Fishing Milfoil in Cold Water

One huge rule that most anglers are taught while fishing in cold water is that bass vacate Eurasian Milfoil when the water temperature drops below 50 degrees. The reason for following this rule is that the Milfoil begins to die and decaying grass becomes an oxygen user instead of an oxygen producer. Time and time again this winter I have caught large numbers of bass from dying grass, but other factors were involved. The number one factor for catching bass in dying grass is the presence of baitfish. Look for gulls and herons feeding in and around the grass you are fishing. The other vital factor involved in catching bass from grass in cold water is the clarity of the water. Finding the clearest water available will improve the chances of finding fish and will also allow the bass to be caught on a wider selection of baits. With out a doubt the number one bait for catching bass in these cold water conditions is a 1/4oz lipless crankbait. The main idea when retrieving this bait is to make contact with the grass. Rather than ripping the lure free of the grass like in warmer water a steady reel keeps the lure in the fishes strike zone longer. Often times the bass will eat the lure while its stuck in the grass. Another key bait to throw while fishing for cold water grass bed bass is a suspending jerkbait. Remember that the clarity of the water must be extremely clear for a jerkbait to work. Exploring grass beds during the winter is challenging with many hours spent covering fish less water, but the benefit to finding them is that little to no fishing pressure will exist and you will have the spot to yourself.