Fishing the Heat
How Summer Changes Everything
Summer is the most challenging season on South Bay waters, but it rewards anglers who adapt. Water temperatures climb into the 75–85°F range by July and August. Bass retreat to deeper, cooler water by mid-morning. Weed growth peaks, creating both excellent cover and frustrating snags. The fish are still there — they just require a different approach.
The golden rule of summer fishing: be on the water at first light. The two hours before sunrise to two hours after are everything. Surface temperatures are lowest, bass are most active in the shallows, and topwater bites that would be impossible by 9am are your for the taking at 6am. After that, adapt: go deep, go slow, or go home and come back at dusk.
Summer's compensation is the catfish night bite, which peaks during the warmest months. Set up on the dam at dusk with cut bait and stink bait and you'll find the fishing is just getting good when everyone else has gone home. Some of the biggest catfish of the year are caught on warm summer nights.
Summer Tactics
Beat the Heat
Buzzbaits, frogs, and walking baits from first light until around 8–9am. This is your topwater window — use it.
Heavy weed growth means excellent frog fishing. Walk a hollow-body frog over the mat and hang on.
Finesse rigs in 12–20 ft near deeper structure, dam faces, and rocky points for midday bass.
Set up at the dam or near inlets after dark with cut bait and stink bait. Peak summer catfish action is 9pm–midnight.
Carp feed actively in the early morning shallows before water temps rise. Corn and dough balls sight-fished are excellent.
Crappie suspend at 12–20 ft over brush piles to escape the heat. Vertical jig slowly for schooling fish.
Best Spots in Summer
Where to Go
Target Species
What to Fish For
