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Bassmaster Elite angler and Whitewater Fishing Pro, Wesley Gore, spills the beans on wintertime bass
While the tendency is to lay low after hunting and ready for the holiday season, anglers in the know are getting after it while the getting’s good. That means largemouth and spotted bass action on reservoirs below the Mason-Dixon line for those who know the patterns. The fishing can be epic...
Whitewater Fishing chatted with Alabama-based Bassmaster Elite pro Wesley Gore about the periods of early- and mid-winter and he offered some great advice.
Early-winter, as Gore defines it, is now through the middle of December when southern reservoir water temperatures are anywhere between 52 and 62 degrees.
“The fish have been in the major creeks and deeper creek channels for much of the fall during October to early November feeding on shad. But once the water gets around the low 60s to high 50s, those fish start to migrate out into the actual river basin, the original channel prior to the lake's flooding,” explained Gore.
“That’s where scoping really comes into play, typically with a jerkbait or soft plastic minnow,” offered Gore.
The other migration that can happen are “floater” fish moving to shallow objects and grass, which means less reliance on sophisticated electronics to stay on fish.
Cold Weather Baits
Fishing between the two scenarios, Gore typically has four baits on deck: 1) a jerkbait; 2) a ‘Spook-style topwater; 3) soft plastic minnow on a jig head for scoping; 4) and lastly, a ChatterBait or jig for fishing the aforementioned ‘floater’ fish.
“I usually start mornings scoping and taking advantage of how high up shad are in the water column over deep water. That’s when bass will be up toward the surface and I can get ‘em on the jerkbait, ‘Spook, or minnow.”
As the day progresses – especially if it’s sunny and windy – Gore will roam shallow with a ChatterBait or jig, concentrating on structure or grass. “You’ll still get a lot of fish roaming up shallow during this period on high-percentage shallow flats with wood, grass, any kind of structure. It really depends on wind direction. South is great. And the key is either fishing within the wind or outside the wind.”
He’ll also hit major creek mouths and river channel eddies. “In this situation, the bass will be in just the right amount of current. They’re not fighting current and they’re not too far back in the creeks where the water temperature could potentially kill them. These are the spots where shad will hold up – I usually target current seams in the front half of the creeks to the main lake.”
Midwinter Plays
By midwinter – typically mid-December through February – you’ll start to see a major pattern establish itself. The bass take up residence in a couple primary areas: main river channels in the deepest parts of the lake and the eddies at creek mouths.
“Midwinter for me is all about scoping fish with my electronics, and typically with a jig and soft plastic combo. The one thing that can make it difficult is rainfall or snow which muddies up the water. In situations with high, muddy flowing water you really need sun. But without it, my plan B is to fish current breaks and seams and shallow objects with a crankbait, ChatterBait, or spinnerbait – something to grab their attention in muddy water when scoping just gets too hard.”
Dress the Part
“I put the Whitewater Great Lakes Pro Insulated suit on for those brisk winter mornings but never take it off because it’s just so comfortable and I can move around without any restriction or bulk,” said Gore.
Underneath he dons thermals, a Whitewater sunshirt, and Whitewater Buoy Hoodie.
“There are times when I’ll ditch the Great Lakes Pro Insulated Jacket if the sun comes out in the afternoon, but that’s pretty rare. I can move so well in it that it rarely comes off and I enjoy being comfortable.”
The other key part of his winter apparel? Whitewater fingerless gloves, which he says make it easy to chunk and wind or scope all day without his hands getting cold.
Take Home
Gore emphasizes what great bass fishing there is on southern reservoirs during winter. “You’re not seeing a ton of recreational boats, too many other anglers, or any other distractions. The key is getting over the cold and staying comfortable. If you can do that the fish are more than willing. I’ve caught some really big bags in early- and midwinter when most people are stuck inside.”
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