This is the time of year that can be the hardest for most smallmouth fishermen. The water temperature is usually well into the lower 70's or higher depending where you live. Lures for this time of year are usually topwater in the shallow areas in the morning and worms, jigs and deep diving crankbaits during the rest of the day. Bass this time of year will come shallow at night to feed and are still hanging around at first light. After the sun comes up and the water heats up they will migrate back down to deeper water.
The best tactics for this season is to find deep ledges, deep weedbeds, underwater humps and deep points. Work these areas with either Texas rigged or Carolina rigged worms, deep diving crankbaits or jigs. The water clarity and the area you live will determine what really constitutes deep. In some lakes deep might only be 15 feet while in others it might be as deep as 30 to 50 feet.
When fishing this time of year always try to drink plenty of fluids and put on some sunscreen. To help you in preparing for the hot days of summer check the Heat Index below and prepare accordingly.
While fishing some of the more crowded lakes during the heat of the Summer instead of giving up and going home to mow the yard or do some other useful chore try this: When the water gets muddy or stained from all the waves of the pleasure boaters cast your lures up into the area. Use spinnerbaits or crankbaits or a fast moving jig or worm. This will simulate a baitfish or crawfish that got disoriented from the waves. Bass will normally hanging around the boundary between the clear and stained water.
You might also want to try night fishing during the summer months. Start out late in the evening as the water-skiers and pleasure boaters are leaving. Just be sure you know where you are going and that your running lights are working. Topwater baits, spinner baits, worms and jigs usually work best especially with a steady noisy retrieve.
