How will, do Top Water lures work in November in Pennsylvania?

[Jim Sutter]

Hopefully, it will warm up as the week goes by. I'm thinking about, trying my luck using "Top Water" lures. Good idea or not?

[scaleface]

Usually not this far north but I remember catching bass during the snow on a winter day with buzzbaits . I would not have thought it but they were busting shad in a cove .

[Deleted account]

As long as you pick your spots, and aren't stubborn about it, you can catch a couple. The water temp has been on a downward trend for a few days, so that usually makes it a little tougher. If you are set on using top water, you could find some warm water discharges. 

[smalljaw67]

I'm in PA and topwater was good into the first week of November. This latest cold trend has sent water temps down into the low 50s and I don't see it getting too much better. In all the years I've been at this I can say that once the water temp drops below 55 for more than 3 days straight, the topwater bite here will be done, we will still get some warm days but they aren't long enough to warm the water to get a topwater bite. You can still try it, there are 2 baits that I would use, a Popper or a buzzbait, the popper is slow enough that you may entice a strike or two and the buzzbait may get you a reaction strike from a fish hanging up in the water column. To put it in perspective, you might get 1, maybe 2 strikes on a topwater right now but there won't be a steady bite, shallow running jerkbaits are your best bet if you have enough water clarity, and right now is the best time of year for me with an under spin rigged with a fluke Jr. or small swimbait.

[fishballer06]

The waters around here are already in the 40's. I've personally never had any luck with topwater once it gets down below 59-60*, but I've heard of guys catching them in 55-56* water on top. So results may vary, but I wouldn't expect much luck now.

[Mr. Aquarium]

im in MA and was getting fish on topwater last week. my buddy in northern maine was getting fish last week on topwaters to!  all at night! 

[Brett's_daddy]

I'm no expert by any means but I think you'd have a more productive and less frustrating day if you threw some shallow jerkbaits like some x-raps or something or maybe slow roll a spinnerbait. Also, get yourself a pair of nice warm fishing gloves as that 50 degree water combined with 40 degree air temp will chill bare hands to the bone pretty quick!

[Pro Logcatcher]

Yesterday in NC it was cold and raining. Perfect for fishing! I ended up catching my fish on a swim jig and a white buzzbait.

[Brett's_daddy]

17 minutes ago, Pro Logcatcher said:

Yesterday in NC it was cold and raining. Perfect for fishing! I ended up catching my fish on a swim jig and a white buzzbait.

Cold and rain in North Carolina is not the same though as the cold and rain further North like in PA.

[Pro Logcatcher]

2 hours ago, Brett's_daddy said:

Cold and rain in North Carolina is not the same though as the cold and rain further North like in PA.

Don't I know it! I originally lived in Ohio, and 45 degrees is nothing there.

[Jim Sutter]

Good Evening Everyone,

Thank you for all your replies. I will take your advice and stay away from top water lures. Please take care and have a wonderful and safe evening.

[YoTone]

my friend just caught a 4lber on a jitterbug last weekend.

crazy

[Deleted account]

Got one on a mini buzzbait Saturday while pickerel fishing.