WesternBass Magazine December 2011, Page 30

WesternBass Magazine December 2011, Page 30

wh e i ns m o re

WiNter smallmouths

le ss

by marc marcantonIo

Winter Smallmouths in the Pacific Northwest

I

n the Pacific Northwest, many put away their

boats and fishing gear during the winter,

thinking bass are difficult if not impossible to

catch. What they don’t realize is that some of my best fishing days have come in the winter on

lake Washington and lake Sammamish, where

the water doesn’t freeze. Sure, the weather leaves

a lot to be desired, but the scenery is exceptional,

and you never have to wait at the launch or share the water with anyone. although bass feed less when the water temperature is low, they continue to dine because prey are available and easy to catch. This is especially true of trophy size smallmouths, and nearly every bass you catch will be in excess of 3 pounds.

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