Finding fish - Winter

Winter fishing usually means deep-water fishing. Bass generally hold near deep-water structures or suspend at comfortable temperatures throughout the winter. They often congregate in schools near ledges and other breaks in the lake bottom. They'll move against vertical structures, such as drop-offs, large rocks, standing timber, bridge pilings, dam walls, and the edges of deep weedlines. Vertical fishing with jigs, jigging spoons, and tailspinners are good ways to reach them.

Now and then, bass will cruise into shallow water that's been warmed by the sun, rain, or warm fronts. This is most common in shallower lakes. The changes are usually too sudden and too brief to affect bass in deep-water lakes.