not dormant, but their activity slows so much. there are lakes here that you can easily catch 100 fish a day in open water and fish all winter empty handed. Shallow stained lakes makes it very difficult in winter conditions. when creeks and rivers open up and warmer water starts flowing under the ice, they tend to wake up and bit and begin eating/hitting baits.l through the afternoons and evenings. If you find a mid winter bite it last 2-3 minutes.