Will My Bass Come Back?

[BuffaloBass716]

So, its been really hot in Ny for the past two weeks and the fishing has slowed to a hault (for largemouth). Im 75% sure its the heat that is affecting the bass. I havent seen anyone else catch anything either. Does the summer heat make the bass stop biting and move away? When will they be back?

[Preytorien]

Having the same issue here in Central Indiana.....consecutive days in the high 80's and many in the mid 90's......the bass have all shut off.

 

Based on the posts and articles, they're deep, rill deep, and are tight to cover. I've tried everything, especially the recommended deep and slow finesse....still nothing.

 

I think we're just out of luck until the cooler evening temps start to allow the water to start cooling again.

 

The ole' dogs days of summer......bleh

[Sam]

The bass will stay in their "area" where they feel comfortable but they will head for deeper and cooler water.

 

Some bass have a "milk run" where they go from bush to bush to tree to tree to rock and rock and back to do it over again.

 

Other bass just take off and venture a few miles away to take up a new home.

 

If your water temperature is above 85* the bass have gone to the deeper water and that is where you will find them.

 

Good luck.

[Stren_g]

Water temp is a huge factor in how bass behave. From schooling in cold water, to spawn, to summer heat. Bass are warm water fish, but if it gets hot enough they'll often move to deeper water or find shade. There are some great articles here on BR on summer bassin you should read! As well as any other season lol

[aquaholic]

this makes me feel better about having a hard time hooking up with bass lately. Glad im not the only one.

[Stren_g]

Yep, get to deeper water, fish close to structure and fish early morning/late afternoon or night if you can.

[Mccallister25]

For people who fish ponds, say 15' and less, do they still hang out in the deepest part of the pond?

[Stren_g]

Not always the "deepest" but if the water is hot a good place to look is in "deeper" water than youve caught them before...Especially if there's any cover close by. Now this isn't always the case, there are always exceptions. I've seen bass cruise from cover to cover like Sam said. That's what makes bass fishing a challenge , the hunt for the fish.

[roadwarrior]

Well. the bass are actually much easier to catch right now, but the trick is finding them.

Bass are concentrated on deep structure on the Tennessee River. Ledge fishing rules

in July and August. 

 

We have tons of information in the BassResource Library. Search through "Fishing Articles"

for strategy and tips. Here is one from Mike Iaconelli: https://www.bassresource.com/fishing/deep_water_structure.html

[grampa1114]

Fish are cold blooded and when the water gets to 80 or 90 degrees their metabolisms are running at full speed so if you can find them.....you can catch them...Try fishing in spots that you would never think of fishing before....maybe too deep or no cover or just too much trouble because of the vegetation or the current might be too fast...the areas that bring you out of your comfort zone may be the bass's Shangri La.....whadda ya' got ta loose?

[Downeaster2010]

Fish are cold blooded and when the water gets to 80 or 90 degrees their metabolisms are running at full speed so if you can find them.....you can catch them...Try fishing in spots that you would never think of fishing before....maybe too deep or no cover or just too much trouble because of the vegetation or the current might be too fast...the areas that bring you out of your comfort zone may be the bass's Shangri La.....whadda ya' got ta loose?

Trout and salmon are cold blooded, but bass are a warm weather species.

[BrianSnat]

I've been doing OK just before sunset and a few hours afterward. Had one tough night where I was skunked but normally I'm picking up 3-6 bass in about 3 -4 hours of fishing.  Not great but not bad.

[EvanT123]

Try to find a freshwater spring or drainage pipe

[J Francho]

Trout and salmon are cold blooded, but bass are a warm weather species.

 

ALL fish are cold blooded, or endotherms.  Different species are adapted to different temperatures.  While bass prefer temps in the mid 70s, they certainly can and do live in much cooler, and much warmer waters.  Often times, temperatures are the key to unlocking a good bite. 

 

OP: Right now in NY, deep ledges near spawning sites are a good bet.  So are relatively shallow weed beds.  Fish are scattered, so keep moving and you can find them.

[Downeaster2010]

ALL fish are cold blooded, or endotherms.  Different species are adapted to different temperatures.  While bass prefer temps in the mid 70s, they certainly can and do live in much cooler, and much warmer waters.  Often times, temperatures are the key to unlocking a good bite. 

 

OP: Right now in NY, deep ledges near spawning sites are a good bet.  So are relatively shallow weed beds.  Fish are scattered, so keep moving and you can find them.

You should call Maine's fish and wildlife and let them know.  I believe they are totally unaware.

[J Francho]

You should call Maine's fish and wildlife and let them know.  I believe they are totally unaware.

 

I have no idea what you are talking about.  Can you explain?

[grampa1114]

Nice try John but I don't think he gets it......