The 5 Best Cold Water bass Baits for Winter Fishing

Are you struggling to catch bass during the winter months? Don’t let the cold conditions get you down! Try using these 5 baits in cold water to increase your chances of success.

From jerkbaits to crankbaits, we’ve got you covered with the top lures for tricking those sluggish bass into biting. Keep reading to learn more and get your tackle box ready for your next winter fishing trip.

5 Best Cold Water Bass Baits

1. Squarebill crankbait

Squarebill crankbaits are probably my favorite bait to fish in cold water. They have the ability to catch big ones in almost any water color and cover. 

Even in the coldest water, I still use moving baits 90% of the time because I know that a squarebill is something a shallow-water fish will have a hard time passing up. 

However, it’s important to remember that bass in cold water are trying to conserve energy and won’t often move far or fast. 

This means that you have to be super thorough with your retrieve and sometimes make multiple casts to the same piece of cover to draw a strike. 

It’s all about hitting them right on the nose and sometimes it takes those extra casts, even in less than a foot of water, to get them to bite. 

It’s best to use Squarebill crankbaits in shallow to medium depth waters and around cover such as rocks, weed beds, and sunken wood. 

A slower retrieve can also be effective in colder water, but specific techniques or tips for executing this retrieve effectively should be considered. 

It’s all about hitting them right on the nose and sometimes it takes those extra casts, even in less than a foot of water, to get them to bite.

7′ medium-heavy fast action rod and braided line (15lbs + mono leader) can be helpful for sensitivity and casting distance. It’s also a good idea to have a variety of colors on hand to match the forage in the body of water being fished.

So next time you’re fishing in cold water, don’t be afraid to give squarebill crankbaits a try. Just remember to slow your retrieve down and be patient – it could be the key to landing a trophy catch.

2. Spinnerbait

Spinnerbaits can be a highly effective choice for cold water fishing due to their versatility, color options, and ability to provide flash and vibration to entice wary bass.

it’s best to use them in shallow to medium depth waters and around cover such as rocks, weed beds, and sunken wood.

However, it is important to consider the size and color of the spinnerbait in relation to the forage available in the body of water being fished.

Natural or more subtle colors and smaller sizes may be more effective in these conditions.
A slower retrieve can also be effective in colder water, but specific techniques or tips for executing this retrieve effectively should be considered.

Presenting the spinnerbait with a finesse approach and incorporating pauses in the retrieve can also be effective.

It is also important to use appropriate gear and line when fishing with spinnerbaits in cold water, such as a fast action rod and braided line for added sensitivity.

It is worth noting that there may be potential drawbacks or limitations to using spinnerbaits in cold water, such as the risk of the bait becoming tangled in vegetation or other types of cover.

3. Jerkbaits

Jerkbaits can be a go-to option for many anglers during the colder seasons due to their versatility and ability to mimic a dying or injured baitfish, which may be appealing to bass that are not actively feeding due to the colder temperatures.

One specific type of reaction bait that can be particularly effective in these conditions is the jerkbait. 

To make the most of these baits in cold water, it is important to incorporate longer pauses and aggressive rod twitches to create a slower, lifelike movement that may entice a bite. 

These baits can be fished effectively in various depths and types of cover, it’s best to use them in medium to deep depth waters and around cover such as rocks, weed beds and sunken wood. Also, can also be used to target suspended fish that are loosely relating to cover.

Finding the right cadence, which can vary based on the conditions and the behavior of the fish, is crucial for success with jerkbaits. 

In addition to cadence, anglers may also want to consider rigging and modifying their jerkbaits, such as adding weight or changing out the hooks, to better suit the conditions and the preferences of the fish. 

It is worth noting that there may be potential drawbacks or limitations to using reaction baits in cold water, such as the risk of the bait becoming snagged in cover or the action of the bait being less effective in colder water. 

Read this article to learn more about: 6 Best Weedless Lures for Bass

Other factors that may impact the effectiveness of these baits in cold water, such as the type of line being used or the retrieve speed, should also be considered when developing a fishing strategy.

Using a rod with a moderate or slow action, measuring between 6 to 7 feet, in combination with a fluorocarbon or braid fishing line, can provide the sensitivity and casting distance required for fishing with jerkbaits successfully. 

This setup will also enhance the fish-fighting capabilities and reduce the number of fish lost during the fight.

It’s also a good idea to have a variety of colors and sizes on hand to match the forage and conditions in the body of water being fished. 

However, it is worth noting that there may be potential drawbacks or limitations to using reaction baits in cold water, such as the risk of the bait becoming snagged in cover or the action of the bait being less effective in colder water.

4. Compact jig

Compact jigs can be a highly effective choice for cold water fishing, particularly in situations where a concentration of fish has been found in shallow, muddy water around isolated cover such as rocks or stumps, or on offshore hard spots. 

