Fishing Arizona in the Hot Summer
A common myth is that bass stop biting in the summer months because it is too hot. Even with the very hot summers, fishing Arizona bass doesn’t seen to slowdown. Except maybe on July 4th weekend, and that is only because of the large number of pleasure craft.
The fact is the slowest time of the year for catching bass is in the winter months. This is the pre spawn season and the water temperatures are dropping (a bit), but the bass are still there and they are still biting.
Bass are just like you and I, if they get too hot, they just move. It is as simple as that.
In lakes like Lake Pleasant, there are vast areas (especially upper) where the water is somewhat shallow and it does heat up, so the fish will gravitate towards the deeper waters in the direction of the dam.
In the bigger deeper lakes N.E. of town and in Lake Powell, the bass do not really need to move very far geographically to find a depth that is comfortable for them to sit at.
The basis of the myth about fishing Arizona bass in the hot summer months is because the metabolism of a bass slows dramatically almost to that of hard winter, but this is not true. Bass are cold blooded and like the heat, this is what keeps their metabolism running. This is why Arizona has some of the highest number of large bass in the country. The winter air and water temperatures are equal to that of most other locations summers.
It is a rare day when the temperatures drop below 40 even at night. Sure the bass really start to get active in September but that is more of a genetic trigger to prepare them for the slower feeding winter time, even if it is not that cold.
To get the best results fishing Arizona bass in the hot summer when temperatures can stay over 100 degrees 24 hours a day for a week you will need a boat normally. There are a few places to fish from shore where you can hit significant drops only 20 feet out, but a boat is the best.
This brings us to a real concern, especially if you are staying on the water until about 2 in the afternoon. The heat and the sun are unforgiving and that is an understatement.
The very first precaution even if you are using a canopy, is sun block. The UV bounces right off the water and gets on you. Remember to get under your chin and below your arms.
Second precaution is a big floppy hat that covers your ears and the back of your neck but does not restrict ventilation out the top of your head.
It is a good idea to bring gloves. Every surface exposed to the sun even if it is white will become too hot to touch.
Water and Ice are a must. I personally bring 1 quart of water per hour at least, and have two coolers with ice. If you need to drop your body temperature quickly, sticking your hands in the cooler with all that ice water works wonders.
Fishing Arizona bass during the very hot summer months is rewarding, you just need to have an understanding of the patterns of Arizona bass. If you are new to bass fishing in the Valley, talk with some people that know your destination. Arizona bass do not have the same characteristics as the ones that live in the colder climates.
If you have never been through an Arizona summer, do not dismiss the dangers of 100 degree plus temperatures on the lakes or even if you are out for wheeling.
Be safe and catch those big ones.