Best Time to Fish for Bass

BEST PERIODS TO FISH

If you're wondering when to fish for bass or which periods during the year are best, particularly if you want to know how to catch fish that are large, you should learn about bass spawning behavior. Largemouth bass generally spawn during late winter in the southern regions of the U.S., and during late spring in the northern parts. The one factor that most influences spawning activity is water temperature. When the water temperature reaches about 60 degrees, bass begin feeding heavily and move into shallower water to nest.

The important thing to remember about pre-spawn and spawning periods; however, is that in some states bass fishing season may be closed. The reason for this is because spawning fish will be carrying eggs and need to be handled with care. Be sure to check your state's freshwater fishing regulations before planning a trip.

Another good period to consider is after the bass have recovered from spawning. After female bass spawn, it takes a few weeks for them to regain an appetite. Although, once they do, it's likely that they will begin feeding heavily again for another couple of weeks. Figuring out when to fish for bass is easier once you understand these spawning patterns.

BEST TIME TO FISH FOR BASS

Once you know the best periods or seasons during the year to fish, you can focus on the best time to fish for bass and select the bass fishing lures that will be the most productive. There are basically three times during a 24-hour period that are usually the best time to fish for bass. If you go fishing during the lowest light hours of the day, you should get more bites.

EARLY MORNING

The early morning hours can prove to be quite successful for bass fishing. Baitfish activity often increases around sunrise while light conditions are still low. The best bait for bass during the morning hours is usually a minnow or shiner. If you are more interested in fishing with artificial lures, keep in mind that topwater poppers or plugs should work when worked around shorelines or vegetation.

LATE AFTERNOON

When the sun starts set, bass will once again take advantage of lower light conditions to feed. Much like early mornings, late afternoons can create prime conditions for topwater lures as well. This specifically holds true during the summer months, although you may have to experiment with different retrieve speeds to see if the fish are more attracted to a fast retrieve or slow retrieve.

NIGHT

Bass are known to feed more heavily at night than during any other time of day. This makes night the best time to fish for bass. Not only are bass more active, there are often fewer anglers and less commotion on the waterways during the evening hours. Summer, in specific, can be a very good time to go fishing at night. Bass will take advantage of the cooler water temperatures and low light to feed before the heat and sunlight return.