Fall → Winter Bass Fishing
Transition · water 52–62°F
The fall-to-winter transition (November into December) is when cooling water moves bass off the fall schooling areas onto deeper structure and channel edges to group up for winter. They feed up before it turns cold, so a jig, reaction baits and jerkbaits produce as the bite gradually slows.
Why: Cooling water groups fish deep.
Evidence: Verified knowledge from Bryan Cotter, 26+ years guiding all 16 Central Texas lakes.
Related: Lake Travis · Lake Buchanan · Bass fishing by season
Verified Answered by Bryan Cotter, Texas Hawgs guide · Updated Jul 12, 2026
The pattern
Fish moving from fall schooling areas to deep winter structure, feeding up.
Where the bass are: From creeks and points to deeper channel edges, bluffs and structure.
What they're doing: Feeding up before winter; grouping deep as it cools.
Fall → Winter at a glance
- Type
- Transition
- Water temp
- 52–62°F
- Spawn phase
- Winter
How to fish it
Go-to techniques: Football Jig, Jerkbait, Crankbait Fishing, Offshore / Ledge Fishing, Alabama / Umbrella Rig.
Best lures: Football Jig, Jerkbait, Lipless Crankbait, Alabama / Umbrella Rig.
Best lakes right now
Lake Travis · Lake Buchanan · Lake Austin · Lake O.H. Ivie
Conditions in play
What to expect
A gradually slowing but still-good bite, with fish grouping up — find one and you often find many.
Common mistakes
- Fishing fall-shallow after fish have pulled deep
- Speeding up when the cooling water calls for a slower bait
Keep exploring
All seasons & months · Bass fishing calendar · Conditions · Central Texas bass fishing guide
Want to fish Fall → Winter with a guide who knows the pattern? See rates and book or call 512-762-0190.