For anglers in southern Ontario, the Zone 20 early season bass fishery on Lake Ontario is one of the most exciting yet underappreciated opportunities of the year. While much of the province’s bass fishing remains closed until late June, Lake Ontario provides a legal, catch-and-release fishery that offers phenomenal fishing for both largemouth and smallmouth bass. The action starts ramping up in April as water temperatures begin to rise, and the bite can be exceptional right up until the season closes on May 10th.
However, fishing for bass in cold water conditions requires a different approach than during the summer months. Finesse tactics, slow presentations, and a keen understanding of bass behavior in early spring are essential for success. Whether you prefer conventional tackle or want to test your skills with a fly rod, this fishery offers some of the best bass fishing opportunities in Ontario.
The Timing of the Early Season Bass Fishery
While bass remain active year-round, their metabolism and feeding habits shift dramatically in colder water. Once ice-out occurs and the shallows begin warming in April, smallmouth and largemouth bass become more accessible to anglers. By mid-to-late April, smallmouth bass start moving up onto shallow flats and rock piles, especially in areas where the water warms faster. Largemouth bass, meanwhile, can be found in back bays, harbors, and tributary mouths where they hold in slightly warmer water.
The fishing remains strong through early May, but after May 10th, the season officially closes to protect spawning bass. This limited window makes the early season fishery a special opportunity for those willing to brave the cold water conditions.
Understanding Cold Water Bass Behavior
The key to catching bass in cold water is finding areas where temperatures are slightly higher than the surrounding lake. Even a 1-2 degree difference can be significant. Key locations to target include:
Shallow Bays & Harbors – Areas protected from the main lake, where the sun has a chance to warm the water.
Tributary Mouths – Rivers and creeks flowing into Lake Ontario often bring in slightly warmer water, attracting baitfish and bass.
Rocky Flats & Shoals – Smallmouth bass love staging on rock piles that warm up faster than deeper water.
Marinas & Docks – These areas retain heat and provide shelter for bass that are sluggish in cold water.
Using a water temperature gauge or sonar unit with a temperature readout can be invaluable in identifying productive areas.
Finesse Fishing Tactics for Cold Water Bass
When water temperatures are in the 40s and 50s (Fahrenheit), bass are not as aggressive as they are in the summer. This means slower, more subtle presentations are necessary. The following finesse techniques work exceptionally well:
1. Ned Rig
The Ned rig is a top producer for cold water smallmouth bass. It consists of a small, buoyant soft plastic on a mushroom-style jig head, typically in the 1/16 to 1/8 oz range.
How to fish it:
Cast it out and let it settle to the bottom.
Make small, slow hops or just drag it along the bottom.
Avoid too much movement—subtle twitches work best.
Best colors: Green pumpkin, brown, natural shad colors.
2. Drop Shot
A drop shot rig allows you to suspend a small bait slightly off the bottom, keeping it in the strike zone longer. This is especially effective for smallmouth bass holding just off the bottom in cold water.
How to rig it:
Use a 1/4 oz to 3/8 oz drop shot weight.
Rig a small finesse bait (like a minnow-style soft plastic) 6-12 inches above the weight.
Use light fluorocarbon line (6-8 lb test).
How to fish it:
Keep it still, with only slight rod tip shakes.
Let it sit for extended periods in front of a fish.
3.Hair jigs
A small marabou hair jig (1/16 to 1/8 oz) is a deadly choice for cold water smallmouth. The natural, flowing movement of the feathers in the water makes it irresistible.
How to fish it:
Cast it out and let it slowly sink.
Use a steady, ultra-slow retrieve.
Occasionally give it slight twitches to make the hair pulse.
4. Jerkbaits
A suspending jerkbait can be incredibly effective in cold water, especially when fished very slowly.
How to fish it:
Make a long cast and retrieve with slow, deliberate jerks.
Pause for 5-10 seconds between jerks.
Many bites happen on the pause, so be ready.
Fly Fishing for Early Season Bass
Fly fishing for bass in cold water is an underrated technique that can be just as effective as conventional tactics. Streamers, small crawfish imitations, and leech patterns work especially well.
Best Flies for Early Season Bass:
Woolly Buggers (black, olive, brown)
Clouser Minnows (chartreuse/white, olive/white)
Murdich Minnows
Small crayfish patterns
How to Fly Fish for Cold Water Bass:
Use a slow retrieve with long pauses.
Fish weighted flies or use a sinking line to get down to lethargic fish.
Target warm water areas where bass are holding.
While smallmouth bass are often the primary target, largemouth bass can also be taken on the fly, especially in shallow, slow-warming areas.
The Quality and Quantity of Lake Ontario Bass
One of the biggest draws to the early season fishery is the sheer size and number of bass available. Lake Ontario produces trophy-sized smallmouth, with fish averaging 3-4 lbs, and some reaching 6 lbs or more. The numbers can be staggering, with skilled anglers catching dozens of fish in a single outing.
Largemouth bass are less common but can still be found in the right areas, with fish in the 2-5 lb range being typical.
This is a catch-and-release-only fishery, ensuring that these incredible bass remain protected during the pre-spawn period. Handling fish properly, minimizing air exposure, and using barbless hooks can help maintain the health of the fishery.
Why You Should Take Advantage of This Opportunity
The Zone 20 early season bass fishery is a hidden gem in Ontario’s fishing scene. While many anglers wait for the traditional bass opener in June, those in the know are already enjoying world-class fishing in April and early May.
With the right approach—focusing on warm water areas, using finesse presentations, and adjusting to the slower metabolism of cold-water bass—you can have some of the best bass fishing of the year. Whether you're a conventional tackle angler or a fly fisherman, this fishery provides an incredible opportunity to target big, aggressive pre-spawn bass in one of Ontario’s most productive waters.
So, grab your gear, bundle up for the cool spring conditions, and hit the water before this special season closes on May 10th. You won’t be disappointed!
Matt
Comments