Ice out bass fishing isn’t for everyone, and it takes a willingness to explore and keep exploring to find the right area for that given day. The good news is that once you find a quality area, the odds are that it will produce year after year while cold water spring bass fishing. And for good reason; cold water spring bass fishing during that time of the year possesses everything a bass needs as it transitions from the hard water of winter into the open water period of spring.
Here in New York, we’ve only recently implemented a state-wide “catch-and- immediate-release /artificial-lure-only” season for black bass which runs from December 1 through the third Saturday in June, when the catch and keep season opens. However, not all regions were required to adopt that rule, so be sure to check the local regulations for the region and county that you’re ice out bass fishing in.
When starting your search for good ice out fishing, the top three things to remember are: depth, structure, and sunlight. It’s considered common knowledge that most lakes and watersheds warm up faster along the north and northwestern shoreline, so that’s a great spot to start your search for some cold water spring bass fishing. Look for hard bottom areas leading into the backs of coves or up onto flats. Ridges and secondary points coming out of deep water into these areas serve as a navigation aid, and they seem to attract good numbers of fish if it has scattered rock or wood along it all the better.
Right after ice out the water is very clear and very cold with temperatures running 33-40 degrees, and those nearshore hard bottom areas absorb any sunlight, which warms the water and attracts the fish. Quite often, an area that seemed devoid of life will suddenly hold many fish once it warms up just a few degrees, making it a prime ice out fishing location – meeting all the requirements for some great cold water spring bass fishing .
There are two schools of thought on lure choice for ice out bass fishing. Some anglers select plastics such as tubes, small creature baits, or lead head jigs in an attempt to imitate terrestrials or crawfish or gobies; while others select hard baits (small crankbaits or minnow baits), hoping to imitate bait fish and draw a strike. At certain times, one will out-produce the other, and it’s your job to figure out which one works best on any given day of ice out bass fishing.
Some anglers swear by soft plastics like tubes, small creature baits, or lead head jigs. These baits are designed to mimic the movements of crawfish, gobies, or other bottom-dwelling creatures that bass often target during the colder months. The slow, methodical presentation of soft plastics allows anglers to target lethargic bass that are still in the early stages of their spring transition.
However, while soft plastics can be incredibly effective, they tend to work best in more specific situations. When bass are hugging the bottom or hanging near structure like submerged rocks, wood, or drop-offs, soft plastics are a great way to entice a strike.
The Secret Weapon for Ice-Out Bass
On the other hand, hard baits—such as crankbaits or minnow imitators—can often produce better results for ice-out bass fishing, particularly when bass are actively moving up into warmer waters to feed. Crankbaits and suspending jerkbaits are effective for covering larger areas of water quickly, especially in the early season when bass are still a little sluggish and hesitant to chase down a fast-moving bait.
In my experience, hard baits often outproduce soft plastics, especially when water temperatures are still very cold. These baits are ideal for triggering reaction strikes from bass that are still in their post-winter, pre-spawn stages.
Key Colors and Techniques
When selecting crankbaits, the goal is to replicate the natural baitfish in the area. Bass are heavily drawn to shad-like colors in cold water, as shad are one of the primary food sources in many lakes and reservoirs. I tend to stick with colors that mimic shad patterns: dark backs, silver sides, and a white belly. Lucky Craft’s “Aurora Black” and “American Shad” color codes have been my go-to choices for years, and they’ve proven to be highly successful for ice-out bass fishing in New York.
For crankbaits, I prefer a medium-diving model that runs about 7-9 feet deep, like the Lucky Craft Slim Shad D7 or D9. These crankbaits are perfect for searching large areas of water quickly, especially when bass are beginning to move into warmer shallows. I typically start with a steady retrieve, using a 6.3:1 reel to maintain the right speed and keep the lure in the strike zone.
However, if the fish aren’t responding and you’re marking fish on your depth finder, try switching to a slower 5.4:1 gear ratio. This subtle change in retrieve speed can often trigger a bite from bass that are more lethargic or less inclined to chase after faster-moving baits.
Minnow Imitators for More Precise Presentations
Suspending jerkbaits, like the Lucky Craft Pointer 100, are another fantastic tool for ice-out bass fishing, especially when the bass are holding in deeper water. The advantage of suspending jerkbaits is that they stay in the strike zone longer, allowing you to entice fish that might be less willing to chase. For even deeper water, I’ll switch to a spoonbill-style minnow bait like the Pointer 100 DD to reach bass that are holding at depths where crankbaits can’t quite reach.
