Early Season Bass Fishing in New York, long, frigid winters build anticipation that often peaks by the time the ice finally melts. Fortunately, recent changes to New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) regulations allow for early-season catch-and-release bass fishing in certain areas. These changes let anglers start bass fishing as soon as the water opens up. Before heading out, make sure to verify that your preferred waters permit early catch-and-release, as regulations may vary by region.
Why Early-Season Bass Fishing is Worth It
Many anglers wait until May when the water warms and the bass become more active, but by then, you’ve already missed a window of excellent fishing. Early-season fishing often yields larger bass than any other time of year. I’ve found some of my biggest New York bass right after ice-out, when cold water is crystal clear, and bass are congregated in predictable locations.
Dress for the Elements
Early spring conditions are demanding. Prepare for cold and potentially damp weather with high-quality gear. Avoid the common mistake of investing solely in fishing gear while neglecting proper clothing. A good Gore-Tex suit and insulated boots are essential to stay warm and dry; they make the difference between a productive day on the water and an early trip home.
Understanding Cold Water Bass Behavior
Cold water bass follow unique patterns and tend to stay relatively inactive until the temperature reaches about 54°F. However, bass are triggered more by increasing daylight hours than water temperature alone, so they may begin feeding and moving earlier than you’d expect. Bass metabolism slows in colder waters, so they tend to stay close to deep water but will often move into the shallows to feed, making this a prime time to target them with precise techniques.
Locating Early-Season Bass
- Find the Deepest Adjacent Water:
Start by finding the deepest water near accessible shallow areas. Deep water is relative to each body of water; in smaller lakes, “deep” may only mean 10-15 feet, while larger lakes could mean 30 feet or more. Bass gravitate toward these depths in colder conditions, especially if there’s nearby structure leading to shallower feeding zones. - Identify Cover and Structure:
Bass in early spring need some form of cover to feel secure and conserve energy. Look for rocks, submerged timber, old vegetation, and even boat docks. Cover helps bass regulate their body temperature and gives them a sense of security from predators. Areas with hard bottoms—gravel or sand—are particularly effective, as they hold residual heat, making them warmer than muddy or soft-bottom areas.
Techniques for Different Depths
Shallow Water (<4 feet)
- Use Shallow Crankbaits for Tight Cover:
For water under four feet, I use a shallow-running, square-billed crankbait, which has a tight wobble and deflects easily off cover without snagging. Square lips are ideal for bouncing off submerged rocks or wood, keeping the lure in the strike zone without hanging up. In cold, clear water, natural colors like olive and silver work best; for murkier conditions, switch to brighter colors like chartreuse. - Gear Setup:
A 6’6″ medium-action rod paired with a high-quality reel spooled with 10-lb braid and a 6-lb fluorocarbon leader gives you control and sensitivity. The braid’s low-stretch design lets you feel subtle strikes and pull free of snags. - Hook Upgrade:
Swap out standard treble hooks for quality ones like Daiichi, with the front hook replaced by a red-colored Bleeding Bait Hook. This small adjustment mimics injured prey and often increases hook-up rates by drawing the bass’s strike to the hook.
Mid-Depth Water (5-10 feet)
- Deploy Swimbaits for Natural Action:
For depths of 5-10 feet, I rely on a 3- to 4-inch soft swimbait, such as the Bear Paws. With its hand-poured design, this bait provides a life-like wobble even with a slow retrieve, making it highly effective for finicky, cold-water bass. Rig it on a 1/4-ounce jig head to maintain a natural horizontal position. - Counting Down:
Use a countdown method to determine the exact depth and keep track of where fish are holding. Cast out, count until the bait hits the bottom, then retrieve with a slow, steady motion. Alternate by counting down a second less on each subsequent cast to work the entire water column systematically.
Deep Water (>10 feet)
- “Swim Drop” Technique – A Cold-Water Drop Shot Variation:
In water deeper than 10 feet, a blend of drop shot and swimbait tactics can effectively target suspended bass. This setup uses a 7-foot medium spinning rod, 8-lb fluorocarbon line, and a Stand Out hook (size 1) rigged with a 2.5-inch Bear Paws Ribbed Swimbait. Attach a tungsten drop shot weight between 1/8 and 3/8 ounce, depending on wind or current strength. - Presentation Tips:
Cast out, let the rig sink, and begin your retrieve slowly. Count down as you would with a regular drop shot but keep the lure in slow motion as it moves horizontally rather than vertically. Many bass will hit the swimbait on the initial drop. This setup allows you to cover all depths effectively, as you can adjust your retrieve to follow the contour of the bottom or pause mid-column for suspended fish.
Final Thoughts: Optimize Your Cold-Water Strategy
Whether you’re targeting smallmouths or largemouths, early-season fishing offers the chance to catch bass in a relaxed, slow-moving state. This period is unique; both species tend to stay accessible and grouped up in predictable patterns near deep water. By using a methodical approach and adapting your tackle to different depths, you can maximize your chances of connecting with trophy-sized bass that become harder to locate later in the year.
About the Author
Bob Popp is a seasoned bass fisherman based in Minetto, NY. A professional angler, Bob also hosts fishing segments on regional radio and television, sharing techniques honed through years of experience across New York’s diverse waters.
