7 Best Winter Bass Lures For Successful Cold Weather Fishing

If you're an avid bass fisherman, you know winter can be challenging to catch fish. The water temperatures drop, and the bass go into hibernation mode. 

But keep pursuing your fishing adventures! There are some incredible lures out there that can help you get through the colder months and land some incredible bass.

In this article, I discuss what I believe to be the best winter bass lures and how you can use them to your advantage while on the water.

1. Jerkbaits

Jerkbaits are one of the most versatile and effective lures for catching bass in colder weather. Whether trying to break through the ice or just getting your lures through layers of snow, jerkbaits can help you find and catch more fish than ever.

The versatility of jerkbaits is one of their main benefits. They can be used in various conditions, from clear water to murky and dirty water, making them ideal for targeting bass throughout the colder winter months.

Jerkbaits can also help you catch larger fish than usual, thanks to their ability to cover more ground with each cast. In addition, these lures draw bass in from a long distance, attracting them to strike even when they're still far away.

Since they don't sink like other lures can, you'll be able to reel your jerkbait right back in and try again as many times as you need to until you find the area that's holding fish.

Whether you choose a topwater jerkbait or one that dives beneath the water, these lures can help you get through even the coldest months and catch more finicky bass than ever. So if you're looking to make your next fishing trip a huge success this winter, don't forget to add a few jerkbaits to your tackle box!

2. Lipless Crankbait

Lipless crankbaits are an excellent choice for anglers looking to get through the colder months and catch some bass.

With their streamlined body design and sleek profile, lipless crankbaits can be cast a long way and retrieved quickly. This makes them ideal for targeting fish in deep water or fast-moving currents.

Lipless crankbaits are more aerodynamic than other bass lures, meaning they can reach the target zone faster. This gives anglers a real advantage when fishing in cold water or with strong currents.

One of the most significant benefits of using a lipless crankbait is that lipless crankbaits can work quickly and efficiently through the water, allowing you to cover a lot of ground, so you can find and catch more fish effectively.

Lipless crankbaits are also simple to use. All you need to do is cast out your line, let the lure sink down to the desired depth, and then start reeling it at a steady pace. As long as you keep the line taut and gradually increase your speed, you'll be able to entice even the most sluggish bass into biting.

So if you're looking for a lure that can help you get through the winter months, boost your catch rate, and have some fun, a lipless crankbait is worth a try!​

3. Spinnerbaits

Spinnerbaits are one of the best bass lures for fishing during the colder winter, when other types of lures may not be very effective. These highly versatile lures are ideal for catching many species, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, pike, muskellunge, and walleye. 

Spinnerbaits can be cast out and worked back towards the bank or fished around submerged structures such as standing timber, rocks, boulders, and weeds. They can also target fish suspended near the water's surface since they will wobble through the air and draw attention from any predatory species in the area. 

You can use spinnerbaits in a wide range of water temperatures, and they work very well when the bass are sluggish or not feeding heavily due to the colder weather conditions. 

For this reason, spinnerbaits are great for winter fishing, whether on your local river or lake or fishing somewhere that gets a lot of snow, ice, or cold weather. 

However, it's essential to remember that spinnerbaits are typically more effective for fishing in shallow water (under 10 feet). So, if you're planning on fishing deeper water during winter, consider switching to another type of lure.

There are many factors to consider when choosing the best spinnerbaits for winter fishing, including blade size and color and the type of skirt used. 

When choosing suitable blades, you'll want to take into account precisely what species of fish you're targeting, how deep you're fishing, and how fast the water is flowing. 

For example, if you're targeting pike or muskies well-known for their powerful strikes, larger blades will help create more noise and vibration to attract them. 

However, suppose you're fishing in shallow water with slower currents (for example, around shoreline structures). In that case, smaller blades can be just as effective, or even more so (since they create less disturbance and are, therefore, more challenging for the fish to spot).

When selecting the color of your spinnerbait, think about what time of day you're planning on fishing and what type of water conditions you're likely to encounter. 

For example, choose a spinnerbait with bright lure colors if you're fishing on a sunny day when the water is calm and clear. Yellow or chartreuse will help it stand out against the backdrop while attracting lots of attention from any fish roaming the area. 