These jigs can be presented using a variety of techniques, such as pitching, flipping, or dragging, and can be particularly useful for picking off individual fish without worrying about missed bites due to the use of treble hooks or spinnerbaits. 

To make the most of compact jigs in cold water, it is important to consider the style of jighead and the intended technique when choosing the bait, as different jigs are designed for specific styles of fishing. 

For example, a compact skipping jig with an almost Arkie-style head may be a good all-around choice for a variety of techniques, while a compact finesse jig with a flat head may be better suited for pitching and flipping in thick cover. 

Other jighead styles, such as ball head or football head jigs, may be better suited for dragging. In addition to selecting the right jighead, anglers may also want to consider rigging and modifying their compact jigs, such as adding weight or changing out the hooks, to better suit the conditions and the preferences of the fish. 

It is worth noting that there may be potential drawbacks or limitations to using compact jigs in cold water, such as the risk of the bait becoming snagged in cover or the action of the bait being less effective in colder water. 

Using medium heavy or heavy power rod, measuring between 7-4 and 7-6 and paired with a fluorocarbon or braided line can improve the effectiveness of these baits during cold water fishing.

5. Flat-sided crankbait

Flat-sided crankbaits are a versatile lure that can be used to target a variety of species, including bass, in various depths. Their sleek design and lowkey wobbling action make them an effective choice for anglers looking to fish in colder conditions. 

One of the benefits of using flat-sided cranks is that they often come without rattles, following the ‘less is more’ approach that is often preferred in cold water fishing. This subtle action can be just what is needed to entice wary fish to bite. 

In addition to their effectiveness, flat-sided cranks are also easy to throw and can be fished with either a spinning or baitcasting rod. 

Spinning rods provide longer casts and are better for lighter lures, while baitcasting rods offer more control and are better for casting heavier lures. 

To get the most out of your flat-sided crankbait in cold water, focus on fishing channel swings, turns, and laydowns that show signs of holding fish. 

These areas often provide cover and structure that attract baitfish and predatory species. Continually fishing these areas can lead to success in catching a variety of species.

Tips for Successfully Using Cold Water Bass Baits

If you’re planning a winter bass fishing trip, it’s important to choose the right lures for the job. Here are some tips to guide you towards the optimal choice: 

• Size matters: In the colder months, downsizing your lures can be effective. Bass are more easily intimidated and sluggish in the cold water, so they’re less likely to strike something large. Aim for lures that are 3-4 inches or smaller.

• Go slow: The cold water makes the bass feel sluggish, so you want to keep your bait moving slowly and lethargically. Imitating something that is struggling or dying, such as with a twitching presentation, can be effective.

• Fish near runoff: Warm water holds less dissolved oxygen than cold water, so bass will often hang out near areas of runoff where the water is a bit warmer and has more oxygen. This is also a good place to use jigs and jerkbaits, as they naturally imitate baitfish.

• Live bait can be effective: Live baits like shiners and minnows can be a good option during the winter, as you’re presenting exactly what the bass want.

• Be prepared: No two fishing situations are the same, so it’s important to have a variety of lures at your disposal. This way, you’ll always be prepared for whatever conditions you may encounter.

• Use color to your advantage: In the winter, bass are often attracted to bright or natural-looking colors. Experiment with different color lures to see what works best in your specific fishing situation.

Read this article to learn more about: The Best Color Braided Fishing Line for Bass

• Consider the water depth: Depending on the depth of the water you’re fishing in, you may want to use different types of lures. For example, in shallow water, topwater lures can be effective, while in deeper water, jigs and crankbaits might be a better choice.

• Pay attention to the weather: The weather can have a big impact on your fishing success. For example, on a bright and sunny day, you might want to use reflective lures, while on an overcast day, darker or natural-colored lures might be more effective.

• Use scents and flavors: Adding scents and flavors to your lures can make them more attractive to the bass. There are many options available, such as garlic, crawfish, or anise.

• Don’t forget about the bottom: When fishing in the winter, it’s important to pay attention to what’s happening on the bottom of the lake or pond. Look for areas with rocks, weeds, or other structures where the bass might be hiding.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to catch winter bass and have a successful fishing trip. Just remember to be prepared and keep your lures small and slow, and you’ll be on your way to success. For more information, you can watch this video about How To Catch Bass In EXTREMELY COLD Water!

Conclusion

In conclusion, the key to success in cold water bass fishing is to choose the right baits and use them effectively. The Compact jig, Flat-sided crankbait, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits and Squarebill crankbait listed in this post are all proven to be effective in cold water conditions.

Remember to pay attention to presentation, slow down your retrieve and experiment with different colors and sizes to find what works best for you. With these tips and the right baits, you’ll be able to catch bass even in the coldest of waters.

Keep these ideas in mind on your next cold water fishing trip and don’t let the colder weather deter you from a great day on the water.