It’s summertime and most kids are done with school and looking for stuff to do. Bass fishing in June can be just the thing to get youngsters out to the pond with a few buddies to make some memories. Or with family. Bring a picnic lunch, bask in nature, and maybe catch a few fish. That’s where we come in.
Last updated on July 14th, 2024 at 02:30 pm
SUMMARY: Bass fishing in June can be highly productive, especially in ponds and small lakes. Different regions in the U.S. require unique tactics due to varying temperatures and precipitation. Use topwater lures in the South, spinnerbaits in the Central states, and swimbaits in the North to adapt to local bass patterns.
The warm weather of June often makes bass more active, but regional differences in temperature and precipitation require tailored approaches.
Remember that bass behavior in your area in June is less about the calendar and more about water temperatures, as we discuss in our breakdown of the fishing “seasons.” While the South is solidly in early summer patterns, our central U.S. and Northern friends may not quite be there yet. In any case, bass can be caught. It helps to know a few tips, strategies, tactics, and lures geared for your region, whether that the southern, central, or northern United States.
In general, June will be the front edge of a likely hotter-than-usual summer in much of the U.S. in a swath from the Northwest to the Southeast, and centered in the Midwest, with an increased chance of drought conditions in those areas. Central U.S. on the eastern side of the country could see wetter-than-usual conditions.
Bass Fishing in June for Your Region
Across the country, bass are mostly in early summer and post-spawn mode. Bass fishing icon Mike Iaconelli says wherever you are, there are four lures that will help you dominate in June. The common thread: They all cover a lot of water and they’re big and bold. We go into more regional specifics below, but as a general guide for bass fishing in June, do like Ike:
- Crankbait – Use as deep a diver as you can based on your pond’s depth. and target points and offshore ledges and humps when possible. Use it to find fish, then slow down as you target those areas.
- Topwater – A frog or buzzbait can be effective around grass or other heavy cover. When dealing with matted vegetation, a frog can be killer.
- Football Jig – Ike calls it “stroking.” Drag the jig until it hits cover. Then pop the rod upward and let the jig fall on semi-slack line.
- Big Worm – We’re talking about a 10-12 incher, or a shorter but fatter worm, Texas rigged with a weight and a big hook. If you need color options, try green pumpkin, watermelon red, and junebug.
Southern United States
In the southern United States, June typically brings the heat, with occasional rain showers. This is the early summer pattern and bass are often found in deeper waters during the hottest part of the day but move to shallower areas during early mornings and late evenings.
Focus your efforts during the cooler parts of the day. Early morning and late evening are prime times when bass are actively feeding in the shallows. Look for bass under lily pads, docks, and overhanging trees. These provide shade and cooler water. We recommend targeting those shallow bass from two directions: The surface of the water and the bottom of the pond.
Topwater lures to consider are frogs and poppers. These mimic the action of surface prey and are particularly effective during low-light conditions. And don’t discount the latest frogs with popper action to get the best of both worlds, including the ability to go weedless. Probe the bottom with Texas-rigged worms and wacky worms with a weed-guard. Drop these in gaps in vegetation to reach hidden bass.
Frogs are a top pond lure, and you should have one with you at all times. Selecting your frog style can be very personal. I tend to go with the soft plastic guys with paddle feet that can be rigged Texas-rig style. You can drag it along the water surface as a top-water bait, or let it sink and hop it along the bottom.
As temperatures rise, bass retreat to deeper, cooler waters. While this makes them harder to locate, a good search bait can help. Spinnerbaits and crankbaits cover a lot of area and help you find cover to target. Make sure your crankbait’s depth rating matches your pond, which is likely to be more shallow than a typical lake. Once you find cover or fish, Texas-rigged worms or creature baits can be slowly worked along the bottom where bass are lurking.
Central United States
In the central United States. June has a split personality, divided between presummer and early summer conditions. As such, June offers a mix of warm days and cooler nights with moderate rainfall. Bass behavior here can vary more widely, making adaptability key. Depending on the weather, bass may be active at various times throughout the day.
Spinnerbaits are versatile lures that can be used in various water conditions and depths while you’re trying to locate fish. Jerkbaits are another option, effective in both clear and murky waters, by mimicking injured prey and attracting predatory bass.
Be prepared to adjust your techniques based on changing conditions, such as rain or sunny days. Louder lures like buzzbaits can draw bass out during a summer rain storm. After the storm, water may be murkier, so choose brightly colored lures to increase visibility.
Northern United States
Up north, a lot is going on in June. The spawn may be ongoing in early June, giving way to postspawn before starting to ramp up for presummer late in the month. June in the northern United States often brings cool temperatures and increased rain. Bass are typically more active throughout the day compared to their southern counterparts. With generally cooler conditions, bass may stay closer to the shorelines.
Swimbaits mimic smaller fish and are a solid option that can be used at various depths. Wacky-rigged worms are perfect for slowly working through the shallows and around structures. Lipless crankbaits can cover a lot of water quickly, helping you locate schools of bass. Use jigs around rocks and submerged trees where bass may be hiding.
Weather Trends for Bass Fishing in June 2024
Conclusion
Bass fishing in June offers unique challenges and rewards across the southern, central, and northern United States. By understanding the regional weather patterns and adapting your techniques accordingly, you can increase your chances of landing that trophy bass. Remember to use the right lures at the right times and adjust your strategies based on the behavior of the bass and the conditions of the water. Happy fishing!
Resources
- Top Four Bass Baits for June – Deep Dive into Summer Bass Fishing – blog.mikeiaconelli.com
