Tips For Ice Fishing Bass This Coming Winter - Catch More Largemouth Through the Ice

By: Dave Samuel

Updated On: July 28, 2025

I'll never forget the morning I watched my tip-up flag shoot straight up on Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota. After paddling these waters all summer in my fishing kayak, I thought bass season was over when the ice formed. Boy, was I wrong. That 4-pound largemouth inhaled my tiny jig like it hadn't eaten in weeks - and nearly pulled me headfirst into the hole.

If you're like most anglers, you probably packed away your bass gear when the lakes froze over. Big mistake. Winter bass fishing through the ice can produce some of the biggest fish of the year, especially if you know where to look and what to use. After 15 years of chasing bass through the ice from Minnesota to Maine, I've learned these fish don't hibernate - they just get pickier.

This guide covers everything you need for successful ice fishing for bass this winter: finding productive spots, choosing the right winter bass fishing lures, essential safety gear, and the techniques that actually work when the mercury drops. I'll share the mistakes that cost me fish (and nearly got me wet) plus the gear that's worth every penny when you're sitting on a bucket at 6 AM.

Why Ice Fish for Bass? The Winter Advantage

Most bass anglers miss out on incredible winter fishing because they believe the myths. Here's the truth: largemouth bass remain active all winter, they just slow down. Their metabolism drops when water temperatures dip below 40°F, but they still need to eat. In fact, I've caught some of my biggest bass of the year through the ice.

The best part? You'll have the lakes mostly to yourself. Those crowded summer spots where you fought for position? Now it's just you, the ice, and hungry bass. Plus, when you're transitioning from winter kayaking to ice fishing, you already know the water and where bass hold during cold weather.

Finding Winter Bass: Location is Everything

Early Winter Patterns (First Ice)

During early ice in December, bass haven't moved far from their late fall haunts. I've found them consistently in 15-25 feet of water near:

Deep weed edges: Look for the last green weeds, usually coontail or milfoil
Main lake points: Especially those with rocks or wood
Creek channel bends: Where deeper water swings close to structure

Last December on Mille Lacs, I set up over a 20-foot channel edge where I'd caught bass from my kayak in November. Sure enough, they were stacked there like cordwood. An underwater camera helps tremendously - if you can see green weeds, you'll find bass.

Mid-Winter Locations (January-February)

As winter progresses, bass move deeper and become more concentrated. Focus on:

Deep basins: 25-40 feet near the lake's deepest holes
Steep breaks: Where shallow flats drop quickly to deep water
Underwater humps: Rising from deep water to 15-20 feet

The key is finding the warmest water. Since water is densest at 39°F, the bottom often holds slightly warmer temperatures. I use my fish finder (yes, the same one from my kayak works through ice) to locate these subtle temperature breaks.

Late Winter Hotspots (March)

Late winter bass fishing gets exciting as fish begin staging for the spawn. They move shallower but stay near deep water escape routes:

Secondary points: In 10-20 feet of water
Shallow bays: With dark bottoms that warm quickly
Spawning flats: Bass cruise the deep edges, preparing for spring

Essential Ice Fishing Gear for Bass

Ice Fishing Rods and Reels

Forget those heavy bass rods from summer. Winter bass want finesse:

For Jigging:

28-32 inch medium-light ice rod
Spinning reel with smooth drag
4-6 lb fluorocarbon line

My go-to is the 13 Fishing Widow Maker Ice Rod paired with a 500-size spinning reel. The sensitive tip shows every subtle bite, but the backbone handles big bass.

For Deadsticking:

36-42 inch medium rod
6-8 lb fluorocarbon
Spring bobber or strike indicator

Winter Bass Fishing Lures That Actually Work

This is where most anglers go wrong. Summer favorites like spinnerbaits and buzzbaits stay home. Here's what actually catches winter bass:

Small Jigs and Plastics:

1/32 to 1/8 oz jig heads
2-3 inch soft plastics
Natural colors: green pumpkin, brown, black

The Strike King Bitsy Bug in 1/16 oz has caught me more winter bass than any other lure. Tip it with a small plastic trailer or waxworm.

