Winter Bass Fishing: Secrets and techniques of the Pearl River Delta

Living along the Gulf Coast, I’ve learned that fishing doesn’t stop when the temperature drops. Just ask Morgan Schutte, who finds December and January to be prime time for bass fishing in the Pearl River Delta.

“Most of the crowds are either sitting in a deer stand or down in a duck blind,” Schutte said. “This leaves most of the fishing waters completely untouched.”

The Pearl River Delta is a labyrinth of waterways, cutting through marshlands that span Southwest Mississippi and Southeast Louisiana. It’s a complex system of tributaries that can challenge even the most experienced anglers. But Schutte has cracked the code for winter bass fishing in these waters.

When Schutte talks about deep water, he’s not referring to the massive depths you might imagine. In the marsh, seven to ten feet is considered deep—a relative term that can make all the difference in winter bass fishing. He targets these areas early in the morning when the surface water is at its coldest.

As the day progresses and the sun beats down, Schutte shifts his focus to structure. “The best types of cover are trees, stumps, and rocks—if you can find them,” he explains. “These areas retain heat from the sun, and that’s where you’ll find the bass. I typically spend early mornings and late evenings in deeper areas, saving the shallower spots for midday when the water warms up.”

Winter fishing demands a calculated approach to lure selection. Schutte’s arsenal includes spinnerbaits, jigs, and small crankbaits, with color selection driven by water clarity.

In dirty or stained water, chartreuse and white spinnerbaits are his go-to. Clear water calls for an all-white bait. When working the bottom with jigs, he opts for darker colors like black and blue or junebug. “These darker colors create a better silhouette,” he explains, “making it easier for fish to see in low-light conditions.”

When it comes to crankbaits, it’s all about the baitfish in the area. “It all depends on the dominant forage,” Schutte says. He typically keeps two options tied on—one in a perch or bluegill pattern, another in a shad or shiner pattern.

One of the unique aspects of winter fishing in the lower marsh is the potential for what locals call “lagniappe”—a French term meaning unexpected bonus. “Don’t be surprised if you catch a few unexpected redfish or speckled trout,” Schutte warns with a knowing smile.

If there’s one piece of advice Schutte wants to hammer home, it’s this: slow down. “The most important thing to remember is to fish slow,” he emphasizes. “Force yourself to slow down, and I bet the results will surprise you.”

As another cold front sweeps through Louisiana, most anglers are putting away their gear. But for those willing to brave the chill and learn the nuances of winter fishing, the Pearl River Delta offers a world of opportunity.

Keith Lusher

Keith Lusher is an award winning outdoor journalist that resides in Covington, Louisiana. He owns and operates NorthshoreFishingReport.com and writes a weekly outdoor column for the Slidell Independent Newspaper. He also writes for the St.Tammany Parish Tourism Commission’s VisitTheNorthshore.com. He is the former host of The Northshore Fishing Report Radio Show and is on the board of the Louisiana Outdoor Writers Association. Keith contributes to numerous publications both online and in print and prides himself on promoting South Louisiana’s unique fishery. To contact Keith email: [email protected]