At Eastman, bass are hitting reaction lures like crankbaits and chatterbaits in the shallows during early mornings. As the day warms though, fish are pulling out to 20-40 feet and hold tight to rockpiles and other deep structure. Drop-shots are producing best for these deeper fish, although bites have been subtle. A few fish up to 5 lbs have been reported, but most are in the 2–3 lb range. A few bass are also out in open water, targeting bait schools.

Eastman has quietly been serving up a very good winter bass bite over the last few weeks. The lake was stocked with trout once in November and again in mid-December, and these stocks have really fired up the bigger bass.

Now bass are still in winter mode, so infrequent bites are to be expected. But anglers are reporting 2-4 quality fish a day with 5-7 pounders not uncommon.

For those targeting giants only, slow-rolling a trout imitation swimbait or glide bait will get bigger bites. But most of the action is coming on natural-colored Roboworms fished in 15-20 feet of water, either drop-shot or T-rigged. Slow, subtle presentations are working best.