Jigging Spoons:

1/8 to 1/4 oz sizes
Gold, silver, or perch patterns
Swedish Pimple or Kastmaster styles

Blade Baits:

1/4 oz for most situations
Vibrates on the lift
Deadly over deep structure

Live Bait Options:

Small golden shiners (2-3 inches)
Fathead minnows
Nightcrawler pieces
Waxworms or spikes

Ice Augers: Manual vs Power

After drilling hundreds of holes, here's my take:

Hand Augers (Best for beginners):

6-inch diameter for most bass fishing
Lightweight and quiet
Eskimo Hand Auger cuts like butter

Power Augers (For serious anglers):

8-inch holes for big bass
Battery-powered models are game-changers
Worth it if you drill 20+ holes per trip

Other Must-Have Gear

Ice scoop: Keep holes clear of slush
Portable shelter: Even a simple windbreak helps
Underwater camera: Aqua-Vu Micro shows you exactly where bass hold
Tip-ups: Cover more water while jigging
Safety picks: Wear them always
Spud bar: Test ice as you go
Float suit: Best insurance policy on ice

Proven Ice Fishing Techniques for Bass

The Slow Jig Method

Winter bass won't chase fast-moving lures. My most productive technique:

Drop your jig to bottom
Slowly lift 6-12 inches
Hold still for 5-10 seconds
Let it flutter down on slack line
Repeat with long pauses

The bite usually comes on the pause or drop. It feels like weight, not a tap. When you feel anything different, set the hook gently - cold water makes their mouths tender.

Deadsticking for Passive Bass

Sometimes bass want a stationary target:

Set up a second rod with live bait
Suspend bait 1-2 feet off bottom
Use spring bobber or slip float
Watch for subtle movement
Let bass take it before setting hook

I've had days where deadsticks outproduced jigging 3-to-1, especially during cold fronts.

Working the Water Column

Don't assume bass are on bottom. Use your electronics to find suspended fish:

Start at bottom, work up in 2-foot increments
Watch for fish rising to your lure
Sometimes bass suspend 10-15 feet off bottom
Adjust depth until you find the active zone

The Hole-Hopping Strategy

Unlike summer, winter bass concentrate in specific areas. When you find them:

Drill multiple holes around productive spot
Space holes 10-15 feet apart
Fish each hole 10-15 minutes
Return to best holes hourly
Mark productive holes with GPS

Ice Fishing Tips and Tricks for More Bass

Timing Your Trips

Best Times:

First and last hour of daylight
Overcast days after sunny periods
Stable weather patterns
Warming trends in late winter

Worst Times:

Severe cold fronts
Bright sunny days (unless late ice)
Heavy snow falling
Major pressure changes

Stealth Matters More Than Ever

Sound travels far through ice. These ice fishing tips for beginners will help you catch more bass:

Walk softly, especially near holes
Avoid banging equipment on ice
Keep noise to minimum when bass are shallow
Use underwater cameras carefully - too much light spooks fish

Color Selection Secrets

Water clarity changes under ice. My go-to colors:

Clear water: Natural patterns, silver, white
Stained water: Chartreuse, gold, bright colors
Deep water: Glow colors charge with LED light
All conditions: Black works surprisingly well

Live Bait Tactics

When artificials fail, live bait saves the day:

Hook minnows under dorsal fin
Keep bait lively in insulated bucket
Change bait every 30 minutes
Barely hook waxworms to keep them wiggling

Ice Fishing Safety: Non-Negotiable Rules

I've fallen through twice in 15 years - both times were preventable. Follow these rules:

Ice Thickness Guidelines

4 inches: Walking/fishing
5-7 inches: Snowmobiles/ATVs
8-12 inches: Cars/small trucks
12+ inches: Heavy trucks

Remember: Ice is never 100% safe. Springs, currents, and pressure ridges create dangerous spots even on thick ice.

