Yellow Bass deep water techniques are ideal for summer and fall fishing, yet it is the primary technique use for fishing in winter.

Habitat & Distribution

Yellow Bass deep water techniques are ideal for summer and fall fishing, yet it is the primary technique use for fishing in winter. In the winter, Yellow Bass stay on the bottom around structures that provide protection from sunken trees, rocky ledges and bridge piles.

You can find them in lakes, reservoirs, rivers as well as small watersheds, however, not all rivers have deep enough sections for these techniques to be helpful.

Preferred Temperature Range

Their preferred temperature range varies through the year. In winter months, Yellow Bass prefer water temperatures between 52°F and 62°F/11°C to 17°C, down considerably from 82°F to 86°F/28°C to 30°C in the summer months and 62°F degrees in fall. When the water temperature reaches the mid 50°Fs/10°C+, they start moving into the shallows.

As with spring and fall, use the same baits: small insects, minnows, small shad, small Sunfish, insects and insect larvae. However, they may not strike out as much as they do in warmer water. In order to get more strikes, appeal to their instinct of security and territory. Lures with spinners and spoons that create irritate behaviour that resembles a wounded bait and make noise work best.

Ice Fishing

Unlike bait casting, trolling and fly fishing, the ice fishing uses very different techniques and tackle. The rod is very small, no more than about 15 inches long and needs only an eight to 12 pound test line.

Use lures and baits that resemble small insects, minnows, small shad, small Sunfish, insects and insect larvae. However, minnows are the best bait to use on yellow bass, though they are very effective at catching other fish as well.

For ice fishing, there are three main types of jigs: horizontal, ventricle and 45°F/7°C jigs. Horizontal jigs sit in the water with the body and hook in the horizontal position. Vertical jigs sit vertically and 45°F/7°C jigs sit at a slant. Keep a small collection of each of these.