Lake Ontario
Published: Updated:
Species
Smallmouth BassSeason
Winter (Current)
Lake Ontario Overview
SLOWWind (mph)FAST
01020406080100
Top Techniques Reported for Smallmouth Bass + Winter
Total Fishing Reports
35
Top Species Reported for Winter
Largemouth Bass1 Report
Northern Pike1 Report
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Recent and Trending Baits
Fishing Reports
35 Reports on Lake OntarioSort by
Species
Smallmouth BassSeason
Fall
Technique
Vertical Jigging 20'+
Structure
Humps
Forage
Perch
Water Temperature
40°
Omnia Community Member
Bronze Ambassador
11/12/21
Species
Smallmouth BassSeason
Fall
Technique
Blade Baits
Structure
Ledges
Forage
Perch
It may be time for sitting in the deer stand but if you can brave the cold and big waves of lake Ontario in November you'll have one of the best days of smallmouth fishing you can imagine. As temperatures are dropping into the low 50s big smallmouth are grouping up to put the feed bag on before they winter up. This time of year they are fattening up on schools of perch. Target gradual ledges starting at around 27ft tapering off to around 45ft In the morning starting up shallower, throw your 1/2oz blade bait on top of the ledges and hop it back towards you down the ledge. You don't need big rips, just hop it about 6 inches off the bottom to trigger bites. Mid day, the schools will move out deeper and you will need to get over top of them and present your blade bait vertically to get them to commit. A 7'3 medium heavy fast action baitcaster with 17lb fluorocarbon is ideal for throwing and working larger blade baits this time of year. The bites will feel like dead weight, no need for crazy hook sets just apply pressure and constant tension to keep the fish pinned
Panfish / Bluegill
Top Fishing Techniques
for Smallmouth Bass + WinterChoose from techniques based on Lake Ontario fishing reports.
