Warm Fronts
Warm fronts are very good for fishing the majority of the time. Warm fronts are usually followed by some stable weather for a few days, which makes for some excellent fishing conditions. In the spring, a warm front is what is needed to make smallmouth bass more active. During the summer, a warm front or heat wave can actually push smallmouth bass out into deeper water, especially in clearer water. In the fall, a warm front can provide some excellent fishing. Smallmouth bass will feed in the cold and even after a cold front in the fall as they get feed up to get ready for the winter. A warm front will keep the fish feeding, however, it makes fishing more comfortable for anglers.
Cold Fronts
During cold fronts, smallmouth bass will typically go deeper and remain inactive for a day or two. The type of water, time of year and degree of cold front will dictate just how much the fishing changes. Even though cold fronts will make the fishing tougher, that doesn’t mean that you can’t get a few fish to bite.
In rivers, cold fronts don’t change the fishing too much. If it’s a drastic cold front, then fishing may slow down, but most of the time you can catch a lot of smallmouth bass in rivers after a cold front.
In rivers, cold fronts don’t change the fishing too much. If it’s a drastic cold front, then fishing may slow down, but most of the time you can catch a lot of smallmouth bass in rivers after a cold front.
Best Tips for Catching Smallmouth Bass After a Cold Front
Fish a River
Since the bite usually doesn’t slow down after a cold front, go fish the river. It’s an easy way to keep catching fish when the guys on the lake may be struggling.
Downsize Your Baits
Most anglers will downsize their baits and use more of a finesse-style of fishing after a cold front. This can be very effective and may help you get another 3, 4 bites or more on the day.
Fish Deeper
Many smallmouth bass go deeper, so this is usually a good way to get your baits in front of more fish. Most of them may not want to eat, but at least you’re fishing the right area. Get your bait in front of enough of them and you’ll probably put a few more fish in the boat before you head off the water.
Use Live Bait
Live bait is tough to beat and after a cold front, it might be your best bet to still have some success.
Fall Cold Fronts Can Help the Fishing
During the fall, cold fronts can actually help the fishing. Smallmouth bass feed heavily in the fall to put on some weight for the winter. A cold front helps lower water temperatures which will help push some fish into the shallows. During the fall, anglers usually can catch fish shallow and deep. A severe cold front near the end of fall may slow down the fishing, but a cold front throughout any other part of the fall shouldn’t make fishing difficult.
