iv'e been trying to get out fishing this week but the weather has been poor.I may try to get out tomorrow and am wondering if anyone else has had any success in 40 degree water.Ice left aweek ago and i don't expect to catch much if anything.Avg. depth is probably 14',i was going to try around 8 ft,casting towards shore and out deeper with mainly x-rap and lipless bait.Also may throw an heavy jig and swim it slowly.Will bass chase a spinnerbait in water this cold?

If it's presented right a bass will bite just about any bait

There are always some active fish on any given lake at any time of year, so to answer your question, yes a bass will chase a spinnerbait in cold water. Whether or not a majority of bass are acting in the same manner is another story. The best way to find out is... to get out there and fish it!

Great time for blade baits, i.e.: Silver Buddies. Jerkbaits usually come into their own once the water gets above 50 degrees. No reason why a swim jig or football wouldn't work either. Lots of ways to do it.

The most important thing now is location. It's tough using a jig as a search bait, unless you use it swimming style. And oh yes....Chatterbaits!

And, seek out the warmest water on the lake. A protected cove on the N end may be a degree or two warmer. Sometimes that's all it takes!

I was out today with my nephew we threw jigs, cranks, swimbaits, chatter baits, spinners, shakey heads, senkos, fat ikas in every size and color came up with nothing. The waters slightly warmer then air waters about 43 air was 34. I finally hooked up off a stump on a 1/16 blk /yellow Mr. Twister 2.5 lbs then my nephew poached one that hit 3 times for me he got it on a chart double tail twister. His was a little smaller also off some wood. So don't rule outthe basic simple stuff