Essential Safety Gear

Never leave shore without:

Ice picks: Wear around neck always
Float suit or life jacket: Cold water kills fast
Rope: 50 feet minimum
Whistle: For emergencies
Cell phone: In waterproof case
Buddy: Never fish alone on early/late ice

Reading Ice Conditions

Good ice is:

Clear and hard
Makes solid "ping" when hit with spud
Uniform thickness
Free of slush/snow

Dangerous ice:

Gray, dark, or honeycomb appearance
Near inlets/outlets
Around pressure ridges
Where snow insulates and slows freezing

Late Winter Bass Fishing: The Grand Finale

March ice fishing produces giants. As bass feel spring approaching, they feed heavily:

Late Ice Locations

Shallow bays: 5-10 feet with dark bottoms
Canal entrances: Where current brings baitfish
First drop-offs: From spawning flats
North shores: Last ice but warmest water

Modified Techniques

Late ice bass are more aggressive:

Increase lure size slightly
Use faster jigging cadence
Try horizontal presentations
Fish higher in water column

Safety First on Late Ice

Late ice is treacherous. Extra precautions:

Check thickness constantly
Avoid shore edges
Watch for dark/soft spots
Get off ice during warm rains
Trust your instincts - if it feels unsafe, leave

Converting Summer Spots to Winter Gold

Your summer bass knowledge transfers directly to ice fishing. That point where you caught bass in your ocean kayak? Mark it for winter. Those deep weed edges you found while choosing the right kayak for bass fishing? They'll hold fish all winter.

I keep a dedicated winter fishing journal, noting:

GPS coordinates of summer hotspots
Depth and structure type
Time of year it produced
Water temperature when active

This information becomes invaluable when the lake freezes.

Gear Maintenance and Storage

Proper care extends gear life:

After Each Trip

Dry reels completely
Wipe down rods
Check line for damage
Sharpen hooks
Clean auger blades

End of Season

Full reel service
Re-spool with fresh line
Oil auger blades
Check safety gear
Plan next year's upgrades

FAQ Section

Can I really catch bass ice fishing?

Absolutely! Bass remain active all winter, just slower. I've caught hundreds of largemouth through the ice, including my personal best 6-pounder. They concentrate in predictable spots and will bite if you use the right techniques.

What's the best lure for ice fishing bass?

Small jigs (1/32 to 1/8 oz) tipped with soft plastics or live bait work best. My top producer is a black 1/16 oz hair jig with a small tube trailer. Blade baits and jigging spoons also work well over deep structure.

How thick should ice be for ice fishing?

Minimum 4 inches of clear, hard ice for walking and fishing. I prefer 6+ inches for peace of mind. Always check thickness as you go - ice varies across the lake. Never trust ice color alone.

Do I need special gear for ice fishing?

Yes, but you can start simple. Essential gear includes: short ice rod (28-36 inches), small spinning reel, ice auger, scoop, and safety equipment. You can use your summer electronics through the ice.

What depth should I fish for winter bass?

Early winter: 15-25 feet near structure. Mid-winter: 25-40 feet in deep basins. Late winter: 10-20 feet near spawning areas. Always check various depths - bass suspend off bottom frequently.

What's the best time of day for ice fishing bass?

First and last hour of daylight produce best. I've also had success during overcast afternoons. Stable weather patterns are more important than time of day. Avoid fishing immediately after cold fronts.

Should I use a tip-up or jig for bass?

Both! I jig actively while running 1-2 tip-ups nearby. Tip-ups with live shiners catch passive bass while jigging attracts active fish. This combination doubles your chances.

How do I stay warm while ice fishing?

Layer properly: moisture-wicking base, insulating middle, windproof outer. Good boots and gloves are crucial. A portable shelter blocks wind. Hand/toe warmers help on brutal days. Take breaks to warm up.

Is ice fishing safe for beginners?

Yes, with proper precautions. Always fish with a partner, check ice thickness, wear safety gear, and stay off early/late ice without experience. Consider hiring a guide your first time.

What's the biggest mistake when ice fishing for bass?

Fishing too fast. Summer bass chase lures; winter bass need coaxing. Slow everything down - your jigging, your retrieve, your hookset. Patience catches winter bass.

Bottom Line: Your Winter Bass Adventure Awaits

Ice fishing for bass opens a whole new world of angling opportunities. Those dog days of winter when you're dreaming about spring fishing? You could be pulling bass through the ice instead. With the right gear, techniques, and safety knowledge, you'll discover some of the year's best fishing happens when the lakes freeze over.

Start simple - basic gear, proven spots, safe ice. As you gain experience, expand your techniques and explore new water. Before long, you'll be counting down to first ice as eagerly as opening day of bass season.

The bass are down there, waiting. Time to drill some holes and drop a line. See you on the ice!