10 Tips for Catching Late Summer Bass

Late summer can be a tricky time for bass fishing. The water is warm, vegetation is thick, and the bass can be lethargic. With the right approach, however, you can still catch plenty of bass during the doldrums of late summer. 

Here are 10 tips for increase your late summer bass fishing success:

1. Fish Early and Late - During the hottest part of the day, bass seek cooler water and cover. Focus on the mornings and evenings when they are more active.

2. Downsize Your Lures - In warm water, bass are less aggressive. Use smaller, more subtle lures like finesse worms and small crankbaits that mimic this year's forage and often trigger more strikes. 

3. Fish Deeper - Bass often move to deeper, cooler water in the summer. Target drop-offs, creek channels, and structure in 15-20 feet of water.

4. Look for Shady Spots - Shady cover like docks, overhanging trees, and floating vegetation give bass relief from the sun. Key in on these shady ambush spots.

5. Try Topwater Poppers - Despite the heat, early morning and late evenings are prime times for topwater plugs. Keep the fish are looking up!

6. Follow the Baitfish - Find the bait, find the bass. Schools of shad, perch, shiners, herring and bluegill are magnets for hungry largemouth and smallmouth bass.

7. Fish at Night - Some of the best summer action happens after dark. Big bass become more active and often feed under the cover of darkness.

8. Stay on the Move - Keep moving and cover water until you locate where the bass are holding. Bass often shift locations day to day and sometimes over the course of the same day.

9. Watch the Wind and Weather - Bass become more active with changes in barometric pressure and when wind/cloud cover are on the increase.

10. Beat the Heat - Hydrate, use sun protection, and take breaks. Don't overexert yourself fishing in hot summer conditions.

Late summer bass fishing can be fantastic if you adjust your tactics. Following these tips will help you catch more bass during the dog days of summer and with the right approach, you can enjoy some of the best action of the year.