Bass Fishing Lure Recommendations
Expert picks by species, season, and water clarity.
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spring Lures
The most versatile smallmouth presentation. Fish a 2.75 inch TRD on a 1/6 oz mushroom head on rocky points in 6-15 feet. The buoyant ElaZtech material stands the tail up on the bottom.
The go-to presentation for pre-spawn largemouth. Fish it slowly along the bottom with a 3/8 oz bullet weight, pausing for 3-5 seconds in likely ambush spots.
Deadly on pre-spawn largemouth in clear water. Pause 3-5 seconds between twitches and watch your line for the subtle tick of a bite.
Product: Megabass Vision 110
Smallmouth simply cannot resist a well-presented jerkbait in clear water. The darting action mimics a wounded shad perfectly. Essential for Jordanelle and Flaming Gorge.
Product: Megabass Vision 110
Covers water fast and triggers reaction strikes in stained spring conditions. Fish it slowly with a Colorado blade for maximum thump.
Classic smallmouth bait that has been producing since the 1970s. Fish it on a 3/16 oz internal jig head dragged slowly on the bottom. Green pumpkin and smoke are top colors.
summer Lures
Summer largemouth destroy topwater poppers in the first two hours of daylight. Work it with short pops and long pauses near structure.
Summer smallmouth in clear Utah reservoirs go deep. A drop shot with a 4-inch finesse worm in 15-25 feet on main lake structure is the most reliable pattern from July through August.
When summer heat pushes bass deep, a drop shot in 15-25 feet is the most consistent producer. Use 6-inch worms in green pumpkin or natural.
Summer smallmouth go absolutely wild on topwater at first light. A Zara Spook or similar walking bait worked over the main lake points at sunrise produces some of the season's biggest fish.
fall Lures
Fall largemouth are chasing shad aggressively. A 3-4 inch paddle-tail swimbait on a 1/4 oz head matches the bait perfectly.
Fall smallmouth stack on main lake points and humps chasing shad. A 1/2 oz blade bait jigged vertically in 15-30 feet produces trophy fish. Swedish Pimple and Heddon Sonar are classics.
winter Lures
Winter smallmouth are lethargic but will eat a suspending jerkbait worked painfully slowly. Pause 10-15 seconds between twitches on 6-8 lb fluorocarbon in the clearest water possible.