Suspending jerkbaits work best with a twitch-pause retrieve, where the lure is jerked to give it a lifelike, darting action before pausing briefly to let it sink. Bass often strike during the pause, so it’s important to keep your focus and be ready to set the hook.
Speed and Technique: Slower is Often Better
One of the most important factors when ice-out fishing is working your bait at the right speed. In super-cold water, bass are not as active as they are during the warmer months, so they aren’t going to chase after fast-moving lures. That said, crankbaits and jerkbaits are ideal for covering ground without the need for a fast presentation. A slow and steady retrieve, combined with occasional pauses or twitches, is often the most effective way to trigger strikes.
In my experience, you can’t work crankbaits too slowly during ice-out. If you aren’t getting bites, consider slowing down your retrieve and letting the bait stay in the strike zone longer. Bass can be slow to react in cold water, and sometimes a slower, more deliberate approach is all it takes to get them to bite.
Finding the Right Area for Ice-Out Bass
Regardless of the type of lure you choose, one of the most critical elements of successful ice-out bass fishing is knowing where to look. As the water temperature rises slightly in the early spring, bass will start to move into shallow, sun-warmed areas along the north or northwest shorelines of lakes. Look for hard-bottom areas near the backs of coves or along flats where the sun can warm the water more quickly.
Secondary points or ridges coming out of deeper water are also prime spots for ice-out bass. These areas attract fish because they provide a mix of deeper water, structure, and the warmth of the shallows. Bass use these spots as staging areas before moving closer to the spawning grounds, so they tend to concentrate in these locations as the water warms.
Ice-out bass fishing is all about adapting your approach. Even after catching a few fish on a crankbait, I like to let the area rest for a few minutes before returning with a jerkbait. Often, there are fish that are hesitant to bite, and a jerkbait can be the key to coaxing them into striking.
In my experience, no one lure is guaranteed to work every time, so it’s crucial to be adaptable. If your crankbait retrieve isn’t producing strikes, don’t hesitate to change your presentation. Sometimes, simply altering the cadence of your retrieve is enough to trigger a response from bass that are otherwise unresponsive.
When it comes to choosing your line, fluorocarbon is a must for ice-out bass fishing, especially when fishing in clear water. I prefer to use Bass Pro Shops XPS Fluorocarbon in 8 or 10 lb. test for its sensitivity and near-invisibility underwater. This is especially important when fishing hard baits like crankbaits or jerkbaits, as the line can be easily detected by bass if it’s too visible. Fluorocarbon not only minimizes visibility but also allows for better lure action and longer casts in the cold, clear waters typical of ice-out conditions.
Fishing during ice-out can be a dangerous endeavor, so it’s critical to prioritize safety. In New York, it’s required by law for all recreational anglers in boats to wear a Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) from November 1 through the first Saturday in May. This law is in place for good reason—the water temperature can still be dangerously cold, even as the air warms up.
Additionally, always bring an extra set of clothes in case you get wet. The cold water can lead to hypothermia if you aren’t prepared, and changing into dry clothes immediately after a spill can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a serious safety issue. It’s also a good idea to bring a thermos of hot coffee or tea to keep your body temperature up throughout the day.
While fishing with a partner is always recommended, sometimes that’s not possible. If you do choose to fish alone, make sure your phone is fully charged and stored in a waterproof bag to protect it from the elements. Above all, use common sense—dress in layers to stay warm, and never push your limits. If conditions are too rough or you feel uncomfortable, it’s better to cut the trip short than to risk your safety.
Ice-out bass fishing is an exhilarating and rewarding challenge, but it requires a combination of the right tools, tactics, and preparation. Whether you’re adjusting your lure presentation, selecting the proper line, or taking extra precautions on the water, being adaptable and prepared will ensure you have a successful and enjoyable outing. So, get out there, enjoy the thrill of cold-water bass fishing, and be safe while doing it!
Burnie Haney is the Garrison Chief of Operations at Fort Drum NY, Chairman of the Jefferson County Sport Fish Advisory Board, B.A.S.S. Life Member, Public Relations Officer and Sponsor Product Coordinator for the NY BASS Chapter Federation. He is a member FLW and Pro Staff member for Bass Pro Shops Nitro Boats, US Reel, Temple Fork Outfitter Rods, Lucky Craft Lures and VRX Fishing Products. Haney holds three National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame Line Class World Records (carp, steelhead, Chinook salmon) and one IGFA NY State Line Class Record (walleye). Get in touch with Burnie at burniehaney.com.
Copyright © 2024 All rights Reserved.