Bass Fishing Tip of the Week 09/20/2011: Fishing Current When It's Hot

Finding feeding bass can be very difficult when the surface temperatures soar over the 90 degree mark. Often fish go deep and are dormant until late evening or early morning temperatures are more to their liking and they start to feed. So what can you do in the meantime during most of the day when you are out fishing?

If you are fishing a lake or reservoir with inlet tributaries give those feeder arms a try especially if the area has had some rain in recent history. The current in those tributaries often brings in new nutrients that attract both baitfish and their predators. The highly oxygenated water can also heighten the largemouth's metabolism.

The 1st place to try is the mouth of the tributary. Depending on the water depth a Texas rigged worm or Carolina rig tossed up into the current can often entice a strike. Work the center of the incoming current as well as the corners of the mouth to determine where the fish are staged and what type of structure may be present.

A crankbait can also be effective in this area. If the water depth is 9 feet or less or the fish are suspended give the #9 silver black back shad rap a try. Toss it upstream and work it back fairly rapidly so you can maintain contact with the lure. Too much slack in your line will make it hard to work the bait correctly and to detect a strike.

If the mouth of the tributary isn't producing move upstream and look for structure either on your depthfinder or simply things sticking up out of the water such as wood or grass. Try the same lures always working the lure from upstream to the boat.

So the next time your on the water and the fish aren't biting give the current a try and you may put a smile on your face.

Until next time, Tightlines!

The Largemouth Herald