What to do in muddy, cold water conditions??

CORAL 96 · Post by **CORAL 96** » Mon Feb 06, 2006 10:29 am

I was up at Camp Far West on Sunday. Water clarity was 1' at best & temps were anywhere from 45 up river to 55 near the dam. Tried everywhere. Could graph fish, but no takers. Fish seemed to be all over the place from down deep to 2' from the surface (now, if they'd only make some electronics that told you what kind of fish they were I'd be set). Tried a white/red 1/2 oz spinnerbait. No takers on it. Tried a jig that looked similar to a crawdad, NADA!! Tried a Matzui jointed minnow, nothing!!! What else in my aresnal could I have tried?? Looked for some kind of pattern, but came up short. I think I'll wait another month before going back. Maybe the water will clear some & warm up. Finally gave up about 3pm, and headed home to watch the Seahawks lose!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Casey · Post by **Casey** » Mon Feb 06, 2006 5:38 pm

Throw swimbaits over the flats

RogerB · Post by **RogerB** » Mon Feb 06, 2006 5:59 pm

We'd all like to have some solutions for those conditions, Coral! Cold, muddy water has got to be one of the toughest, if not THE toughest condition, in which to catch bass.

However, as sluggish as the cold water makes them, and as difficult as it is for them to find their food, they still have to eat, and do. I consider the following:
- Their strike window is reduced to just inches in front of their face.
- Their sluggishness will make them move slowly, so they won't be in a chasing mood. I'll move whatever lure I select VERY slowly.
- The muddy water means they can't see their food until they're almost on top of it, so I won't expect them to be sight feeding. They'll be using their senses of smell and motion detection (via the lateral line).
> I'll use a scent (like Megastrike or Yum or Bang) or a scented lure (like a Powerbait craw or a Yamamoto grub) and I'll use a lure that displaces a lot of water, like a bulky jig tied with a lot of Living Rubber skirt material or which has a big pork trailer like a #1 pork frog.
> I'll expect the fish to be tight to cover and shallow, so that's where I'll flip or pitch the lures.

- I'll lower my expectations 'cause my experience is that fishing will be tough under these conditions. Tough, but not impossible...

CORAL 96 · Post by **CORAL 96** » Tue Feb 07, 2006 7:05 am

I did use some Berkley Bass scent on all the lures I used. What about colors? Any specific ones to use? I know when this place clears up and warms, the fishing will be great!! I might just wait about a month and hit it again. Thanks!!!!!

Little Fin · Post by **Little Fin** » Tue Feb 07, 2006 8:01 am

Cold = sluggish
Muddy = short sight
You have that right. Attractants are a good addition. Also, I would include the following:
These conditions call for patience and repetition with a slow retrieve brought up from deep water. Fishing the same spot for hours is not unheard of, and can really pay off in these conditions.
Sluggish bass eat sluggishly too. Smaller baits are important.
Color too, is important. I'd use pearl, chart/wht, anything bright.
There are several baits that can be successful, but try a Markey's tailgunner. Half ounce or one ounce. They are great little tailspins that swim like baitfish and can be retrieved at very slow reel speed. Be repetitive with it. Cast beyond your target and keep bringing it through the zone you're concentrating on - slowly.
Getting it in front of the bass is another good point mentioned above. Your luck increases with repetition.

I cast and wait about 10-15 solid seconds before reeling - so I know it's deep before I start. Reel - stop - reel - stop - pull - jig it - reel - stop... and do it again.

RogerB · Post by **RogerB** » Tue Feb 07, 2006 11:51 am

I've had my best luck with black jigs with black trailers. Once they get within the bass's strike window, they seem to provide good contrast against the muddy background.

My son and I are finding that the fish can be very selective with scents...what works one day won't the next and a different scent will have them jump all over the very same lure. So, we're trying different scents 'til we find what the fish want. Our top producers seem to be Megastrike, Powerbait bass, Bang, Yum, and Pro-Cure.

CORAL 96 · Post by **CORAL 96** » Tue Feb 07, 2006 12:06 pm

I've heard good things about it too. I think (It's not in front of me currently) I was using the Powerbait Bass!! Oh well!

I guess it's better luck next time (as if I haven't said that before)!!!

RogerB · Post by **RogerB** » Tue Feb 07, 2006 12:17 pm

We haven't tried that one yet but probably should. A lot of other people like it and find it effective. Same goes for the Kick'N'Bass scents, and there are probably others. I used to use the Fish Formula scents with good luck but have gotten away from them, for no good reason other than not seeing them on the shelves as much.