Bass fishing legend Mike McClelland dives deep into the when, where, and how of crankbait fishing winter bass on highland reservoirs. Although squarely winter when filmed on Table Rock, this content is relevant anytime bass relate to shoreline rock and wood when water temperatures drop into the lower 50s and below. While often consolidated in cold water, you still need to find the bass, and a crankbait is an efficient search bait for combing shoreline stretches, points, and channel swings. Here’s how.
TACKLE USED (retail links)
- CRANKBAIT 1 – SPRO Mike McClelland RkCrawler 55 Crankbait, color – Phantom Watermelon: Buy at Bass Pro Shops, Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- CRANKBAIT 2 – SPRO Mike McClelland RkCrawler MD 55 Crankbait: Buy at Bass Pro Shops, Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- CRANKBAIT 3 – SPRO RkCrawler DD50 Crankbait: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- CRANKBAIT 4 – SPRO Mike McClelland RKCrawler 50 Crankbait: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- ROD – Falcon Falcon Cara Casting Rod, 7′ Medium-Moderate: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- REEL – Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris Platinum Signature Baitcast Reel – Right – Model JPT10HA: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- LINE (fluoro) – Sunline Crank FC Fluorocarbon Line, 10- to 12-pound: Buy at Bass Pro Shops, Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- LINE (mono) – Sunline Super Natural Monofilament, 10- to 12-pound: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- Check out the Sunline Knot Guide for tying your best knot.
*Additional links at the bottom.
- Check out the Sunline Knot Guide for tying your best knot.
FINDING THE RIGHT SPOT
McClelland emphasizes the importance of location when pursuing winter bass. Sure, there are abundant opportunities for “scoping” suspended offshore bass on baits like blade baits and damiki rigs, but beating the bank with a crankbait can be just as effective and HOW you want to catch them. He starts by exploring areas that offer a mix of features – from channel swing banks to transitional areas leading to flatter gravel pockets. This locational flexibility helps you find and pattern bass daily in winter. As McClelland attests, bass remain active in the winter, so productive spots can shift as conditions change; think baitfish, water temperature, and light and weather variation.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT CRANKBAIT
A key focus of the video is selecting the best crankbait for varying conditions. McClelland has been a longtime fan of the versatile SPRO Rock Crawer lineup (spelled RkCrawler) for its proven fish-triggering hunting action and ability to snake through cover with minimal fowling. It’s also available in various running depths, colors, and even sizes, so you can adjust to the conditions. On this day, McClelland opted for the RkCrawler 55, which nailed the 12- to 14-foot zone the bass were holding. He discusses the significance of matching line size to the desired depth and crankbait action, emphasizing using 10- or 12-pound fluorocarbon or shifting to monofilament when bites are highly tentative.
EFFECTIVE COLD WATER CRANKING
McClelland demonstrates effective crankbait techniques, such as ensuring the bait hits the bottom and adjusting your retrieve to trigger lethargic winter bass. Don’t get into the habit of casting and winding without speed changes and making deflections! He also shares observations on fish behavior during winter, noting their tendency to feed on crawfish and the impact of water clarity and light conditions on bait selection — these factors make color a critical factor, so keep an open mind and constantly experiment.
FISH FINDER & MISC.
- FISH FINDER – Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 126sv Chartplotter/Fish Finder Combo: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- LIVE SONAR – Garmin LiveScope Plus LVS34 – Livescope + LVS34 System: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- TROLLING MOTOR – Garmin Force Trolling Motor: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- BOW MOUNTS – BeatDown Outdoors The Ultimate Double Stack: Check out at BD Outdoors
- HOODY – AFTCO Reaper Softshell Pullover Hoodie: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- BOAT – Ranger Z521R Commanche: Check out at Ranger
SHALLOW WATER ANCHOR – Power-Pole Blade 2.0 Shallow Water Anchor, 10′: Buy at Bass Pro Shops - MOTOR – Mercury 250hp Pro XS: Check out at Mercury
- JACK PLATE – Black ATLAS Series Hydraulic Jack Plate: Buy at T-H Marine
- TOW VEHICLE – Toyota Tundra: Check out at Toyota
