Burnie Haney with largemouth bass taken on Pointer 100DD lure, while ice out bass fishing on Lake Ontario.[/caption]
Chasing bass right after ice-out isn’t for everyone. The water is cold, the fish are sluggish, and success takes time and patience. You’ll need to explore — and then keep exploring — to locate active fish. But here’s the payoff: once you find a productive area, there’s a good chance it’ll deliver year after year.
Cold water spring bass fishing lines up perfectly with what bass are looking for as they transition out of winter. These fish are seeking warmth, food, and structure — the essentials as they move from deep wintering holes into shallower pre-spawn zones. If your spot checks those boxes, you’re in the game.
In New York, there’s a statewide catch-and-release season for black bass from December 1 through the third Saturday in June. During this period, anglers must use artificial lures only, and all bass must be released immediately after being caught.
That said, not all counties or bodies of water are required to follow this rule. Always check local regulations for the area you plan to fish — especially during the early spring window — to avoid fines and stay legal.
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 .
When it comes to lure choice after ice-out, there are two main camps: soft plastics and hard baits. Both can be deadly — the key is knowing when and where to use them.
Tubes, small creature baits, and lead-head jigs are go-to choices for many anglers. These imitate bottom-dwelling prey like crawfish and gobies — key forage for cold-water bass. Fished slowly, they shine when bass are glued to the bottom or holding tight to structure like rocks, wood, or drop-offs. The subtle presentation lets you target sluggish fish that aren’t ready to chase yet.
On the flip side, crankbaits and minnow-style jerkbaits cover water fast and shine when bass begin moving up to feed. Suspended jerkbaits are especially effective — they stay in the strike zone longer and can trigger reaction bites even in cold water. If you’re trying to locate active fish or draw out hesitant ones, hard baits often get the job done.
That depends on the day. Cold water bass are unpredictable. Some days they want a slow crawl along the bottom; other days, they’ll hit a twitchy jerkbait. Stay flexible. Let the fish tell you what they want — then adjust.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Spring fishing can be dangerous. In New York, it’s required to wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket from November 1 through the first Saturday in May when fishing from a boat. Cold shock and hypothermia are serious risks, even in warmer weather.
Always bring a dry change of clothes and a thermos of something hot (coffee or tea). Dress in warm, moisture-wicking layers with a windproof outer shell.
Fishing with a partner is safest, but if fishing solo, ensure your phone is charged and in a waterproof bag, and share your plans with someone.
If conditions look dangerous — like high wind or floating ice — cut the trip short. Your safety comes first.
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.
This article has been revised by Daniel O’Neill, an experienced angler and writer, to ensure its continued relevance and accuracy. As a result, it may no longer reflect the original author’s views or intentions.
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