When Bass Feed

All fish have their own temperature range they feel most comfortable. If you can find that temperature for any given season of the year, you will find the fish you are looking. As a general rule, fish that like warmer waer will be surface feeders in the summer and bottom feeders in the fall. Fish that like cooler water will feed deeper in the spring and on the surface in the fall. In late spring and fall, as the early morning sun warms the shallows by late morning, the bite is best. In the early spring, fish dark or mud bottoms because they hold heat the best. In the warmer months, bass prefer early morning and evening water temps and light conditions. As we know, bass become active a few hours before a major front comes through. Wind-blown banks are good because the wind pushes the warmer water and food against these banks bringing with it microorganisms and baitfish. Winter warm fronts can be good near the surface. Cloudy days are good in all seasons, but the fish may be scattered. Light rain condition are excellent as well, especially if it is a warm spring or summer rain. Fish usually shut down in a heavy rain. And, as you well know...its all about folowing the phytoplankton.

In the early spring, bass are not active during early morning because the sun has not warmed the surface of the water. During late morning to early afternoon the bite may be off or on as the water warms up. Fishing the wind-blown banks maybe your best bet. During the afternoon to early evening is best as the water has warmed to the maximum.

During the summer from early morning to late afternoon the bite can be excellent. The water is cool, light conditions are low and the food source is abundant. From late morning to early afternoon, the bite falls off because the fish have moved to deep structure. From afternoon to dark the bite is best because the water cools and light conditions lower.

During the fall in the early morning, the bite is poor from sunup to early morning because the water has cooled. From late morning to noon, the bite may be off or on in the shallow, warmer water. From afternoon to dark, the bite can be excellent as the water warms. Look for bait schools for active bass.

These are only general observations, but many of you have experienced these observations many times. This does not include winter fishing where bass suspend at their comfort temperature range which brings to mind that the F-N-F season is not far off.