. Historically speaking, it is one of the best times for a true trophy bass. It’s a time of the year when bass are itching to start spawning. They are at their heaviest point of the year. Making this time of year the time to catch hungry bass with the chance for a fish of a lifetime.
Winter Transition Bass Lure Choices
Slow-moving lures like jigs, Texas-rigged soft plastics, and crankbaits are excellent choices. Use natural colors like green pumpkin and watermelon. Warm afternoons can be productive. As the sun heats the water, bass activity peaks in shallower zones. With Southern regions experiencing low rainfall at this time of year, look for overcast days. This could possibly be in creek mouths or areas with fresh water flowing in.
For crankbaits, flat-sided baits excel in February as they have a tight wobble. This generally does better in cold water situations. They can be fished along rocky banks, rip rap walls, bluff walls, and other transitional areas. They are one of the best lures you can use this time of year. One of the most proven baits is Berkley’s Frittside line of baits, but plenty of other good flat-sided crankbaits are on the market.
