Use lures and baits that resemble small insects, minnows, small shad, small Sunfish, insects and insect larvae.

Yellow Bass lake techniques are very similar to those of summer and fall techniques. Yellow Bass prefer deep structures with significant depth changes nearby, humps, ledges and creek channel bends in both summer and fall and pretty much stay at depth in the winter time. A good sonar fish finder can be helpful in finding these locations.

Food Preference

Yellow Bass enjoy fathead minnows, gizzard shad, golden shiners, alewife, other fry from predatory fish, leeches, insects, crayfish and insect larvae. Use lures that replicate the look and action of these natural baits.

Lures

Plastic lures are highly effective, especially the plastic worms. Spinners are highly effective when run by or over weed beds and reel in fast. If after five casts, you don’t get a strike, try a crankbait. If nothing strikes, the area is likely void of bass. Also, keep in mind that Yellow Bass do not care much for direct sunlight.

Feeding Time

They feed throughout the day, though it is believed that overcast and night conditions work well with those nights without a moon working best. You can find them in lakes, reservoirs, rivers as well as small watersheds. Their preferred temperature range varies through the year. In winter months, Yellow Bass prefer water temperatures between 52°F and 62F&deg/11°C to 17°C, down considerably from 82°F to 86°F/28°C to 30°C in the summer months and 62F&deg/17°C in fall. When the water temperature reaches the mid 50°Fs/10°C+, they start moving into the shallows.

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.

Sliding floats

A good rig to use is to tie a lighted slip-bobber rig by first attaching a bobber stop. Now thread on a small bead so the knot cannot slip through the hole in the bobber. A number four hook is sufficient but make sure you use enough sinkers to balance the bobber.