As summer comes to a close and the weather starts to shift, fish behavior changes too. To keep catching through the transition, adjust your tactics. These end-of-summer switch-ups will help you stay ahead of the fish.
Follow the Fish as the Water Cools
During the heat of summer, many fish hold deep, near cooler water and offshore structure. As nights get cooler and surface temperatures drop, baitfish and predators often start moving shallower again, toward creek arms, flats and the edges of weed lines. Check both deep and shallow spots until you find where the fish are on your lake that week.
Tactic tip: Tungsten jigs and weights let you work deep structure efficiently while fish are still out there, and they're compact enough to fish shallow cover too.
Shop: Tungsten Jigs and Weights
Match Your Speed to the Fish
Cooling water can trigger a feeding spree, and fish chasing baitfish will often hit faster-moving baits. On tough days, especially after a cold front, slow down with soft plastics worked near cover.
Tactic tip: Have both ready: something to cover water, like a bladed swim jig or spinnerbait, and something slow, like a wacky worm or a frog worked slowly over grass.
Switch to Fluorocarbon in Clear Water
Water often clears up as summer algae blooms fade, which means fish can get a better look at your line. Fluorocarbon is hard for fish to see underwater and offers excellent abrasion resistance around rocks, weeds and cover.
Tactic tip: Tie a fluorocarbon leader to your braid in clear water or for skittish fish. See Fishing Leaders 101.
Go Natural on Colors
In clearing water, natural colors that look like baitfish, crawfish and other forage often outperform bright colors.
Tactic tip: Try natural-colored jigs and soft plastics like green pumpkin, brown or shad patterns.
Stay Versatile
Late summer weather and fish activity can change fast. Carry a mix of braided and fluorocarbon line, plus a variety of weights and lures, so you can adapt on the fly.
Tactic tip: Keep your gear organized in a quality tackle bag so you can switch tactics quickly.
Stay flexible and fine-tune your approach, and you'll keep catching as summer turns to fall. Then check out Mastering Fall Fishing with Braided Line.
Ready to adjust your tactics? Shop all Reaction Tackle gear and finish the summer strong.
