In winter, bass tend to hold tight to cover for various reasons. One key area that bass are often found in winter is near creek channels. These channels provide a pathway for baitfish and also offer deeper water for bass to retreat to when they feel threatened. Look for areas where the creek channels swing into the bank, as these spots often have fast drops that allow bass to quickly move into deeper water or suspend.
Another area to focus on in winter is humps, roadbeds, and pond dams. These structures create ledges where bass can move up to feed and then suspend for the rest of the day. When fishing these areas, you can try dragging a Carolina rig over the top of the pond dam or roadbed. If the water is shallow enough, you can also use a wiggle wart to bump along the structure.
Additionally, bass may be held tight to cover such as rocks, laydowns, or other structure. In rivers, bass will often seek out areas with current breaks or off current seams. They prefer to be close to the current but not directly in it, so look for high spots or areas with deep water access nearby.
It's important to note that the specific areas where bass are held tight to cover in winter can vary depending on the lake or river you're fishing. It's always a good idea to observe and pay attention to every bite you get, as it can provide valuable information to help you build a pattern and catch more bass.