Being CBAA folks from the north, we have heard many jokes about difficult waters and skipping lures over the winter ice.  At a CBAA ice-fishing event a young angler asked us what happens to bass from the great north over the long winter months.  Here is the answer! 

Bass are cold blooded and water temperature affects them every second. A bass’s core temperature is regulated by the temperature of the surrounding water at any given time.  Weather, depth, and current can all impact water temperature.

When the northern waters begin to chill, skim over, and then freeze, the metabolism of the bass begins to slow down and they become extremely sluggish. During this time bass require more oxygen than food.  Research has shown that a meal over the winter can take up to 14 days to completely digest, meaning they need less food to survive the winter so they eat less. Feeding less frequently aids in their conservation of energy.

Mid to late winter will find bass very inactive but they do not hibernate.  Bass tend to group together in deeper water (relative to their body of water).  Bass will feed all winter, just not very often. Bass will still target an available minnow, small bluegill or perch – whatever is available and easily caught.

The life expectancy of a northern bass is also affected by water temperature.  Bass living in cooler regions will outlive bass from warmer regions. It is not uncommon for a yankee bass to live 10-12 years or longer.

If you have never tried ice fishing, why not do it this winter?  You’ll remember the experience the rest of your life!