If you are wondering which is the best time for Bass fishing then you should know that Bass fishing does not only depend on any specific time, it also depends on the water body and Bass behavior.
Many anglers think that spring is the best time for catching Bass but it is not for all types of water bodies. Here we will be talking about seasonal Bass behavior specifically where you can locate Bass from season to season and how you can Bass professionally.
As conditions change from season to season Bass go on the move. Survival, feeding, and reproduction greatly contributes to seasonal movement. For food, a Bass must follow migrating food supplies.
For survival, they must seek ideal water temperatures and oxygen levels. For reproduction, they must spawn in areas where eggs can hatch successfully. Water temperature, Oxygen levels, light penetration, and food supply are all driving factors.
Fall Movement in the Year
The fall season begins with a movement from deep summer sanctuaries to shallower water. As temperatures begin to cool bait fish play a huge role this time of year.
On typical reservoir style lakes, schools of bait like shad will migrate into the shallower tributary arms where they become extremely active.
Shad are constantly on the move in the fall often roaming in slightly deeper areas of these creek arms for most of the day then retreating to shoreline cover in the evening.
Suitable Areas for Bass (Stripped/Largemouth) Fishing in Fall
With so much activity Bass have numerous opportunities to feed and they take full advantage of it. You can expect Bass to be located in a variety of areas but the common denominator is always nearby baitfish.
Fishing nearby bays and secondary points near the mouths of creeks can also be productive. You can expect Bass to be holding to various cover in these areas like boat docks, timber and grass lines.
Baitfish are so prominent therefore your choice of lure needs to reflect that. Shallow to medium-running crankbaits and willow leaf spinners baits are probably the most effective baits this time of year.
Also See: Best Traps & Pots for Crabbing.
Bass Fishing in Winter: Is it the Best Time in the Year?
cold water pushes Bass and shad to deeper main lake areas where water temperatures are more stable and less cold compared to shallower water.
Bass never hibernates, they do not stop feeding, and therefore they do not stop moving in the winter as well. Bass are cold-blooded which means their bodies adjust with the temperatures of their environment.
Coldwater slows down their biological process which is why they require less food and contain less energy.
Suitable Areas for Fishing in Winter
Less movement is a big factor in where and how you will catch Bass in winter. You can expect them to be located around structural areas with steep depth changes like the creek, channel drop-offs or rock ledges which allow them to cover depths quickly without exerting much energy.
Main lake humps, submerged roadbeds, standing timber in deeper water are all high percentage locations for Bass fishing. You might find them in groups at this time of year.
A slower presentation is usually needed in the winter since Bass feed less frequently and are less willing to chase baits. Baits like jigs, spoons, and rigs can hop slowly along the bottom and are great at probing deep vertical structure.
Spring is Best Time to Fish Topwater for Bass
the most exciting and diverse season for catching Bass is spring. Bass leave their winter asylum and begin the process of reproducing which involves building up energy in the pre-spawn.
Kayaking and fishing on it are better with these kinds of things. You can use a lightweight kayak and better kayak paddles to get the most out of it.
Obviously, it start working to hatch eggs in the spawn and then recovering from the stress of reproduction in the post-spawn.
Suitable Areas for Fishing in Spring
Bass in the pre-spawn stage begins to move closer to their desired spawning locations. As Bass leave their deep winter spots they tend to migrate back into tributary arms using the structure and cover exclusively as navigation points.
The best area for Bass in spring is any structure or cover between deep winter spots and spawning grounds. They might often want to take cover around tree stumps.
Bass become more and more active as the temperature warms and they also tend to stick to cover as they make this journey. Spinner-baits, crank-baits, lipless-baits, etc. can work quite well in this time of year.
In darker lakes, you can expect spawning Bass to be in shallower water and in clearer lakes you might see this occurring at deeper depths.
Bass Fishing in Summer
the summer heat pushes most Bass back to deep main lake sanctuaries where temperatures are cooler and shad are plentiful.
You might find summer Bass fishing areas a lot like winter, the only difference here is Bass remain very active Bass, unlike winter.
They are warm water fish after all and can bloom in the summer.
Suitable Areas for Summer Fishing
The deep main lake, river channels, ledges, and humps are common locations Bass fishing during summer. However, extreme heat is stressful; therefore to satisfy their stomach they feed aggressively but only in short bursts.
Another critical component of summer Bass fishing is depth as Bass is more often found in deeper water. Lack of light penetration and insufficient oxygen levels become an issue the deeper you go.
Fishermen often refer to something called the thermocline as the barrier to which Bass will not descend below.
Time is also a factor regarding Bass fishing. Bass do not run for baits all day, they choose a specific time according to season.
Best Time to Fish for Bass in the Day
If you are looking for the best time to fish for bass today, then check it out from below:
Early Morning for Bass Fishing
During winter, the best hours for Bass fishing is the early morning. The sunlight cannot enter the water body as the water is frozen. With best lipless bait for bass, the time can be very fruitful.
Therefore the frozen water deceives Bass and they think it is night time. For this, they stay on the mid-water level.
To catch Bass you need to drill the ice and throw your bait. For winter early morning fishing you need attractive colorful baits or lures which can attract Bass easily. Crankbaits, jigs, and rigs are best for this time.
Late Afternoon is Perfect for Topwater Bass Fishing in Spring
When the sun starts to set, spring Bass fishing time starts. As Bass are fish of lower light areas they start their hunting in the late afternoon. Another reason for choosing late afternoon is in spring the water remains less hot than morning time.
The lure style also depends on the area you are fishing in. In some areas, you can use top-water lures and for some spring Bass areas, you might have to use Spinner-baits, crank-baits, lipless, rigs, and some suitable jigs.
The night is the Best Time for Summer Bass Fishing
We, especially anglers know that Bass is for famous chasing baits at night or in the dark. Not only for Bass, but night time is also better for Angels as sunlight and heat cannot bother them while fishing.
Night time is best for the summer season as the water temperature remains low and also it is dark outside. Bass take the benefit of low light and warmer temperatures and get out for hunting. Therefore it is the best time for summer Bass fishing.
You can use baitfish or you can also use artificial lures for catching Bass. Keep in mind the bait you are using for fishing should be attractive and active, also use baits which can avoid vegetation around topwater.
What is the Best Time and Season
In terms of catching Bass, there is no such best time. You just need to choose a proper location and a proper time based on season and time of day. If you want to catch Bass winter do not hesitate to go for it, choose the area and time according to the guideline.
Every season has its own benefits and disadvantages. You are a person who likes a calm and cool environment then you should choose late afternoon summertime and If you like a calm environment and bass aplenty, you will definitely appreciate them.
A feeding pattern is also important in order to catch Bass. There are also some rules and regulations imposed on fishing otherwise you might be in trouble also breaking rules mean pushing species to extinction.
Last Few Words
However, you are on winter camping and want to go fishing at night or if you do not like early morning fishing, then you can also go for evening time. For this, you should take some extra gear for yourself.
Take an open tent, lantern, and quilt so that you can enjoy your Bass fishing comfortably.
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