Here's what you need to know for some cold water bass fishing...
As winter loosens its grip and the water temperatures begin to rise, largemouth bass become more active, making early spring one of the best times to target them. However, cold water bass fishing still presents challenges, as fish remain sluggish compared to their summer behavior. To maximize your success, here are the top five methods for catching largemouth bass in early spring.
1. Jerkbaits for Suspended Bass
Jerkbaits are one of the most effective lures for cold water bass fishing in early spring. As bass move from their deep winter haunts toward shallower areas, they often suspend in transition zones, making a suspending jerkbait an ideal choice.
How to Fish It:
Use a slow retrieve with long pauses between jerks to mimic a dying baitfish.
Target areas near drop-offs, submerged structures, and points where bass stage before moving shallow.
Choose natural or shad-colored jerkbaits in clear water and more vibrant colors in stained water.
2. Slow-Rolling a Spinnerbait
While spinnerbaits are known for their aggressive action, slow-rolling them in colder water can trigger lethargic bass into striking. This technique works well when bass are holding near cover, such as submerged vegetation, rocks, and wood.
How to Fish It:
Use a larger Colorado or Indiana blade to create more vibration and keep the bait moving slowly.
Retrieve just fast enough to keep the blades turning, allowing the bait to stay in the strike zone longer.
Focus on areas with warmer water, such as northern-facing banks that receive more sunlight.
3. Dragging a Jig for Lethargic Bass
Jigs remain a top choice for cold water bass fishing because they imitate crawfish, a primary food source for bass emerging from winter patterns. A slow, methodical approach can produce big bites when other lures fail.
How to Fish It:
Use a football jig or finesse jig with a compact trailer to match the slower metabolism of bass.
Drag the jig along the bottom with occasional pauses, allowing bass time to react.
Target rocky banks, submerged timber, and areas with transitioning bottom compositions.
4. Lipless Crankbaits for Covering Water
Lipless crankbaits are a great option for covering water quickly and finding actively feeding bass. Their tight wobble and rattling sound can trigger reaction bites even in cold water.
How to Fish It:
Use a yo-yo retrieve by lifting and letting the bait fall to mimic dying baitfish.
Target grass flats, points, and shallow coves where bass move as water warms up.
Experiment with different retrieval speeds to match the fish’s activity level.
5. Ned Rig for Finicky Bass
The Ned rig is an ultra-finesse technique that can coax bites from bass that are reluctant to chase larger lures. Its subtle action makes it an excellent choice for cold, clear water.
How to Fish It:
Use a lightweight jig head with a small, buoyant soft plastic that stands up on the bottom.
Drag or hop it slowly along rocky bottoms and near submerged cover.
Focus on deeper pockets and transition areas where bass are staging before moving shallow.
Final Thoughts
Cold water bass fishing in early spring requires patience and a strategic approach. By using jerk baits for suspended fish, slow-rolling spinnerbaits near cover, dragging jigs for sluggish bass, throwing lipless crankbaits to cover water, and using a Ned rig for finicky fish, you can increase your chances of landing a trophy largemouth. Keep an eye on water temperature changes and bass behavior, and you'll be well on your way to a successful spring fishing season.
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