By Eric Rollins
As summer temperatures rise and anglers begin scratching their heads, it can seem as though largemouth bass have simply swum off the map.
The truth is they are still there. You just have to think like a bass to stay on the right track.
As summer settles in and water temperatures climb, largemouth bass undergo noticeable changes in behavior. Understanding these habits can help anglers improve their success during the hottest months of the year and keep them from feeling like they have lost the school.
I have found that during early summer, bass often remain relatively shallow as they recover from the spawn and feed aggressively. However, as temperatures continue to rise, many bass seek more comfortable conditions. They commonly move to deeper water, shaded cover, thick vegetation, boat docks, submerged timber, or offshore structure where cooler temperatures and higher oxygen levels can be found.
Bass also adjust their feeding schedules during the summer. Rather than feeding throughout the day, they become most active during low light periods such as early morning, late evening, and even after dark. Midday fishing can still be productive, but anglers often need to target heavy cover or deeper water where bass retreat from the summer heat. That is why the early bird often catches more than just the worm.
Another key summertime habit anglers should consider is bass positioning around available forage. Schools of baitfish often attract bass to points, ledges, creek channels, and weed edges. Finding the groceries is often the quickest way to hook into success.
While summer bass can be challenging to locate, understanding their need for comfort, oxygen, shade, and food can make all the difference. Keep these habits in mind, and you will be more likely to land a few summertime lunkers instead of coming home with nothing but fish stories.
Here is to happy fishing and memories that will last a lifetime!
