Too hot for lake fishing? Rivers beckon
Only a few months ago, it would have taken considerable persuading for me to fish anywhere than an area lake. Daytime highs were bearable, the water temperature reaching that magical number and with bass moving into shallow water to embark upon their annual spawning.
Fishing in the spring is especially enjoyable, especially with a floating worm. Picture a bass engulfing the lure and unsuspectingly swimming into the depths for a practically intoxicating experience.
Truthfully, the weeks following the spawn run a close second for enjoyment. Although it can prove fatiguing, I seldom resort to anything other than a jerkbait, which can entice practically anything with a sweet-tooth for shad or other baitfish into biting.
With spring and early summer behind us, coaxing fish from area lakes has become progressively harder. One can still boat a limit at times or find the waters desolate of life, even a small bass.
Even on the most sultry and miserable summer days, fish can be caught. I know anglers who change their tactics and experience a fair share of success.
I prefer changing waters, securing the kayak atop my rig and heading for a small river.
We’re blessed with miles of rivers cutting their way through the Ouachitas. They’re no different from our lakes in that there are simply stretches of water that are nonproductive. But other sections provide the optimal habitat for fish to thrive.
These locations appear less affected by the hard knocks of summer than lakes, though the anglers still must to resort a few tricks to experience consistent success.
Many anglers night-fish for summertime bass on our lakes with success. River fishing often is not feasible with navigating through lily pads, shoals and under overhanging tree limbs proving somewhat unnerving and burdensome.
Fortunately, rivers are also productive from daylight till mid-mornings. I’ve even experienced success while casting a chugger in shaded areas during the hottest part of the day. And let’s not forget the late evening, when the sun is sinking low in the sky and is diffused by dust particles floating in the air.
Okay, so what to use? First, be mindful that bass consider baitfish as an optimal food source. It would, in turn, prove beneficial to carry along a few minnow lookalikes.
Even though bass feed on baitfish in our local rivers, crustaceans are likely to be more plentiful in these types of waters. That in mind, consider bouncing a soft plastic across the substrate.
Frogs are also plentiful along our river’s edges along with small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Bass are certainly not beyond feeding on these creatures. I always carry along a few topwater baits, one of my river-fishing staples.
Be aware that river and lake bass share many habits. Both naturally gravitate toward submerged cover, thus consider choosing lures designed in a manner that they are somewhat weedless.
Several weeks of summer still lurk ahead. But that’s no reason for fishing gear to gather dust. Some remain steadfast at pursuing bass on our area lakes while others try their luck on small rivers.
As for river fishing, I can’t think of a better setting to enjoy my favorite outdoor activity during the hottest time of the year. And who’s to say that the fish of a lifetime isn’t waiting around the next bend.