Fall bass fishing

Question
Hi, my name is Caleb. I have been fishing a small lake that has produced big bass in the past, but i can't seem to hook up with a trophy . It is a deep lake with clear water, it is near Lynchburg, VA. I have been catching lots of smaller largemouth, but the weather is getting colder and I was wondering if the trophies can be caught in the late fall and early winter, and how to do this if so. Any tips would be much appreciated, thanks.

Answer
Hello Caleb -

Glad to hear you are fishing - Most of my trophies have been caught in fall or cooler temps.
So it is possible.  Things I think you should remember:  in colder water, the fish prey will be
moving slower - so have a slower fishing presentation.  A few presentations to try are working vertical structures in the water such as sunken islands, deep wooded cover or weed lines, where the bass will feed until water temps. dip below 40 degrees.  IF conditions are mild in your area, fish will move to shallower water - while cold water will drive them down to the depths.  Jigs and jig worms are a great presentation to use.  Remember to use the proper weighted jig in the depths that you are fishing.  Try to use the proper weight to get the jig down to appropriate depth where bass should be feeding, just move the bait slowly when it comes in contact with the cover or bottom.  Clear water conditions call for natural colored baits - good choices for colors would be green pumpkin, watermelon, or brown tones.  Also, try a drop shot in deeper water with those colors of baits.

Please feel free to e-mail me if you have any additional questions
Good luck,
Tim