It’s hard to believe 2025 is almost behind us. Hope you had a good year on the water. Due to the low, crystal clear water, it was a challenge to put a bass in the boat in the month of November. And the way it looks as I’m writing, that trend will continue into December unless we get a pattern change in the weather and receive some rain.
December anglers will see water temperatures continue to drop, pushing bass into their wintering holes. That will be the deepest section of the river you’re fishing. So if you know those spots, that’s where I would begin my day. The good thing about this is you don’t have to be on the water at the crack of dawn.
If the river continues to stay clear and low, lure selection is pretty simple. Use jerkbaits and jigs with a chunk trailer. When throwing jerkbaits, try different running depths. Shallow runners and deep divers. Work them slowly with twitches or speed them up until you find out how the fish want them.
Now, if by chance we do get good rains and the river gets up and stained, that will change fishing patterns. Remember, clear water is colder; stained water is warmer. If this happens, bass will most likely be a little shallower and easier to locate and catch. I would target these fish with reaction lures, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, and crankbaits. The best time to be on the water in the winter is after a three-day warming trend. So if you’ve never tried winter fishing, give it a try. You just might be surprised at the results. As the water continues to cool, wear that life jacket and watch out for each other.
I hope all is well at your home. I wish all our readers a Merry Christmas. It’s a busy time of year, planning dinners, shopping, and parties. Don’t forget the reason we celebrate–the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. He came and walked among us. He died on a cross, and on the third day, he was raised from the dead to save us from our sins. What a gift from God.
So no matter where we find ourselves today with all the struggles in this world, Jesus has penetrated our dark world with his joy and light.
Joy to the world, the Lord has come!
God bless you all,
Mike
