Whether it is better to fish deep or shallow depends heavily on the target species, time of winter, and weather patterns. Early in the winter season, fish often roam shallow weed beds and bays where oxygen levels remain stable and remaining vegetation holds baitfish. As winter progresses and thick ice blocks sunlight, many species migrate toward deeper basin areas, drop-offs, and underwater structures where water temperatures stabilize, requiring anglers to use sonar to locate active fish depths.