In this video, a true giant largemouth bass ends up back beneath the frozen surface, proving that trophy fish don’t disappear just because the lake locks up for winter. While many anglers associate bass with warm summer mornings, largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) remain active under the ice, though their metabolism slows significantly in cold water, causing them to feed less aggressively and hold tighter to structure (Minnesota DNR; Bassmaster). That slower pace just makes landing one through a tiny ice hole even sweeter.
Ice fishing itself dates back thousands of years and remains a winter staple across northern states, where anglers target species ranging from panfish and walleye to—yes—bass (Wisconsin Historical Society; Take Me Fishing). Cold water increases oxygen density, and bass often suspend near drop-offs, submerged timber, or weed edges, conserving energy while waiting for an easy meal (Michigan DNR). Watching a heavyweight six-pound (according to Reel Montana) largemouth glide back under the ice is just satisfying to many.
Feature photo: YouTube screenshot