On the other hand, if you're fishing during overcast conditions or at night when the water is typically darker and murkier, choosing a spinnerbait with darker colors like purple or black can be more effective since it will stand out more in the dark surroundings.

When choosing the right skirt for your spinnerbait, think about what type of cover you'll be fishing, including the size and shape of the baitfish available in your area. 

For example, if you target smallmouth bass that feed on minnows or other baitfish, use a spinnerbait with a worm-style skirt (which resembles the motion of a baitfish). Worm-style skirts allow you to mimic the natural movements of these small prey items, making it more likely that a fish will strike in your direction. 

However, if the cover you're fishing is less dense (such as when casting over open water), using a skirt with a longer tail can help create more movement and vibration, attracting the bass more easily.

In addition to choosing the right size, color, and skirt for your spinnerbait, you'll also want to keep a few other factors in mind. 

For example, I recommended selecting a bait with a well-balanced head since this will help it spin more smoothly and prevent your line from becoming twisted or tangled. 

In addition, you'll want to ensure that your spinnerbait comes with at least one hook so that you can fish more effectively, as well as some attachment for the blade (preferably one that is durable and can withstand the harsh conditions of winter).

When it comes to using spinnerbaits for winter fishing, there are several different tactics you can try to ensure that you're catching plenty of fish. 

For example, instead of letting your lure sink to the bottom as you might do during warmer months, you may want to consider "deadsticking" the bait. This means you're letting your spinnerbait sink to the bottom before gently retrieving it at a very slow speed so that it looks like an injured fish and can easily attract nearby predators. In addition, you may also try casting your spinnerbait out and letting it draw the attention of any fish in the area, then slowly reeling it back in to see if you can catch one.

When used properly, a spinnerbait can be one of the most effective lures for catching larger fish during winter, especially those known for being more aggressive and active in colder temperatures. 

From using the right size, color, and skirt to selecting bait that's well-balanced and easier to use, there are plenty of ways to ensure your spinnerbait is catching as many fish as possible. 

So before you go out on your next winter fishing trip, be sure to put these tips to good use to reel in plenty of big fish successfully!

4. Alabama Rigs

Alabama rigs are one of the best bass rigs for winter fishing, especially in colder climates. These rigs are designed to be fished deep, making them ideal for targeting fish hiding in the deeper water during cold weather.

One of the primary benefits of the Alabama rig is that it allows you to run multiple lines in the water at once. This means you can attract and entice more fish with a single cast, making your time on the water much more productive.

Another benefit of using an Alabama rig when fishing in cold water is that soft plastic lures are durable and resistant to damage, even when you snag your line on the bottom or in a brush pile. This means that you can cast farther and more accurately when fishing with an Alabama rig, which can help you cover more water and catch more fish.

A few key features make Alabama rigs so effective when fishing for bass during winter.

First, they feature various terminal tackle that allows you to customize your rig depending on the conditions and type of fish you're targeting.

Second, these rigs can cast far and land softly, which is essential when fishing in deeper water where the fish typically aren't as active. 

Finally, these rigs have great action in the water, making them irresistible to even the most cautious bass.

If you're looking for a great bass lure for winter fishing, consider investing in an Alabama rig. With the proper technique and setup, you'll be able to catch plenty of fish all winter long!

Alabama rigs are worth trying out if you're looking for a great way to catch more fish during the cold winter. Whether you're fishing in freshwater or saltwater, these versatile rigs can help you land more and more giant bass than ever!​

Alabama rigs are one of the best bass lures for fishing in the winter when the water is cold, and fish are less likely to bite. These rigs combine various lures, typically soft plastics, into one larger, more complex lure capable of attracting fish from far away.

If you're looking for one of the best bass lures for winter fishing, consider giving an Alabama rig a try. With the correct setup, you'll be able to catch plenty of fish even in cold water temperatures!

5. Jigs

Looking for reliable, durable, and versatile techniques to help you catch more bass during the colder months? Look no further than Jigs.

Many anglers turn to jigs in the year's colder months to keep their lines wet and enjoy some good fishing action. Jig-style lures are versatile, easy to use, and highly effective for catching fish, including bass.

Jigs come in various shapes, sizes, colors, and weights. Some are better suited for specific conditions and fish species than others – you may even need to experiment a bit to find the right jig for your target species. But once you find it, this can be one of the most effective ways to catch more and bigger bass during the winter.

