December Bass Fishing
Month · water 48–56°F
December brings early winter to Central Texas. Water drops into the low 50s, bass group on deep structure and channel edges, and the bite slows down. Suspending jerkbaits and finesse baits worked slowly on the warmest available water produce the most and the biggest fish.
Why: Early winter — deep sets up, slow down.
Evidence: Verified knowledge from Bryan Cotter, 26+ years guiding all 16 Central Texas lakes.
Related: Lake Buchanan · Lake Travis · Bass fishing by season
Verified Answered by Bryan Cotter, Texas Hawgs guide · Updated Jul 12, 2026
The pattern
Deep and slowing; jerkbaits and finesse; fish grouping for winter.
Where the bass are: Deep structure, channel edges, bluffs and the warmest water.
What they're doing: Slowing and grouping; feeding in short windows.
December at a glance
- Type
- Month
- Months
- Dec
- Water temp
- 48–56°F
- Spawn phase
- Winter
How to fish it
Go-to techniques: Jerkbait, Football Jig, Drop Shot, Finesse Fishing, Alabama / Umbrella Rig.
Best lures: Jerkbait, Football Jig, Straight / Finesse Worm, Alabama / Umbrella Rig.
Best lakes right now
Lake Buchanan · Lake Travis · Lake Austin · Lake O.H. Ivie
Conditions in play
What to expect
A slowing bite, but grouped fish and a shot at a good one on the warmer afternoons.
Common mistakes
- Fishing too fast for cold fish
- Ignoring the warmest, calmest afternoons
Keep exploring
All seasons & months · Bass fishing calendar · Conditions · Central Texas bass fishing guide
Want to fish December with a guide who knows the pattern? See rates and book or call 512-762-0190.