Fisher_King:

Targeting Bass under the ice can be a tough prospect.

And in some states, targeting Bass during ice is a no-no anyway.

Bass during ice go into a “semi-hibernation” type mode. They eat very little and move very little.

Honestly, your best bet is to target Bluegill, Crappie, Walleye or Pike.

But, if your gunnin’ for Bass only, here are some tips:

1. Check your lake map and fish “green or alive” weed-beds near deep-water drop-offs. During mid-ice season any live weeds are still emitting O2, (a good thing). Also, try to fish around or near a stream or river flowing into your lake; moving water is almost always warmer and holds more O2 than other parts of the lake.

HOWEVER, streams/rivers that flow into lakes are dangerous due to thin ice, so, BE CAREFUL and check the ice as you go.

Understand, Bass can be in as little as 2-5 FT of water if there is enough live weeds and nearby forage. Forage this time of year is usually small minnows and Perch, (and in some cases insects).

In my opinion, your best bet would be the first drop-off into deep water near a stream/river with live weed-beds nearby.

Hope this helps? Good luck catching.