I have noticed more people harvesting bass since the walleye numbers have declined on Pigeon Lake. However, with that being said, there are still 20+lbs of bass weighed in for one day at some tourneys. (I always shake my head at how they do this) Maybe the bass are getting smarter. LOL
I'm not sure how a colder winter would effect a bass if they were in the right location, with oxygen and food. The unfrozen water wouldn't be any colder than other years.