Winter bass fishing presents unique challenges, but spinnerbaits remain an effective tool when the water gets cold. Anglers who know how to adjust their approach in winter can still catch quality bass. My brother, Chris Patri shares these 4 tips to help you increase your spinnerbait success during winter fishing.

1. Target High-Percentage Areas
   The first and most crucial step in winter fishing is finding the bass. Cold water forces bass to be more selective in where they hang out, and you need to focus your efforts in areas where fish are more likely to be. Creek channels, deep water ledges, and the edges of drop-offs are key places to check. These spots provide cover for bass, allowing them to remain in slightly warmer water. After a cold front passes, bass tend to stay in these deep, slow-moving areas. However, if there’s a warm front or a rise in water temperature, bass might move up to shallow waters that are adjacent to deeper, structured areas. These areas can give you a good opportunity to target feeding fish. Look for places that have a mix of deep and shallow water and vary your presentation depending on where the fish are located in the water column.

2. Choose the Right Spinnerbait Size
   When fishing with spinnerbaits in coldwater, the size of your bait matters more than you might think. In winter, bass are less inclined to chase larger baits, so opting for a smaller spinnerbait can make a difference. The most effective sizes for cold water are typically in the range of 3/8 oz to 3/4 oz, as they offer enough weight to cover the water column and reach the target depth without being too large or overwhelming for the bass. The 3/8 oz spinnerbait is perfect for targeting fish in shallow areas, while the 1/2 oz to 3/4 oz models are ideal when fishing deeper sections. Experiment with different sizes to match the water depth and the bass’s activity level. A larger spinnerbait can be helpful in murkier water to create more vibration and visibility, but always consider the conditions before choosing.
   

   

3. Use the Right Speed
   Spinnerbait retrieval speed is one of the most important factors when fishing in cold water. Bass metabolism slows down in colder temperatures, making them less likely to chase fast-moving prey. To make your spinnerbait presentation more appealing to winter bass, you should slow down your retrieve. A slow and steady retrieve, with occasional pauses, mimics a struggling baitfish that’s easier for bass to catch. It’s crucial to resist the temptation to reel too quickly, as winter bass are not as active as in warmer months and a fast retrieve may scare them off. In addition, try varying your retrieve speed and the way you work the spinnerbait through the water to find the rhythm that works best. Bass may respond to different speeds depending on their location and the temperature.

4. Pick the Right Colors
   In cold water, bass tend to be less aggressive and more selective about their food. This means you need to carefully consider the color of your spinnerbait to ensure it matches what the bass are likely to be feeding on during winter. Subtle, natural colors work best in these conditions. White, chartreuse, and natural shad patterns are excellent choices. The goal is to mimic the look of the forage bass are hunting in the colder months, which are typically baitfish like shad or small minnows. Bright, flashy colors might work in warmer water but tend to be less effective when the fish are sluggish in the winter. Additionally, incorporating spinnerbaits with tandem blades or willow blades can help create more flash and vibration, increasing visibility in the water, which can be beneficial in low-visibility conditions.

By adjusting your approach with the right tackle, retrieval technique, and color selection, you can still have successful winter fishing trips with spinnerbaits. The coldwater bass may be more lethargic, but they are still hungry and willing to bite when presented with the right conditions and bait. Focus on high-percentage areas, match your bait size to the depth and bass activity, slow down your retrieve, and pick colors that mirror natural winter prey to increase your chances of success.