As we move into the first week of August, the fishing scene is heating up, both literally and figuratively. Despite the summer heat, there are plenty of opportunities to land some impressive catches. Here’s a rundown of the best techniques and locations to focus on during this time of year, whether you're targeting walleye, smallmouth bass, trout, or pike.
Walleye Fishing: Targeting Suspended Fish Watch This Section Of Our Report On YouTube
In the East Metro areas along the Front Range, the walleye bite is strong right now. The key to success is understanding their behavior during this period. Walleye are suspending and following schools of Shad, which can be found anywhere from 5 to 10 feet below the surface. The best strategy? Keep an eye on those contour changes during the middle of the day, where you'll likely find walleye stacked up.
For techniques, you can’t go wrong with trolling crankbaits or using jigging wraps. The "rip snap" presentation with jigging wraps is particularly effective, and you can increase your trolling speed to cover more water and entice those bites.
Smallmouth Bass: Focus on Rock Structures Watch This Section Of Our Report On YouTube
If smallmouth bass is your target, now’s the time to head to rocky structures, especially in deeper water. We’ve been finding bigger smallmouths hanging out at depths of 16 to 22 feet. However, if you’re after quantity rather than size, try pitching closer to shore where smaller bass are abundant.
South Park Region: Trout and Pike Bites Watch This Section Of Our Report On YouTube
The South Park region is delivering some great action for both pike and trout, though the latter have been a bit finicky. The reason? The hatches are smaller than usual, making trout a little harder to catch. Usually, this time of year, we’d see stronger damsel hatches, but they haven’t come off as well as expected.
Given these conditions, we’ve shifted focus away from fly fishing and towards casting with tube jigs. Tube jigs in the 2.5 to 3.5-inch range are working wonders, particularly on windy days. The wind allows you to cast further, and the added distance helps avoid spooking the fish in calm conditions.
Maximizing Success Around Weed Edges Watch This Section Of Our Report On YouTube
Fishing around weed and mud transitions has also been productive, especially along the deeper weed edges. The downwind side of these weed edges is prime territory. The wind blows microorganisms, nymphs, and other small prey off the weeds, and fish are often waiting on the downwind side to feed. This is a great spot to focus your efforts if you’re after consistent bites.
Topwater Pike Fishing: A Thrill in Shallow Waters Watch This Section Of Our Report On YouTube
The pike bite has been nothing short of phenomenal, and topwater fishing is where the excitement is at. Even though it’s a bit early in the season for topwater action, the results have been spectacular. We’re talking about explosive blowups in super shallow, visible water.
For this technique, bass-style buzzbaits are the go-to. To increase your chances, try beefing up your buzzbait with a 5-6 inch split-tail minnow. This modification not only adds buoyancy, allowing you to work the bait slower, but it also bulks up the presentation, making it more enticing for pike to strike.
Adapting to Hot Weather Fishing Watch This Section Of Our Report On YouTube
Fishing in August means dealing with the heat, but don’t let that deter you. The current conditions are favorable, and there’s potential for the bite to get even better as we move closer to fall. Cloudy days, like the one we just had, can bring some relief and might just trigger a flurry of activity.
The Takeaway: August is Prime Time for Big Fish Watch This Section Of Our Report On YouTube
Whether you’re after walleye, smallmouth bass, trout, or pike, August offers a fantastic window for landing some of the biggest fish of the year. By adjusting your techniques and focusing on the right locations, you can make the most of this late summer fishing season.
So, gear up, stay cool, and get out on the water. There’s no better time to chase those trophy catches than right now!
