April Showers Bring May Flowers...

We've all likely heard that oft-repeated phrase and know it to be true. However, there can be a downside to that rain, insofar as fishermen are concerned, especially if it's the kind that resembles "a cow peeing on a flat rock." Specifically, when springtime rains...of any kind...begin, a bass angler has to adjust to changing conditions in order to be successful.

Initially, fish may hold at the original water level before moving shallow. But soon afterward, bass adjust to rising water, presenting opportunities for catching aggressive feeding bass by following the water as it rises into newly flooded areas of shallow water. A smart angler is one who first starts ultra-shallow (if the water temperature permits) and works to deeper water.

Fish visible cover, such as trees, buck brush, and laydown trees, as well as lawns, pastures and other clean areas with "search lures," such as spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, topwater baits, and shallow-running crankbaits. When contact is made with a fish, take note of the depth, type of cover, lure retrieve, and how the fish took the bait. Then slow down and repeat the scenario. Use slower baits, such as jerkbaits, lizards, worms, jigs, etc., to pick off any of the less aggressive fish and to find larger bass that may not have bitten on the first pass.

Another consideration when fishing after heavy rains is the influx of muddy water (e.g., when visibility is restricted to 12 inches or less while using a white bait). Bass in lakes that are clear will be affected more than bass that live in stained water. When a lake muddies, the fish "should" move shallow and tight to cover. This makes it easy for an angler to locate fish. Just look for any visible cover, such as logs, stumps and laydowns.

Also consider fishing vegetation. Grassy areas help filter the water and will clear up faster than non-grassy areas. Remember to slow down and try to keep the bait in the strike zone as long as possible. First try horizontal baits, such as spinnerbaits (with chartreuse blades and skirts, as well as black baits with copper blades), jerkbaits, crankbaits, and topwater baits. Chartreuse and bright reds and black are preferred for jerkbaits and crankbaits. Use crankbaits with rattles and a wide wobble to displace lots of water to help bass locate the bait.

If these baits don't produce, try bulky vertical baits, such as jigs-n-pigs, brushhogs, worms, and craw-worms that stay in the strike zone longer. Shake the plastics while fishing cover to trigger a strike and help bass find your lure. Also remember that scent and sound become more of a factor when water muddies. Try using rattles on soft plastics, or use baits that make a lot of noise. And use scent on plastics to increase your chances of a strike. Above all, FISH SLOWLY!

When waters begin to recede, fishing can get really tough. Fish will become inactive and suspend. Often, they will move into deeper water, suspending around cover or near break lines away from the bank and shallows. Try moving out to the next line of visible cover away from the bank in your search for fish. Use a slow methodical approach to your fishing. Remember to try to appeal to the bass' senses of sight, sound and taste, as well as reaction baits. If the reactionary flash of a spinnerbait doesn't produce, try vertical plastics and jigs fished slowly, making repeated casts to cover to entice a strike.

You have to be confident the fish are there, so be patient and persistent. Keep the bait in the strike zone, and keep up your confidence. If the fish are there, they will eventually bite.

This is a slightly altered version of an earlier article by outdoor writer Danny Russell.