Where Do Bass Go During The Fall To Winter Transition? (And How To Catch Them)

Is the fishing getting tough on your lake? Are you struggling to find fish that will bite? As the water cools the Fall to Winter transition begins. Bass will seemingly vanish from areas that were productive all Fall and figuring out where they've gone can seem overwhelming. Don't worry, we know where they're going! And even better, we know how to catch them!

This transitional period signals the change from bass feeding heavily before Winter to a focus on Winter survival. Most bass will become lethargic, focusing on minimal movement. This lethargy requires them to find a location that has quick access to food, quick access to deep water, and enough cover to feel "comfortable" through the cold months. Now that you understand the components of a great Winter location, its time to look at a map of your lake.

Focus your time in 3 locations; Bluffs, Points, and Funnels. Bluffs, which are essentially very steep walls with instant deep water access will typically be found on the outside bend of a creek or river channel. Steep points that meet the criteria are typically the largest outside points on the main body of the lake. Funnels refers to anywhere the lake narrows down and "pinches", creating an area that current, fish, and other food will need to pass through.

Once you've found the areas, its time to focus on catching the fish. There are two methods to catching Winter bass. The first is to fool them into biting with realistic presentations that move slowly. A slow moving offering gives the bass time to examine the potential meal and choose to eat it. The second approach is to trigger a feed response with short bursts of movement. This approach is incredibly effective, even in the coldest of water, but must be combined with stationary periods to allow the fish to reach the lure. Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment we have confidence in during the Fall to Winter Transition.

The Baits In Order Of Appearance...

-Damiki Vault Blade Bait 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2rnO7e2

(Real Shad, Holo Ayu, Black Holo)

-Blade Runner Duh Spoon 1 3/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2aKVLlG

(Morning Dawn, Electric Chicken, Shad)

-Lucky Craft Staysee 90 Jerkbait: http://bit.ly/2dBzMmz

(Ghost Minnow, Crystal Pro Blue, Baitfish Silver)

-Megabass Vision 110+1 Jerkbait: http://bit.ly/2iGYOCX

(GP Pro Blue, HT-Ito Tennessee Shad, M Shad)

-2.8 Keitech Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

(Pro Blue Red Pearl, Electric Shad)

-Cool Baits "Down Under" Underspin 3/16 oz: http://bit.ly/2boS7QA

(Silver/Black, Silver Shad, Ol' Faithful)

-Dirty Jigs Guppy Head 1/8 oz 1/0 hook: http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS

(Blue Shad, Gizzard Shad, Naked Shad)

-Finesse Football Jig 1/2 oz: http://bit.ly/2d2apsm

(Super Matt Brown, Go To)

-Yamamoto 5" Double Tail Trailer: http://bit.ly/2db9w1p

(Green Pumpkin/Black Flake)

-Big Bite Baits Smallie Smasher Dropshot Worm: http://bit.ly/2ZpCOCY

(Green Pump/Purple, Smoke Purple Flake)

-Huddleston 8" Swimbait ROF 12: http://bit.ly/2azFTon

(Rainbow Trout, Hold Over, Hitch, Ayu)

-8" All American Trash Fish Swimbait: http://bit.ly/2hmXtg1

(Just Shad, LC Hitch, Rainbow Trout)

Favorite Jerkbait Combo (Great for Blades, and Small Swimbaits too)...

Rod- Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel- Shimano Aldebaran MGL HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8

Line- 12 lb Sunline Assassin: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Budget Jerkbait Combo...

Rod- Shimano SLX 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2L3wppO

Reel- Shimano SLX HG: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Line- 12 lb Seaguar Red Label: http://bit.ly/2LOVEwA