Cold water or muddy fishing conditions are usually tough. To begin with cold water slows the metabolism of bass, thus their required feeding activity is lower than in warmer water. The upside to this is that during late winter the females have to feed more than normal because of the demands for nutrients required by developing eggs. Also, bass are creatures of instinct and you may be able to force a bass to hit a bait just because you placed it in the strike zone and triggered a response.
Putting your lure in the strike zone will be a key factor. At this time of year it will be very small. Thinking about where and how to present your lure is important now. Probably more than at any other time of the year bass will fix to structure in cold water. They’ll also stay there for longer periods of time. This means throw parallel with depth changes, brush lines, or vertically fish this type of structure as well as logs, stumps, and larger trees.
Muddy water conditions added to the cold you now have fish that haven’t been aggressive feeders. Their metabolism is lower and they have lost the ability to even distinguish food by sight. The general rule of thumb, is to fish slow. The best two baits for filling the criteria are an oversized blade on a spinnerbait or a jig-n-pig. The spinnerbait doesn’t have to be heavy, but the blade has to be large and give a constant rotation even at the slowest speeds. The instincts we have of throwing a spinnerbait and cranking it in have to change to crawling it in.
Try fishin’ creeks or depressions, cold water bass will often layer along these contour lines.
If you find fish in the bottom channels use a modified tail spinner such as a Little George with an oversized blade and vertically present it to the school. The vibrations of the blade are of the greatest importance since bass in muddy water are more dependent on vibrations.
Russian River- We green water…They’re here! There have been multiple reports of steelhead being caught on the Russian River. Steelies have been hooked from the Ukiah Valley south to the Dry Creek area. The word is that the South Fork of the Eel River is on fire right now ! Some of the best steelhead fishin’ is up north. Bouncing roe, or drifting a fluorescent colored worm with a bobber, seems to be what is successful so far. The fishin’ is really good and will get great as the water clears more.
Blue Lakes – The Upper Blue Lake is the second best place to fish. There are reports of some 2 – 2 1/2 pounders being caught. Also, the same success can be said for those who are on the water trolling. The fish are deep, 20 to 30 feet. Also have been told that a few bass have been picked up on a white spinnerbait and drop-shottin’ at the Narrows area. So, if the steelhead fishin’ slows back down you can go trout fishin’ at Blue Lakes. Life is good!
Clear Lake – The fishin’ has gotten a wee-tiny-bit better, but it is still tough. The water temps. are ranging from 43 – 49 degrees. Looks like it’s just us diehard locals fishin’ Clear Lake right now. I would say to those who feel that want to give it a try that the “go to” baits right now are, The cAlabama rig and slow rolling a large swim bait. If they aren’t workin’ for you , you might try drop-shottin’, yo-yoing a lipless crankbait, or dead stickin’ a jerk bait. Your best bet though,is using live bait (minnows). By far, the anglers drifting a minnow are catching way more bass. Tip = keep movin’ around. When you do find bass, stick with them. Don’t leave bass to find more bass. All in all, it’s nothin’ to write home about.
Lake Mendocino – The bass fishin’ has picked up some on our backyard lake. Specifically the small mouth bass. Try a chartreuse colored spinner bait with gold double willow blades, or a 4” jerk bait, twitching it along. The key is to cover a lot of water. Fish areas with a lot of structure and rocks. Stick with it, you’ll get a few. Also heard that there has been some nice catfish caught on anchovies at the channel.
Lake Sonoma – The word is that there has been a few bass caught . They are holding tight to submersed timber . You got to be your bait right in the middle of the tree and work it real slow. Try a plastic worm in a darker color like junebug. The bite is real soft. Feel the tap, set the hook and quickly bring the fish up to the surface .
Remember, a good day winter fishin’ could be five to seven fish. A good day in the summer could be seven to twenty-seven . It’s all perspective, and always good being on the water.
Thanks for reading & Remember to keep it reel. Don – 4REEL Fishin’
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