Winter fly fishing for smallmouth bass presents unique challenges but can be highly rewarding. Some of the largest smallies of the year are caught when the temperatures are the lowest. With a few adjustments in technique, location, and gear, dedicated anglers can have productive outings even in cold temperatures.

We previously talked about Fall Smallmouth Fishing, but as the temps drop, we need to change our game. Here’s everything you need to know about catching smallmouth bass in winter.

Where Do Smallmouth Go in the Winter?

In winter, smallmouth bass shift to deeper, slower-moving water to conserve energy as temperatures drop. Once we get in the 60 degree water temperatures, start thinking of winter tactics.

Unlike in the warmer months when they are more spread out, smallmouth bass will congregate in specific areas where conditions are more stable. 

Look for deep pools, especially in rivers, and areas with minimal current, like eddies near boulders, deep bends, or rock piles in lakes. These locations provide shelter and food, making them prime winter habitats for smallmouth.

I generally like to fish the deepest, slowest parts of a river I can find. I know bass will be staged up there as these “wintering holes” offer the best combination of shelter, temperature, and conservation. In general, areas around 6-10 feet are the shallowest spots I’ve had success catching smallies.

Here are a few more reasons as to why bass go deeper in the winter:

Smallies Seek Temperature Stability

Smallmouth prefer stable conditions, and the deeper parts of rivers, streams, and lakes are less affected by sudden temperature shifts.

Water deeper than 10 feet often holds a steady temperature slightly above freezing, providing a comfortable environment for these fish during winter.

Oxygen Levels are Vital

While oxygen can be limited in some deep waters, the winter season tends to keep oxygen levels stable in deeper areas, especially in rivers and larger lakes where water movement is consistent.

Structure and Cover

Smallmouth are drawn to deeper sections with rocky bottoms, submerged wood, and ledges that give them shelter from currents and potential predators.

These deeper structures offer excellent cover and create slower-moving pockets where smallmouth can conserve energy while waiting for food to drift by.

Baitfish and Forage Depth

Smallmouth follow prey like crayfish and baitfish, which also go deeper in winter. Finding where forage holds can often help locate the smallmouth.

How to Fish for Smallmouth in the Winter

Use a Slow, Steady Retrieve

Patience and a slower presentation are key to winter smallmouth fishing. Fish become lethargic in cold water and are less likely to chase fast-moving lures.

Smallmouth bass are less aggressive in cold water, so a slower retrieve matches their slowed-down metabolism. Use slow, steady pulls to mimic lethargic baitfish or crawling crayfish.

Dead Drift/Nymphing

Experiment with “dead-drifting” your fly to let the current move it naturally, as well as short, subtle strips to keep it moving in a lifelike way along the bottom. By dead drifting your fly, you can present it in a way that aligns perfectly with their slower feeding behavior. 

In cold water, takes can be very subtle. Watch your line or leader tip carefully; even a slight change in tension or direction may indicate a bite.

Throw on a strike indicator (bobber) if you’re nymphing, as it will help you detect those delicate strikes more easily. If you’ve ever done trout fishing with nymphs, it’s the same exact method!

Dead drifting may take a bit of finesse, but it can be highly effective for winter smallmouth bass. The goal is to keep the presentation slow, natural, and in their path, helping you catch those cold-water smallies even on the chilliest days.

Grid/Checkerboard Method

Using a systematic approach like the “grid” or “checkers” method, can help you cover a promising area more thoroughly. 

Envision the pool as a grid or checkers board and cast into each section of a pool, ensuring your fly or lure stays near the bottom. This will cover a ton of water if done correctly. The goal is to tempt smallmouth with a presentation that appears effortless and close enough for them to strike with minimal effort.

This is a slow, methodical process. Be patient and hit as many spots as you can until the hole has been covered.

A sink-tip line paired with a slowly retrieved fly works well. Dragging or bouncing it gently along the bottom to imitate the slow-moving prey that bass are more inclined to eat during the cold months seems to get the most bites. 

What Are the Best Winter Smallmouth Flies?

In cold water, fish are more lethargic, and their feeding patterns change. Smallmouth bass will remain close to the bottom in deeper pools and won’t exert much energy to chase down prey. A slow retrieve imitates the natural, sluggish movement of prey like crayfish, minnows, or even insect larvae, making the lure or fly appear realistic and accessible to a slow-moving bass.

Baitfish Patterns

Smaller baitfish patterns like the Clouser Minnow or a White Wooly Bugger are top choices for winter smallmouth fly fishing. I’ve had the most success downsizing flies in the winter- this gives the fish a small meal without expending a ton of energy. 

Some anglers also will throw large baitfish. The thinking here being, if a fish is gonna move for a meal, why not make it a large one? I’ve generally struggled to get bit using larger patterns and tend to stick with the smaller ones.

Crayfish Patterns

Crayfish are a staple in a smallmouth bass’s diet year-round. Even as water temperatures drop, smallmouth will still seek out crayfish in the deeper, slower-moving parts of the river or lake. 

In winter, crayfish are sluggish, making them easier targets for smallmouth, who are also conserving energy. This means that a well-placed crayfish fly, fished low and slow, can often provoke a strike when other patterns might go unnoticed or ignored.

Two-Fly Rig

One alternative is to combine the two to get the best of both worlds. Tie on a larger, weighted crayfish or baitfish pattern to the end of your line, with a smaller unweighted fly trailing behind it. The big fly will get the fish’s attention, but the smaller one is the one they might actually eat.

The best way to fish a two-fly rig is to connect the two flies using a 2-3 foot piece of monofilament. The mono floats, raising the smaller fly in the water column. This will help you cover more water depths as you will have the bigger fly at the bottom and the smaller fly drifting a little higher.

When Do Smallmouth Bass Stop Biting?

Smallmouth bass feeding slows down considerably as temperatures drop, but they don’t stop biting altogether. Anything below about 60 degrees is considered “winter” temperatures and when the water gets below 40, you know you’ll really have to work for bites.

The best times to fish are the warmest parts of the day, typically late morning through early afternoon, as the slight increase in water temperature can trigger brief feeding windows. Fishing on mild winter days, especially just before a cold front, can increase the likelihood of success, as bass are more likely to strike in these conditions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, winter fly fishing for smallmouth bass offers a unique opportunity to pursue prized bronzebacks when they are often overlooked by many anglers. By understanding their behavior during the colder months and adapting your techniques accordingly—such as targeting deeper, slower water, using slow retrieves, and selecting the right flies—you can significantly increase your chances of success. 

So bundle up, grab your gear, and head out there!