Vertical Winter Fishing
by Mike Gerry
I believe we are finally seeing the tough wintertime bite settle in. Yes, it’s here. For the next month or so, we’ll be dealing with colder water, slower fish, and tougher conditions. But before we can be successful, we have to adjust.
There are certain keys to fishing during the cold of winter. Understanding the elements and how they affect what the fish are doing is critical.
When the nights get cold and bass begin suspending over deeper water, your approach has to change. On the coldest winter days, bass often suspend instead of relating tightly to the bottom. When this happens, versatility as an angler becomes essential.
These fish are lethargic, their feeding windows are shorter, and every presentation has to be intentional.
One of the most important factors is the position of the bass, and the only real way to see that is by scanning with electronics like Lowrance StructureScan or forward-facing sonar.
When you do, you’ll notice two types of suspended fish: those positioned under baitfish, and those that are not.
When bass are set up under bait, you’ve found what I consider catchable fish. This is when vertical presentations become deadly.
There are many effective ways to fish vertically in winter. One of my favorites is a big jigging spoon, something in the 4 to 5 inch range and weighing at least an ounce. I also like a ¾,ounce jig paired with a small paddling trailer like a D-Bomb, dropped below the bait to trigger reaction strikes.
A Little George–style jigging bait is another great option because it closely matches the baitfish in size and can be worked right in front of their face.
Many times, simply letting the jig fall to the bottom and allowing it to “spider” or drift naturally in the current will produce bites.
Even though I’m not a strong finesse enthusiast, a drop-shot rig with small finesse worms, gobies, leeches, or Senkos can be absolutely deadly this time of year. For anglers who love finesse fishing, winter is their season. Forward-facing sonar allows you to stay right on top of schools and target individual fish with confidence.
The elements are always key to catching fish. When you truly understand them and learn to adjust to what they’re showing you, you can still have extremely productive days on the water, even in the heart of winter.
Combine that awareness with solid vertical techniques, and you can turn a tough winter bite into a successful one.
Captain Mike
