Winter Bass fishing ...When do you start

[WOBBLE HEAD]

I've never fished a lot in the winter because to deer seaons....but i plan on doing a lot more this year.
What does the water temp have to be before you start throwing your winter lures. Or what to you look for to say it's time to start useing winter fishing patterns....Other than the water level being dropped....

 

[blazer]

on nickajack there is no winter draw down,but i will start looking at winter patterns when the water temp drops down in the 50's.i have caught some of my biggest bass in the winter.the biggest thing is to slow down and than slow down some more,unless you have several warm sunny days,and than the bass can get aggresive and you can catch them on fast moving lures.i think you will really enjoy winter fishing,good luck and hopefully you will catch a bass of a lifetime this winter.

 

[WOBBLE HEAD]

What do you think the best winter pattern is for Chick. and Nick. in the winter time....humps, shallow, deep, rock points, do nothing banks, etc,etc,etc,,,,,please give me you thoughts.....I NEED HELP LEARNING HOW TO FISH IN THE WINTER

 

[Fishheadspin]

i fish a jig 365. i never stop throwing my winter lure.

 

[BackOnTheWater]

I'm certainly not an expert, but I've caught fish in the winter in 2 feet of water and in 30 feet. It can change drastically from day to day. The fish have to eat, but not as much nor as often. As usual, find the bait fish and the bass will be near. Bass relate to structure and cover more in the winter than other times of the year. Use slow-moving baits, as a general rule, but fish can be caught in shallow water on top-water lures after a couple of nice, sunny days. Look at the "what's in your winter tacklebox" thread...most people go to c-rigs, jigs, and spoons. Certain areas of the lake, creeks, and sloughs warm up faster than others...structure/ cover in these areas should prove productive. </p>

You have to be a lot more patient in the winter. You won't get as many bites, but it seems that the fish that DO bite are bigger fish. Again, as a general rule, larger slow-moving lures present a big, easy meal to a bass, and that's just what the big boys want.</p>

I'm sure others will expound...hope this helps...</p>

 

[BackOnTheWater]

And, if I'm not mistaken, "winter" on the water starts about the time surface water temps get below 55 or 50 degrees.</p>