As the temperature creeps upward, bass move closer to spawning areas.
This typically means you’ll find them in protected structures, such as rocky shoreline banks, shallow ponds, or flats bordering channels or ditches.
Because these fish prefer to cover, it’s best to fish topwater lures near shallow, well-protected structures.
Here's What's In Store For You...
Best time of day for topwater bass fishing
The best time of day for topwater bass fishing is in the early morning hours when water temperatures are more relaxed.
Bass typically hide in the shade, so fishing in this time frame can be very effective. It’s also ideal for fishing around docks or along the bank grasses. The bite is also more likely to be high-quality.
The best time to cast a topwater bass lure is during the post-spawn period in late spring or early fall.
Bass are hungry after spawning and are looking for a tasty snack.
The metabolism of bass spikes in the summer heat, giving anglers a challenging retrieval. However, the water temperature remains warm throughout autumn to keep the bass biting.
Early mornings and evenings are ideal times for topwater bass fishing.
Bass are especially hungry in the early morning, so it’s best to get to the lake before sunrise. The calm morning weather will also help you see the fish quickly.
A topwater lure is an excellent way to target this hungry bass.
Late afternoons are also ideal for topwater bass fishing.
The bass moves shallower to feed as the sun goes lower in the sky.
You’ll want to slow down and fish at different speeds during this time.
Bait selection based on season
If you love to fish topwater bass, here are some factors to consider when selecting bait.
Although the bass bite is active throughout the year, they’re most active during the warmer months.
When the water temperature is 60 degrees or warmer, baitfish will move closer to the surface and respond more to lures that walk across the surface.
Additionally, as the temperature drops, bass will become more active because they’re hungry and need to prepare for the winter.
Because topwater bass fishing is usually done in thin, clear water, you must take special precautions to avoid spooking the bass.
Keep your boat quiet, especially when using the electric motor.
Keep your line still when casting to a specific target, and avoid casting into shadowy areas.
Finally, avoid casting your bait directly onto structures where the bass will likely suck it.
When selecting a topwater bait, it is essential to consider its color.
The best color is the one that imitates the forage the bass are pursuing.
The four most popular colors are white, black, and chrome, which will attract the most fish.
You can also match your topwater bait to the forage size to make it more effective.
During the post-spawn period, water temperatures are warmer, and the bass moves into shallower water to feed.
As a result, they will begin schooling around shad. This makes topwater bait selection even more critical during this time of year.
Size of lake or pond
Water temperature is one of the most critical factors in topwater bass fishing success.
It should be at least 70 degrees to give you the best chance of hitting a bass. Bass are cold-blooded, so warm water allows them to feed more efficiently.
Also, warm water makes them more willing to run down a topwater lure.
The temperature of your lake or pond will also affect the type of topwaters you can use to catch bass.
Bass are typically more active at low light times and remain in deeper water during high light periods.
The bass is most active on sunny days around dusk and early p.m.
Windy conditions can also affect the topwater bite. Wind and waves can make your bait challenging to see, limiting your ability to hook a bass. In these situations, a square bill crankbait may be a good option.
While fishing, always remembers to maintain constant eye contact with your bait.
If your lake or pond has a high volume of weeds, your best bet is to fish weed edges.
If weeds are on the ledges, bass will be positioned on these edges.
As a result, your topwaters should be in the shallowest part of the lake or pond.
Aside from the water temperature, another important factor is how much cover there is in the lake or pond.
A weedy area will make it harder for bass to detect your lure. Also, thick weeds in the southern basin of a lake or pond can prevent bass from locating you.
Visibility of water
Top water bass fishing is one of the most exciting and relaxing pastimes you can enjoy on the water. It has been called the most powerful and visually appealing type of fishing and is also very productive in catching numbers.
This type of fishing can be done from a boat or shore.
To get the most out of this type of fishing, prepare your bait with the appropriate color.
For example, red lures are almost invisible in 20 feet of water, while green lures are apparent.
To make your topwater bait stand out from the rest of the water, choose colors that will make a strong silhouette. Also, try to avoid subtle colors that will be interpreted as unappealing to bass.
Topwater bass fishing is most effective in clear water areas.
The best fishing spots are long rocky points, pockets in coves, and main channel cuts.
During this time, the bass moves up shallow after winter’s hibernation and are hungry and aggressive. They will clear out other fish in the shallows so they can feed.
Bass like to feed in areas with structure. These areas are usually rocky and contain plenty of forage and habitat. You can use topwater baits to get a better chance of hooking one.
Light
Topwater bass fishing can be done all year round, but the best time to fish is during spring.
Female bass moves from deeper water into shallow areas to spawn.
They are highly aggressive and will eat anything that comes near their nests.
During spring and summer, topwater lures are the best choice.
If you’re planning to fish topwater lures, make sure to fish in the early morning or late afternoon hours.
Bass will feed more during periods of low light, so the early a.m. hours of sunny days are prime time to try topwater bass fishing.
During this time of day, be sure to vary your retrieve speed to find the optimum retrieve speed.
The best time to fish topwater bass is during low light conditions and calm water.
Look for schooling fish near docks and along bank grasses. Try a chugger or buzzbait in the water near points on the main lake.
If you find these fishing conditions, you can use a jitterbug to imitate late-emerging insects.
Bass will migrate closer to their spawning grounds in late spring and early summer. The surface temperature of the water is in the 60s or 70s overnight. They will go shallower in the morning, which makes topwater lure fishing a great option. Bass will also respond to artificial shoreline lures and minnows.
Female bass ravenous for calories
The fall season is prime time to target bass using topwater baits.
The cooler nights drive baitfish into shallow waters, and bass sees this as an opportunity to fatten up for the winter. Thin water and ravenous female bass make for the ideal scenario to snag a topwater fish.
These fish will crush any topwater bait in any condition.
A few key factors trigger bass feeding, one of which is a sudden change in weather conditions.
A barometric drop (a drop in atmospheric pressure) or an approaching storm will make bass feed frequently, as will cloud cover.
A cold front can also influence bass feeding patterns significantly when temperatures increase.