So, last spring I was catching mostly largemouth in my local river when the water temps were in the mid to high 40s. All in small (at most 15'x15' 5 fow max) slack water pockets. In warm weather I probably catch 15 smallies for every largemouth, but in cold water the smallies dont usually show up until the water temps get into the low 50s. I figure the smallies find a deep hole with current washing overhead in the winter and they come shallow to feed once temps are right. The largemouth bite is always the first to heat up. Do you guys think the largemouth could be staying in the slack-water pockets all winter? I wouldnt think these spots are great wintering areas since a strong rain would bring stiff current through those areas...but maybe it is the best they got. There is not a whole lot of slack water in that stretch of river. I am curious bc I will be back in town for a few weeks, and temps have been pretty high... 

May simply be the best they got. Telemetry studies show largemouth overwinter in areas of zero current and that have decent oxygen. Usually this is a feeder creek off the main river, but some rivers may not have that option readily available. 

My first spring bites have been in similar conditions and I'm checking the same kinds of areas now,