Seasonal Transition for Bass Fishing
As the bass transition into summer, water temperatures begin to rise, causing changes in their behavior and their forage. Just like a white-tail deer in the fall moving towards the best food source, bass will adjust their location to follow the predominant food source in the system.
Following the Food Source
In lakes with shad, it’s important to follow the patterns of the shad. After the bass spawn, the shad will spawn next, and during the early summer period, the bass will stay in the shallows. However, as the temperatures continue to rise, bass will begin to move deeper because the shad is moving deeper as well.
The shad will head towards the main lake, and the bass will follow, gravitating towards offshore-type structures such as river ledges, main lake humps, and main lake points. These areas offer the bass access to deeper, cooler water where they can find food.
Structural Features and Bass Behavior
When targeting bass, it’s crucial to look for a structural feature close to a good food source. A structural feature refers to a depth change—such as a river ledge or main lake point—rather than cover like a grass bed or rock pile. In the summer, bass are more likely to be found near the main lake, closer to deeper water areas.
As the bluegills and baitfish move out of the shallows and into deeper waters, the bass will follow them.
By focusing on these structural features and the movement of forage, you can more effectively target bass during the summer months.
FAQs
