Bassin’ hotspots

Hit these lakes for summer bass

In July, bass often retreat to deeper, cooler waters or shaded cover, requiring smarter tactics and specialized lure choices. Here are three excellent bass lakes in each of the Carolinas.

North Carolina

Falls Lake

Falls Lake is known for its healthy bass population and a good mix of shallow and deep cover. In July, bass tend to hang along creek channels, ledges, and submerged timber. Early in the day, work topwaters like poppers or walking baits near shallow banks. As the sun rises, switch to a Carolina rig or drop shot with a finesse worm in green pumpkin around deeper structure, especially near the dam and main lake points.

High Rock Lake

High Rock Lake is a stained-water reservoir with plenty of structure, perfect for mid-summer bass. Fish around rocky points, bridge pilings, and shaded docks. Flipping jigs in darker colors (like black/blue or junebug) under docks is effective. When fishing deeper, cast medium- to deep-diving crankbaits near ledges or rock piles and retrieve slowly. Early morning spinnerbait action is possible along riprap and shoreline grass.

Lake James

Clear and deep, Lake James can be a challenge, but it’s home to both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Focus on steep rocky banks, submerged brush piles, and deeper coves. Use natural-colored soft plastics on a shaky head or drop shot, particularly in 20 to 30 feet of water. Small swimbaits and spoons can also work when bass are chasing baitfish over open water.

South Carolina

Lake Murray

Lake Murray remains a summer hotspot for both largemouth and spotted bass. In July, bass school deep over humps and submerged brush. Vertical fishing with drop shots, flutter spoons, or shaky heads will produce results. Topwater walkers like a Spook can tempt schooling fish in the early hours. Use electronics to locate schools suspended in 15 to 25 feet of water.

Lake Jocassee

Jocassee’s deep, clear waters are home to active summer bass. Target offshore points, submerged timber, and drop-offs. Drop shot rigs with 4-inch worms in watermelon or smoke colors are very effective. Focus on depths between 25 and 40 feet and use light line (6- to 8-pound test) for better sensitivity and a natural fall.

Lake Wateree

This lake offers a good mix of shallow and deep opportunities. In July, try deeper brush piles, creek mouths, and docks. Texas-rigged creature baits in dark green or black and blue work well. A wobble-head jig dragged slowly along rocky bottoms can trigger big bites. Don’t overlook the early morning bite with buzzbaits and swim jigs near grass.

Strategy and Lures

Use Topwater Early: Bass feed shallow during low light. Walking baits, frogs, and poppers are great before 9 a.m.

Go Deep Midday: As temperatures rise, bass move deeper. Use deep-diving crankbaits, drop shots, and Carolina rigs.

Find the Thermocline: On deeper lakes, bass often suspend just above the thermocline. Use sonar to locate it and adjust bait depth.

Match the Hatch: Observe local forage, whether it’s bluegill, shad, or crawfish, and match your lure’s size and color accordingly.

Downsize Your Lures: In tough conditions or high pressure, finesse tactics with 3- to 4-inch baits can outperform larger presentations.

Look for Current: Wind or dam-generated current positions bass near structure. Cast upstream and bring your bait with the flow.

Night Fishing: Don’t overlook after-dark trips. Bass move shallow again at night. Use black spinnerbaits and big worms slowly worked around shallow cover.