Winter Tactics for Targeting Impoundment Bass

Winter in South East Queensland is a special time for bass fishing. The cooler months offer unique opportunities for anglers to catch big impoundment bass but you need the right tactics and patience to succeed. Whether you’re fishing from the shore or a boat understanding how bass behave in the winter will help you land more fish. Let’s dive into some simple and effective tips to help you target impoundment bass this season.

How Winter Changes Bass Behavior

As the temperature drops, bass slow down. Their metabolism decreases, so they don’t chase their food as much. This means you need to slow down too. Instead of fast, aggressive lures, use slow-moving baits that stay in the fish’s strike zone longer. Bass won’t chase after food but if you place a lure right in front of them they’re likely to bite.

Know Your Fishing Spot

Not all fishing spots are the same. Some dams have rocky bottoms, others have lots of weeds, and some might have both. It’s important to know what type of structure is in your chosen dam. The type of food available also makes a big difference. Bass in some dams eat small shrimp and aquatic insects, while in others, they might go after bigger fish like bony bream.

Fishing in Bony Bream Dams

Bony bream are small silver fish that bass love to eat. In the winter these fish often gather in large schools in deep water. If you’re fishing in a dam with bony bream try using lures that look like these little fish. Spoons, heavy jigs, and soft plastics are great choices. Cast your lure into the deep water where the bony bream are and slowly reel it in. The bass will be waiting.

Fishing Around Rocks and Weeds

In dams with lots of rocks or weeds bass often hide in these areas to stay safe and find food. When fishing in these spots slow down your lure. Soft plastics, vibes, and blades are perfect for this. Cast your lure near the rocks or weeds and reel it in slowly. This gives the bass plenty of time to notice and strike.

Catching Bass Near the Edges

Bass often move to the edges of the water during the early morning or late afternoon. These are the best times to catch them. Use small lures like crankbaits, stick minnows, or soft plastics. Fish close to the shore where bass are hunting for food. Make sure to move your lure slowly, with pauses in between. This will make it more appealing to the bass.

Garfish as Bass Food

In some dams bass eat garfish. Garfish are long thin fish that swim near the surface. When bass are feeding on garfish use a jerkbait that looks like a garfish. These lures work best when you reel them in slowly with little jerks to mimic a real fish. Try fishing early in the morning or on cloudy days when bass are more likely to be feeding near the surface.

Adjusting Your Tactics as the Sun Rises

As the day goes on and the sun gets higher Australian bass often move to deeper water. If you’re not getting bites near the shore try fishing in deeper spots. Look for points or drop-offs where the water suddenly gets deeper. Use deeper diving lures or jigs to reach the bass in these areas. This can make all the difference on a tough day.

Stay Warm and Comfortable

Even though South East Queensland doesn’t get very cold, some mornings can be chilly. Dress in layers so you can stay warm early in the day and shed clothes as it warms up. Being comfortable will help you stay focused and enjoy your fishing. And remember, there’s nothing like the excitement of hooking a bass to warm you up on a cold morning!

Winter Fishing for Australian Bass Can Be Productive

Winter bass fishing in impoundments can be a lot of fun, but it takes patience and the right approach. By understanding how bass behave in the colder months and adjusting your tactics, you can have a successful day on the water. Whether you’re fishing in a bony bream dam, around rocks and weeds, or near the edges, these winter tactics will help you catch more bass.

photo: @TheBoysFishing