Transitioning from Spring to Summer Fishing in the South

Written by Alexander Myers of TSW

As the cool winds of spring begin to settle and the Southern sun climbs higher in the sky, anglers across Dixie face one of the trickiest shifts in seasonal fishing: the slow, frustrating transition from spring’s action to summer’s sluggish lull.

It happens every year, like clockwork. One week, you're reeling in bass after bass during the pre-spawn and spawn, and the next, you're wondering if there's a single fish left in the lake, or if the turtles have officially taken over. If you've fished in the South long enough—whether it’s a Georgia reservoir, a Tennessee river bend, or a Florida backwater—you know exactly what I'm talking about.

So why does the bite drop off so hard, and how do you adapt?

Spring is arguably the best time to fish down South. After months of sluggish winter behavior, fish start feeding aggressively to prepare for the spawn. Water temperatures rise, and bass, crappie, catfish, and bream flood the shallows. They're easier to find, more likely to bite. But then it all changes.

By late May or early June, water temps spike—sometimes into the high 80s or even 90s. That increase in heat changes everything. Oxygen levels drop in shallow areas, forcing fish to go deeper. Food is abundant, so fish aren’t as aggressive. The spawn is over. Boat traffic increases, especially on popular Southern lakes. Afternoon storms and unstable pressure systems mess with feeding patterns. Suddenly, the same cove that was loaded with fish just weeks ago feels like a desert.

Southern summers aren’t unbeatable, though they may just require a different mindset and strategy. Fish tend to retreat to deeper structures when the heat rises. Look for ledges, drop-offs, and submerged timber. Use deep-diving crankbaits, Carolina rigs, or drop shots to reach them. The first hour of light and the last hour before dark are gold. That’s when the water’s coolest and fish feel comfortable moving up to feed. Topwater, poppers, and bobbers can be deadly during these windows. When the heat gets unbearable, so do the fish. Night fishing is a Southern tradition for a reason. If you want a summer cat, fishing at night may be where it’s at. Fish cling to any break from the heat, shaded banks, docks, overhangs, and moving water from feeder creeks. These areas not only provide cooler temps but also bring food and oxygen. Finally, in the spring, speed and aggression pay off. In summer, patience wins. Fish become more lethargic, so work your lures slowly and naturally.

There’s no sugar-coating it, summer fishing can be hell. Summer separates the committed from the casual. It’s hot. It’s humid. The bite can be stingy. But it’s still peaceful out there. cicadas buzzing, frogs calling, and the occasional surface boil breaking the still water. You learn to appreciate the little victories, to read the water better, and to dig deep in your tackle box and your patience.

So don’t pack away your rods just because the easy days are over. Adjust, adapt, and grind. That next bite might just be your personal best.

What are your favorite tactics for summer fishing in the South? Share your stories in the comments below or tag @thesouthernwoods on Instagram.