Few anglers set out to catch largemouth bass, but many bass are caught incidentally to the pursuit of other species. Bass live in the same waters and lurk in the same kinds of habitat as bluegill and crappie, and they often take teardrop-waxwork rigs or minnows set to entice other fish.

Ice fishing for bass requires only refining some panfishing tactics primarily switching to a heavier line, stronger hooks and larger bait. Otherwise, the time, place and techniques of winter bassing are about the same as they are for bluegill. Minnows might be tried if big teardrops and waxworms don't produce.

Bass prowl water from five to 20 feet deep, and they prefer flooded trees and brush with a dropoff to deeper water nearby. They seem to be most active in the morning and evening, but can be taken any time. Farm ponds, sandpits, NRD lakes, the Salt Valley lakes, Merritt Reservoir and Valentine Refuge lakes are some of the best Nebraska waters for winter bass fishing.