With the arrival of summer and the rains soaking the landscape, bass anglers are gearing up for an exciting transition period. Rain affects water temperature, oxygen levels, and visibility, often making bass more active and changing their typical hiding spots. In this post, we will dive into the tactics to help you make the most of post-rain bass fishing, including gear recommendations and technique tips to improve your success.
- Take Advantage of Increased Activity in Shallows
- Why It Works: After a rain, the shallows often have more oxygen and food sources as runoff enters the water, bringing insects and small prey. This makes shallower spots prime hunting grounds for bass.
- Tips: Target areas where water flows into the dam, as bass tend to position themselves near these areas to ambush prey.
- Gear Suggestions: Consider using shallow-diving crankbaits, spinnerbaits, or topwater lures to mimic the movement of baitfish and small insects in these zones.
- Use Lures that Stand Out in Muddy Waters
- Why It Works: Rain can wash soil into the dam and churn up sediment, leading to muddy water with reduced visibility. Bass rely more on vibrations and colour contrasts to locate prey.
- Tips: Choose lures with bright colours or larger, more visible profiles. Also, consider using lures that produce sound or vibration, like chatterbaits or rattling crankbaits.
- Gear Suggestions: Look for lures in bold colours such as chartreuse, orange, or red, which are easier for bass to spot in cloudy water. Spinnerbaits with flashy blades can also help attract attention.
- Capitalize on Increased Surface Activity with Topwater Lures
- Why It Works: Overcast skies and rain can encourage bass to feed closer to the surface, making it a perfect time to try topwater fishing.
- Tips: Cast around vegetation, submerged logs, or near structures where bass hide, waiting to strike.
- Gear Suggestions: Frog lures, whopper ploppers, and buzzbaits work exceptionally well in post-rain conditions. Use slower retrievals to mimic the movement of wounded prey.
- Explore Weedy and Vegetated Areas
- Why It Works: With cooler water and higher oxygen levels, vegetation provides both cover and comfort for bass post-rain.
- Tips: Use a weedless presentation in areas with dense vegetation to avoid snags. Look for patches near shorelines or backwater sections where bass hide after rain.
- Gear Suggestions: Weedless soft plastics, like crawfish imitators or Texas-rigged worms, allow for natural presentations in vegetation-heavy areas.
- Don’t Forget the Drop Shot or Texas Rig for Finesse Fishing
- Why It Works: A subtle approach can be effective if water clarity remains high and bass are more hesitant. The drop shot and Texas rig excel in pressured waters.
- Tips: Slowly work your lure along the bottom, giving the bass time to investigate.
- Gear Suggestions: Stock up on natural-coloured soft plastics and weights from your favourite brands. Adjust the weight depending on the water depth and conditions.
Bonus Tips for Success After the Rain
- Pay attention to wind direction and fish on the side of the dam where the wind pushes baitfish.
- Adjust your retrieve speed to match bass activity; sometimes a slower approach is best if the water is still a bit cool after the rain.
- Bring along polarized sunglasses to help spot bass movements in the shallow zones and submerged structures.
The summer rains bring new opportunities for bass anglers willing to adapt to changing conditions. By understanding where bass are likely to be and which lures perform best in post-rain conditions, you can increase your chances of landing a trophy catch.
Ready to gear up? Visit our store to stock up on the latest post-rain fishing essentials, and let us know your go-to tactics for fishing after the first rain of summer!