You can really improve your success rate when Bass fishing by understanding the best time of day and year to get out there. This species – and every subspecies – can be very picky when it comes to temperature, so knowing how they behave in different conditions should dictate when and how you fish.
There’s a lot to understand, as temperature not only impacts timing but also the water where Bass will hold in a lake or river. The tolerances also obviously change between different Bass species. However, for the purposes of this article, I’ll mainly focus on Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass. There are some notes about Striped Bass, Peacock Bass, and other varieties as well to help round out your game, so read on to discover the best times to fish for Bass wherever they swim!
Timing Depends on Many Factors
Bass don’t feed on a regular schedule. They’re most active when the conditions are optimal and food is available. The most successful anglers can work through multiple variables to understand when the food and water temperatures combine to reach an ideal condition set. Of course, you can catch Bass when conditions are not perfect as well. But you’ll increase your chances by following these tips…
Core Temperature
The biggest factor in timing involves temperature. However, the optimal temperature range can vary geographically. For example, Bass in the north might be a little more cold-hardy than those in the south. As a general rule, Smallmouth Bass have a lower temperature tolerance than Largemouth, and this is one reason you see big populations in western rivers.
For Smallmouth Bass specifically, activity peaks as the water temperature climbs over 70 degrees Fahrenheit and continues into the 80-degree range. For Largemouth Bass, water temperatures around 80ºF are ideal. That said, they’re still active in the 70s.
Seasonal Changes
Seasonality correlates with water temperature but also with food sources. For example, dragonflies, frogs, and other food sources are more abundant during the summer months. Water temperatures are also favorable during this time period and Bass are generally more active.
As a warm-water species, Bass are generally more available in the summer. Yet, some of the best action can occur in April and May around the spring spawning season. Fall is also great so long as the temperatures remain stable. As the water cools, the Bass are less aggressive and the best time to fish for them will be around midday when the water – and weather – is warmest.
Winter conditions can drop water temperatures to uncomfortable levels. While this slows activity, it can also concentrate the Bass into schools. Find the schools and use a static approach to continue catching fish even in cold conditions.
Time of Day Variables
What hour of the day should you be pursuing Bass? In my opinion, you should fish whenever you have the time! We have busy lives and it makes sense to go fishing at noon even when the bite might be better later in the evening. Use the time you have available because you can catch Bass at any hour.
If you can pick and choose times to fish, focus your efforts around first and last light. This applies to many species as they have a spike in activity as the light shifts. For cold weather, target the warmest hours of the day. This is often around midday or early afternoon hours each day. A thermometer is also handy for tracking temperature.
During summer, the warm waters create long feeding windows for Bass. Some of the largest specimens are caught at night. If you don’t mind burning the midnight oil, take the night shift. It comes with the benefit of avoiding the heat of the day and the biggest fishing pressure – and the action can be outright spectacular!
Weather Patterns
Weather can alter the best fishing windows on any given day. Personally, I think pressure is a major factor to consider for any species. Sudden changes in pressure can shut things down until it stabilizes. Very high or low-pressure systems can bring the bite to a halt.
The time frame a day ahead of a storm can offer the best fishing window. Just before a big pressure change, Bass and other species tend to hunt a little harder for food. When the pressure shifts, they slow down and hold onto their previously acquired calories. When it stabilizes after the storm, activity picks up again.
Always watch the weather and don’t be afraid to fish through light rain and storms that don’t alter pressure dramatically. Generally, focusing your efforts on the front and back end of storm systems is a good approach.
Judging the Moon Cycle
Anglers go in circles when it comes to the moon cycle and its impact on fishing. The general consensus states that a bright moon has the fish feeding all night. They’re less active during the day according to this philosophy.
While this may be true, I stress that you should fish when time allows. If you have a flexible schedule, fish hard during the day when a new moon arrives. The night is darker and, in theory, Bass are more active during the day. As the moon grows and offers more light, really focus on the early morning, late evening, and even the night hours to catch more Bass on a lunar cycle.
Are all Bass species the same?
Not all Bass were are created equal! Okay, that’s a little harsh but there are many different Bass out there – each with different habits. As a general rule, freshwater Bass species are warm-water fish that prefer water temperatures over 70 degrees. White Bass are an exception to this rule as they do well with temperatures in the 50s and 60s. Peacock Bass are more akin to Largemouth and their tropical environments call for temperatures in the 70s and 80s.
Striped Bass are unique in that they’ve evolved to live in the Atlantic Ocean. They’re adaptable and we have many Striper fisheries in freshwater lakes across the US, too. The species has a broader range of comfortable temperatures and can remain active in water from the mid-50s up to the low 70s without issue.
Where to Target Bass – And When
It would take an encyclopedia to cover the entirety of Bass fishing opportunities, but the following regions are particular hotspots. If you travel to the tropics for Peacock Bass, timing is all about the wet and dry season. For Striped Bass in saltwater, timing tends to coincide with spawning runs and bait fish behavior that leads to feeding frenzies. As for other Bass…
- Western and Northern US (and Canada). With cold temperatures across much of the west, Rocky Mountain states, and northern states in general, the best opportunities occur during peak summer. You’ll find some exceptions in Southern California and the Desert Southwest where mild spring, fall, and winter temperatures offer longer seasons. Canada has great Bass fishing as well, and the most productive months are late spring through peak summer.
- Midwest US. As you move into the midwest, seasons for Bass fishing begin with the spring spawn and last into the fall. The northern edges of this region cool more quickly while the transitions into a southern zone have longer shoulder seasons. There are some seriously big Bass in this zone as well.
- Southern US and Mexico. This is a Bass fishing hot zone with huge reservoirs and year-round fishing. In extreme winter years, it can become too cold but only for short periods of time. During major heat waves, it can also become too hot to fish. For the most part, however, the warm waters are ideal for Bass throughout the year.
Bass Fishing Times FAQs
What time of year and day will you target Bass?
Now that you understand the factors influencing peak Bass activity, put them to use to find your best time windows. For example, you might observe that the water is very warm, the moon is full, and a storm is coming in a few days. That all combines for great night fishing conditions ahead of the storm front.
Learning to observe and account for all of the factors that influence Bass leads to better deductive reasoning. While these rules can drive better timing, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t fish outside of the most opportune windows. Big Bass can be caught at random and they can defy logic sometimes. If you have the itch to fish, don’t wait for the stars to align. Get outside and catch a Bass!
When do you target Bass in your region? We’d love to hear about what times are working for different types of Bass. Reach out in the comments below!
The post The Best Bass Fishing Times: An Angler’s Guide appeared first on FishingBooker Blog.
https://ift.tt/lGwsE75
0 Comments
Enregistrer un commentaire