Temperature and Seasonal effects on bass fishing.

by Gary Detonnancourt

• Bass move to shallower water in the spring when the water temperature reaches 53 degrees F.

• Clear lakes warm up slower than darker lakes.

• Bass are cold blooded and there feeding activity is dependant on the water temperature.

• Get yourself a good fishing thermometer.  Buy a Thermometer Now!

You can divide the year into 5 sections which effect your fishing:

1.  Pre-spawn (spring) - bass begin to school and feed heavily.  This is probably the best fishing of the year.  It occurs when the water temperature is between 53 and 62 degrees.

2.  Spawning (spring) - occurs when the water temperature reaches 62 degrees.  Bass are now located in shallow water usually between 2 and 10 feet.  They are constructing nests, laying eggs, or guarding fry.  At this time bass tend to shut down and become unresponsive to lures, however not all bass spawn at the same time so you may still catch some that are still in pre-spawn.  During this period you should look for warmer water near dams and shallow inlets.

3.  Early Summer - during this period bass are the most difficult to catch.  Females go back to deeper water and stop feeding for several weeks.  Males are guarding nests and fry.  Bass go through a resting period and become more aggressive as the water temperature begins to rise.

4.  Summer Peak - this is the longest part of the bass fishing season.  Bass have established themselves in holding areas.  Bass are at their peak of activity because of the warmer temperatures, however, food supplies are also abundant.  Fishermen would say that the "bite" is on which means that bass have become predictable as to the time of day they will feed which is usually at dawn and in the evening hours.  Weather patterns are very important at this time.  Water temperatures above 80 degrees can stop bass from feeding and so can sudden cold fronts.  Look for stable weather patterns when choosing fishing days in the summer.

5.  Late summer / Early Fall - this time of year is almost as good as the pre-season spawn.  Bass can sense that colder weather is on the way and begin a feeding frenzy.

6.  Turnover - occurs when the water temperature drops below 56 degrees.  Bass become lethargic and tough to entice.

Reference:  

All-Color Bass Fishing Guide