While looking around the Internet the other day, I happened across a breakdown of typical water-temperature ranges and what styles of baits and techniques seem to work best in those ranges. It's by no means a comprehensive list but rather a collection of general observations of what seems to work at various temperatures. Bottom line: If you have a system that works for you, stay with it. That being said, here's the list I found online:
32 to 40 Degrees
This is cold stuff! A Carolina rig, a small blade bait, or a hair jig can be good options. Think teeny tiny movements and hope your bait drops right on the head of a bass. It can be tough getting bites in these conditions, but it isn't impossible. You really need to make sure you have fish in the spot you are fishing. Bass don't chase bait much when water is this cool.
40 to 50 Degrees
Things still are cold at this range, but you might get more bites. Try using lipless cranks ripped up from the bottom to get reaction strikes. Plus, jerkbaits and rubber-skirted football jigs can be good options in these cool-water conditions. The bass aren't moving a ton but still might be enticed to eat a little more. Subtle, slow movements are still in vogue for bass at these temperatures.
50 to 60 Degrees
The bass begin moving around more at these temperatures but still often are found tight to the bottom. Try using drop shots, shaky-head jigs, and subtle swimbaits. Bass will move out to crush these items in this water temp. Some of your best days on the water likely will come in this range, which indicates a swing in seasons for bass. They typically are eating up to either prepare for the spawn or the winter, depending on when you are fishing.
60 to 70 Degrees
Fun times can be had in this range. The bass usually are chomping pretty well. Throw moving baits like crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Once you locate fish, try pitching and flipping soft plastics at them in cover. A wide arsenal of baits will find you bites in these temps. You can be sure bass are needing to eat at these times, so concentrate first on finding them. After that's accomplished, you can use what you like to catch them.
70 to 80+ Degrees
These warmer temperatures make bass super aggressive. This is a good time to break out your topwater baits. Also look for bass to hang deep to stay cool. Drop shots and heavy swimbaits are good choices to get down there to catch some fish. Bass become super sensitive to the intense sun from these warm days, so target shade or matted vegetation to find them hanging out to ambush their next meal.
Staying clued into the water temperature you're fishing will help you make better choices in techniques and bait selections.
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