Hey Trip, I'm your neighbor from across the river. I have caught some cold water bass at Fairfield ponds some years ago. For cold water fishing near us, I go to Fort Ouiatenon near the boat ramp and catch Sauger.
Got a message from my nephew that I fish with a good bit because I haven't had a bass boat for many years now. He and another friend we muskie fish with on Lake of the Woods are headed to Erie in the morning for some walleye.
Yes, have had some success fishing water this cold. Have broken thru a skim of ice to get to north shore and fish 1/8 oz black hair doll flies. Have caught bass up to 7 lbs. this way. Just remember to fish slow..