You can jig fish for bass in winter in a variety of different ways. For example, if the fish are on the bottom, you can use your jig to crawl across the bottom, bumping into rocks, weeds, and other objects along the way. This method is highly effective at bringing fish up from deep water or getting them to react when they aren't biting anything else.

When fish are suspended in the water column, you can use a light jig to slowly "swim" it up and down through the water column until you find those fish (or don't). Then, if they are holding near structure, you can drop the lure right in front of them, getting it to bounce and jiggle the way a feeding fish likes it.

Jigs fishing lures can be used for a variety of other species, for crappie, walleye, bluegill, pike, and trout are some examples. So once you have your "go-to" lure and start catching bass with it, use the same one for hunting down all kinds of species.

If you want to enjoy excellent winter fishing despite the cold weather, consider jigs fishing bass lures for your next trip. They can be used in various ways, making them highly versatile, and they are known for drawing in fish even when the conditions might seem otherwise unfavorable. These lures will do the trick if you are looking to keep your line wet or want to catch more and bigger bass.

6. Drop Shot

Drop shot fishing is a great technique to use during the colder months when bass tend to be less active. This versatile technique can help you catch more fish, even when conditions could be better.

One of the best drop-shot lures for winter is a jighead paired with a soft plastic worm or grub. The jighead sinks quickly and gives the lure a more natural look and feel, while the soft plastic worm provides plenty of movement. Combining these two lures can be highly effective for catching bass during the colder months.

Another excellent drop-shot lure is a swimbait. These artificial baits are designed to mimic live fish, providing an excellent opportunity to catch fish when other lures aren't working. Choose a versatile swimbait designed to suspend in the water column, so you can slow your retrieve and let it sink between each rod tip twitch.

This technique uses a weight to elevate the lure above the bottom while keeping the line as vertical as possible. Try dragging your rod tip slowly through the water, keeping the line tight on each retrieve.

If you're looking for an even more versatile drop-shot option, try experimenting with a finesse worm or tube. These baits can be used on a jighead or rigged weedless, making them perfect for fishing near cover.

Using an appropriate setup is essential regardless of the drop shot lure you choose. This means using a very light line and a sensitive rod to detect the slightest bites. In addition, a small spinning reel is ideal for drop shotting, as it allows you to make quick and accurate adjustments.

When using a drop shot lure during the winter, it's essential to remember that bass are less active and less likely to bite aggressively at your offering. You'll need to be more patient and subtle with your presentations. Stick with it, and you'll be rewarded with some great catches!

Drop shot fishing is one of the most effective techniques for catching bass during winter. Whether using a jighead paired with a soft plastic worm or a swimbait, this versatile technique can help you catch more fish, even when other lures aren't working. So, give drop-shotting a try the next time you're out on the water during the colder months, and see how effective it can be!​

7. Blade Bait

When winter's cold, crisp air sets in, it can be challenging to stay motivated and active. Many anglers turn to less strenuous activities like ice fishing or hibernating until spring arrives. However, there's no need to give up on your favorite hobby just because of a bit of snow!

One of the best ways to stay motivated and catch more fish during the winter months is with good blade bait. These lures are designed specifically for cold water and come in all shapes and sizes to suit any fishing style or fish species. So whether you're targeting largemouth bass or panfish, there's a blade bait that's perfect for you!

For beginners, the Clam Micro Series is a great choice. These small lures are easy to cast and retrieve, making them ideal for smaller bodies of water or younger anglers.

They're also highly versatile and can be used in fresh and saltwater. However, the Rapala Rippin' Rap is the perfect option if you prefer to target larger bass or winter walleye.

This bait has a wide wobbling action that creates vibrations in all directions, enticing even the most lethargic fish to take your bait. With dozens of colors and sizes to choose from, there's sure to be one that will work perfectly for your style!

So, if you want to stay active and catch your limit this winter, don't give up on your favorite hobby yet! With a good blade bait at your disposal, you'll be able to cast and reel in fish all season long.​

Conclusion

So if you're gearing up for winter bass fishing, remember to add these lures to your arsenal! With their help, you'll be able to land some great fish even when the temperature drops. Whether a seasoned fisherman or just starting, these lures will help you catch more bass and have a great time out on the water.