Bass in the Winter?

[SpinyRayAllDay]

Im a avid bass fisherman in the Potholes Reservoir area, and i enjoy hiking out to the smaller seep lakes. This past opening day i went out as i had for the past few years and noticed that all the fish that are usually swimming in the small ponds were gone. I was just wondering what Bass do in the winter and what causes them to be active after the freeze? I plan on going back out to the same ponds next weekend, i have faith that the fish will be back, i just want to know where they went. Thanks All

Also if you look under Adams County, Halfmoon lake. Thats one fish i cought the past weekend. 5lbs 9oz couldnt belive it, for the circumstances. Check it out.

[A9]

Deep. The just hold in deeeeeepp water and then come back up for the prespawn when temps rise back up...

[fishaholictaz]

In the winter the bass follow the bait.(usually to the the deeper holes or any where the water is the warmest)
The bass hold around the schools of bait fish waiting for one to come close enough for an easy meal.

Then when the water thaws they are moving around looking for an easy meal.