Why Some of the Best Bass Fishing Happens in the Dead of Winter

Some of the best fishing of the year happens in the dead of winter. You might be saying, “Are you kidding?”

Part of living in the Midwest and Upper Midwest is fishing on cold winter days. To the surprise of no one, top spots to cast your line are power plant lakes that use lake water to cool power generation stations. Some are coal burners and others are nuclear. They are spread out across the country and stay open all winter, even in the coldest of conditions. If you can handle the outdoors in frigid temps, the fish will bite in these lakes.

Before You Head to Winter Waters

• Dress for the Conditions: You can take clothes off but can’t put on the ones you didn’t bring. Keep your cell phone charged and in a dry box in the boat. A good hood and a hat are essential. Sunscreen, lip balm and good sunglasses are also must haves.
• Always Bring Extra Dry Clothing: You never know when you might get wet, so having an extra set of clothes is critical. Imagine if you accidentally dunk yourself into freezing cold waters, then manage to get yourself out of the water, but have nothing to help you dry off. You’re still stuck in those dangerous hypothermic conditions. Always carry an extra pair of wool gloves in the boat. They can get soaked but will still stay warm.
• Watch For Ice And Be Prepared: Don’t forget that docks and ramps can get icy and always carry a bag of ice melt or sand in the truck just in case. Water pulled up on the ramp during loading and unloading can be super slick. Dock surfaces can be the same way.
• Bring Warmers: A good heater and air activated pocket warmers are a must. Fleece lined beanies are best as they stay warm and dry, plus they won’t itch after a long day on the water.
• Wear Your Lifejacket:  Wear a life jacket while fishing. A cold weather suit can get water logged quickly if you fall in and seconds are critical to prevent hypothermia. One great option to wear is the Mustang Survival suspender style lifejacket the entire time on the water.
• Always Expect The Unexpected: Accidents are called accidents for a reason. Enjoy wintertime open-water fishing, as these can be some of the best days on the water all year. But be prepared for the cold-weather conditions that can turn deadly.

Fishing Near the Power Plants

Most of these impoundments were designed with different cold water and hot water arms. Cold water arms are utilized to pull cool lake water into the power plant and the hot water arms are where the water flows out of the plant. Both arms can be good in the winter although the upper ends of the cold water arms can be tricky, as ice can form in its pockets and bays. Some of the best areas are where the hot and cold water arms meet. If structure or cover is present, hold on for a killer bite. Fish will congregate where these two water types meet and many times the action can be memorable.

In super cold conditions, the hot water arm is usually best. Water temps will remain in the 50s all year, and the headwaters of the hot ditch can find temps in the 60s and 70s. Air temps in the 30s or lower with water temps in the 60s can actually be comfortable, believe it or not. Although fog can be a problem at times, the warm water generates real heat that the angler feels and appreciates.

Lures to Use in the Cold

Bait selection in the winter varies from jigs and spinnerbaits to spoons and topwaters. A lot depends on the light conditions and prevalent water depth and temperature. Crankbaits can also be very good.

Two of our best baits this time of year are a 1/2-ounce blade bait or a 1/2-ounce spoon tipped with either a pork chunk or eel or spinnerbait trailer. For example, a Johnson Spoon can be worked either on top of pad stems and blow downs, or just under the surface in open water with a slow and deliberate wobble. The blade bait, such as a Chatterbait or SlobberKnocker, can be cast on points and hopped over deeper water applications. 

One of the side benefits of powerplant lakes is current. Water pulled through the power plant can generate some current, and although it may not be noticeable, it’s there and positions fish.

Another great choice this time of year is a Strike King Red Eyed Shad lipless crankbait. Try the chrome color, with blue or black shades along the back. Shallow divers like the Berkley Dime 4, Rapala Shad Rap, Strike King KVD Squarebill 1.5 Shallow Crankbait, and Mann’s Baby 1 Minus are also fish catchers this time of year. The Spro Little John 50 jerked over points in open water also is a good choice.