Ice-Out Bass Fishing: How do you know when to head out and catch the earliest season bass? Go on day 1! Some of the best fishing of the year at ice out. But, you need to know how the sluggish bass will react.
KVD gives you a lesson here on getting the slower bite to hit! Prespawn, winter fishing early season knowledge with KVD.
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One of the most overlooked but rewarding days for bass fishing is the exact day the ice comes off a lake known as ice-out. It’s not just about open water; it’s the moment bass begin to transition and become active after a long winter.
This brief window can bring some of the best bites of the year, but timing is everything.
Water Temperatures and Early Movement
During ice-out, the water is still extremely cold often around 41°F. Despite that, even a slight overnight temperature jump caused by melt-off can kickstart movement. This early shift makes bass more accessible, especially if you understand where to find them.
Lakes with multiple small streams or creeks flowing into them tend to open earlier than others. These inflows bring slightly warmer water and oxygen, attracting bass. If you’re targeting early-season bites, focus on these systems first.
Bass Behavior in Cold Water
In these cold conditions, bass are not aggressive. They’re sluggish, conserving energy, and tend to hold on deeper flats with patches of grass. These grass flats provide warmth, cover, and the first signs of food life returning, making them the ideal hangout zone for early spring bass.
Using Live Sonar to Locate Fish
Modern tools like Mega Live sonar are game-changers during ice-out. Bass movements are subtle, sometimes barely noticeable. Live sonar helps you differentiate between vegetation and inactive fish and adjust your lure presentation in real time, increasing your odds of success.
Don’t expect fast action on day one. Bass may be there, but getting them to bite takes patience. The key is recognizing the signs, slow movement, tight-to-bottom positioning and adjusting your technique accordingly. Persistence is often rewarded.
Lure Selection for Clear Water
Early spring lakes, especially those just coming out of winter, tend to have clear water. Subtle, natural-colored baits are more effective in these conditions. Slower presentations work best, as fish won’t chase aggressively in such cold water.
