In many places, summer is the prime season for Bass fishing. All of the Bass in the northern states and Canadian provinces are very seasonal and the peak times are often limited to the summer months. Water temperature is the primary driver of activity in these places, and warm waters mean hot action.
Head further south, however, and water temperatures are optimal in spring and fall. That means you’ll need to employ special tactics in summer to compensate for the heat. But regardless of where you fish, there are Bass to be fished for during the summer!
In this article, we’ll focus on Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, as these two species dominate the summer angling scene. Read on to develop your game plan for the summer ahead…
Finding Warm Weather Bass
Before you can catch Bass in warmer weather, you have to find them. Temperature has a major impact on fish activity and on the places where they hold. While food is often the first concern, the right temperature is a major factor you’ll need to take into account.
Bass behavior and holding areas vary by temperature in different climates – but 75–86 degrees is the sweet spot for most Bass. They will, however, move to the outliers of the comfortable temperature range when food is especially abundant.
Northern Bass Fishing in Summer
When I target summer Largemouth Bass in Montana farm ponds or Smallmouth Bass on river float trips in Oregon, they’re operating at peak activity. I don’t have to pry the depths and look in difficult places because most fish will smash a topwater lure or popper fly. This generally applies to northern climates unless the water is particularly stagnant and a major heat wave hits.
Focus on structures like docks, logs, and rocks that are located in the top 10–20 feet of the water column. Many fish will sit shallow, tucking under weed beds or overhanging branches on shorelines. On one local pond, I’ll snorkel the shallow overhangs and swim right up to Bass that have no interest in leaving their strategic ambush sites.
If the fishing is slow, check the water temperature to get a general idea about where Bass might be holding. If it’s warmer than 80–85 degrees, start looking deeper and focus on the shade. If the temperature drops below 70–75 degrees, slow your retrieve and look for areas that have springs and more stable temperatures.
Southern Bass Fishing in Summer
As you move into the midwest and southern states, water temperature becomes increasingly important. As you’ve probably already guessed, summer temperatures often warm surface temperatures beyond the optimal range, making Bass fishing more difficult. When the heat picks up, it’s time to focus on shade and cover. Bass will concentrate on docks and overhangs.
Depth becomes increasingly important as well. Look to water in the 10–20 foot range and go progressively deeper until you start connecting. Rocky ledges in deeper water are fantastic. Any deep structure will likely have Bass holding tight and using the structure to ambush, for safety, and to remain comfortable in a cooler temperature zone.
Lastly, when the water temperatures hit summer highs, look hard for springs. If you can find a stable temperature spring site, it’s an absolute gold mine where Bass stack up. These aren’t always easy to locate, especially in larger bodies of water. When you find one, keep it a secret because it will produce for many years to come!
When to Target Bass in Warm Conditions
Again, this can be broken down into climate zones, as water temperature and seasonality have different effects on Bass in different regions. In the northern regions, Bass will be feeding aggressively in summer and you can get on them any time of day. Sure, there will be a few lulls as with any day of fishing, but Bass are very calorie-driven in regions with short growing seasons.
Imagine a Bass that spends several months of the year dormant, living beneath a sheet of ice with very little opportunity to obtain food. When the ice is gone and the water temperatures hit a comfortable level, they tend to go a bit wild. I’ve had days of 100+ Smallmouth Bass on western rivers without trying too hard!
In hotter regions, timing becomes far more important. Bass are most active from last light to first light. The high sun and midday are the most difficult times to pin them down. This means anglers really need to hit it early and late in the day. Better yet, fish through the night to find the biggest summer Bass. If you dial in your night fishing game for summer Bass fishing, you just might catch a record-sized fish.
Proven Lures for Summer Bass Fishing
Your favorite lures and techniques for colder weather will still work in summer. Half the battle involves finding the fish in those warm conditions. The speed and nature of how you fish these lures might change with the temperature, however. Here are a few favorite picks to try for Bass this summer…
Ideal Temperature Lures: (70–85 degrees)
When the water temperatures hit that optimal range, get ready for aggressive strikes from hungry fish. Bass will move farther and work harder for calories when the temperature is comfortable. Of course, they’ll still ambush and hold tight in many places but they’re more likely to blow up a lure that’s just outside of the strike zone.
- Crankbaits. Shallow-diving crankbaits are an absolute blast when the conditions are ideal. They penetrate the surface but run shallow enough to see the strike and have an explosion on impact. They also allow for fishing pockets over shallow structures. I love finding riprap banks and other tricky structures to fish shallow crankbaits.
- Spinnerbaits. When the conditions are ideal, weed beds and shallow bays are loaded with life – and that brings in hungry Bass. From dragonflies to frogs, the calories are present. Spinnerbaits are fantastic for reducing snags while working through these areas.
- Pencil Poppers. I enjoy fishing smaller, skinny pencil poppers for both Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass. There are plenty of fun topwater lures to try and these are among my most productive. For some reason, they seem to really draw aggressive strikes. Experiment with others but don’t be afraid to twitch and skitter a classic pencil popper across the surface.
- Popper Flies. I love fly fishing for Bass and poppers are almost too much fun. Foam, plastic core, and deer hair versions all get the job done. I actually cut popper bodies from high-density foam flip flops because they’re light, durable, and don’t become waterlogged after landing a few fish.
Hot Temperature Lures (85+ degrees)
The game changes when the temperatures climb above the comfort zone. Many of the lures and techniques used in extreme heat mirror those of cold weather tactics. Fish movement slows down and you have to work harder to find them and keep a lure or bait in the strike zone for longer.
- Jigs with Soft Worms. Find deeper structure and suspend a jig hook with a soft plastic worm or your favorite bait. Fish in a vertical fashion and bounce the jig around the structure until you draw a strike. Sunken logs and debris create an excellent Bass habitat in hot conditions.
- Soft Plastics. Fish a Texas or Carolina rig with soft plastic crayfish, frogs, or other imitations to work weed beds, rocky outcroppings, and other likely areas. If you rig them heavily, they can be really effective when fishing against a sharp dropoff.
- Suspended Baits. Sink your favorite cut or live bait and suspend it a foot or two off the bottom. Allow the scent to stay in the area and wait for a Bass to move in your direction. If the water is especially hot, it can be a waiting game and this tactic works well.
- Deep Crankbaits. Crankbaits are fun near the surface but deep divers are your ticket to success in hot conditions. They’re great for trolling and searching when the bite is slow and you aren’t sure where the fish are sitting. Work through different depths and explore until you find the bite zone.
Summer Bass Fishing FAQ
Summer Is the Best Time for Bass Fishing!
When summer hits, there’s nothing better than being on the water. Bass are warmwater fish and, as a general rule, summer is a great time to chase them in most environments. Time the water temperatures, adjust your techniques to manage depth, and get busy casting! I hope these tips have stood you in good stead.
Are you chasing Bass all summer? What are your go-to techniques and tips for warm-weather Bass fishing? Share away in the comments below!
