Late Summer Smallmouth

With August quickly approaching, we are certainly in the dog days of summer.  It’s easy to head out to the lake and cast out hundreds of times pulling nothing out but weeds.  Now is the time to think…DEEP.  Due to the increasing water temp, it is important to press out to 25-30 feet deep.  It is here where you will find the lunker you are looking for. 

Currently, Smallmouth Bass in Northern Idaho Lakes such as Lake Coeur d’Alene (particularly Cougar Bay and the Chain Lakes area), Hayden, Cocolalla, Preist, and Pond Oreille are hitting Twin Tail Grubs on a football jig bounced on the bottom.  Colors such as cinnamon with black fleck, or smoke with black fleck are garnering bites.  Work a bounce and slow retrieve motion, and don’t be afraid to let it rest on the bottom for 3-4 seconds at a time.  In stained water, stick to chartreuse or white.  Make sure to lookout for long points, or changes from rocky shoreline to sand.  Finally, look for drop offs of 7-8 feet or more.  These drop-offs will generally hold bass throughout the late summer pattern. 

Finally, Smallmouth Bass love rocks and boulders.  Take the time to know your lake floor.  Look for easy access routes to cover or deeper water.  Most of all, vary your retrieve pattern until you find the one that gets the aggressive bites.  Remember, a slow day on the lake is better than a good day at work.  So take your time, have fun, and land that lunker Smallmouth.