Where Do Bass Go After They Spawn? (And How To Catch Them During The Spring To Summer Transition)

Did your big fish disappear? We can help! If the big bass vanished after they finished spawning you are not alone! Matt breaks fisheries down into 4 categories and explains exactly what is happening and what will happen next in all 4 fisheries. He then goes on to explain his favorite baits for each scenario and how to use them effectively. If you're ready to get ahead of the fish and continue catching bass into the Summer, this video is for you!
Fisheries around the country can be broken down into Highland Reservoirs, Lowland Reservoirs, Streams/Rivers (includes tidal fisheries), and Natural Lakes (includes ponds). All 4 of these water bodies behaves differently but all are predictable. The guys have spent decades following bass movements and are very comfortable predicting their patterns throughout the seasons.
Below you'll find a breakdown of the baits Matt discussed in the video. He'll begin with the actual bait he was showing in each category but may include an additional bait or two that will work great as an alternative. All of the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see close up photos and detailed product descriptions.
Frogs...
-River2Sea Bully Wa 2 (Little Allen): bit.ly/2axyR2a
-Jackall Gavacho (Chart Strike Gill): bit.ly/2L7KsWS
-Jackall Kaera (Glitter Hasu): bit.ly/2Fz6SA3
Senkos/Flukes...
-Zoom Super Fluke (Smokin Shad): bit.ly/2aqys0H
-Yamamoto 5" Senko (Green Pumpkin Blk Flake): bit.ly/2axAmNS
Muddy Water Colors: Chartreuse Pearl (Fluke), Junebug (Senko)
Spinnerbaits...
-Damiki TOT Spinnerbait 1/2 oz (Smelt Shad): bit.ly/38cxmD6
-Keitech 4.3" Fat Swing Impact Swimbait (Pro Blue Red Pearl): bit.ly/2ab7s8v
Swim Jig...
-Dirty Jigs California Swim Jig 3/8 oz (Crappie): bit.ly/2auXfmx
-River2Sea D Walker 100/120 (White Ice): bit.ly/2NwqBmz
Clear Water Colors: Tactical Shad, Blue Glimmer
Deep Diving Crankbaits...
-Strike King 6XD: bit.ly/2ery44M
Colors: Chartreuse Sexy Shad, Sexy Blue Back Herring
-Azuma Z Boss 20,22 and 24: bit.ly/2poLKUC
Colors: Grand Shad, Goldie Lox, Ole Blue
Football Jig...
-Dirty Jigs Finesse Football 1/2 oz: bit.ly/2d2apsm
Colors: Green Pumpkin Craw, Bever Craw, Go To
-Keitech Tungsten Football Jig 1/2 oz: bit.ly/2FDQ3o1
Colors: Dark Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Black
Jig Trailers...
-Netbait Paca Chunk: bit.ly/2d8mIXx
Colors: Green Pumpkin Blue, Summer Craw
-Striking King Rage Chunk: bit.ly/2Hd4MFA
Colors: Blue Craw, Summer Craw
-Yamamoto Double Tail Grub: bit.ly/2db9w1p
Colors: Green Pumpkin Purple and Copper
Great All-Around Summer Fishing Combo...
Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'2" Medium Heavy: bit.ly/2cgmMAe
Reel- Shimano Curado 200K HG: bit.ly/2tHewEh
Line- Sunline Assassin 15 lb Fluorocarbon: bit.ly/2h4LNjm
NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel...
TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: bit.ly/2TwBWs7
TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: bit.ly/2FVD9Rs
TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: bit.ly/2TvFMBD
TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: bit.ly/38cVi9G
_________________________________________________________________
What we wear...
Sun Mask: bit.ly/2JcA8xi
Sun Shirt w/ Hood: bit.ly/38cVi9G
Light Fishing Pants: bit.ly/2foDx10
Reaper Hoodie (Hoodie with Warm Face Cover built in): bit.ly/2TwBWs7
Horizon Sweater (Water resistant, great for layering): bit.ly/2gTC1oB
_________________________________________________________________
Equipment We Recommend...
Minn Kota Ultrex Trolling Motor: bit.ly/2vFQypW
Humminbird Solix 15 Electronics: bit.ly/2Hazsej
Minn Kota Talons: bit.ly/2F0QBSP
Hot Foot Throttle Control: bit.ly/2ob4kgO
Loc-R-Bar Boat Security: bit.ly/2CMF1NP
Favorite Storage Box: bit.ly/2fvjcFB
Favorite Pliers: bit.ly/2tfxFvw
Favorite Split Ring Pliers: bit.ly/2fT4Qw0
Favorite Wire Cutters: bit.ly/2soB34k
Favorite life jacket: bit.ly/2odXXIP
Favorite sunglasses: bit.ly/2glE3eN
Hero8 Camera: bit.ly/37hVTX4
ElectroSamson Scale: bit.ly/2f7QgQ9
Frabill Net: bit.ly/2FNdnQr
Lure Retriever: bit.ly/2TLTJc6
________________________________________________________________
If you plan to do any shopping, using our links before doing your shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us! You won't be able to even see a difference but they'll know you're one of us!
#fishing #bassfishing #Summer

[@shaunroberts9361]

Matt. You blow my mind every year. I sure wish I could just spend one day with you. Your a legend my friend.

[@aarking]

Stoney Lonsome $1500

[@premer15]

I've never heard of the color line. I've seen it on the water, but haven't fished it. Thanks for the info, can't wait to try it out!

[@jpvand1]

premer15 yeah that’s a new concept to most people. Even fairly high level fisherman. Love tactical!

[@carsonridd]

same

[@MrCococda]

I’m realizing it’s a similar tactic to fishing the drop offs. Just another understanding that the bass aren’t hiding behind the drop off but where the color changes, which happens to coincide with the drop offs. Makes more sense to me for sure.

[@fishnmaster421]

I’m right the opposite. I’ve knew about it for ever just can never see it

[@Knifeykniverson]

Tac basin is hands down the best vids for beginners like myself to learn the details , much appreciated guys !!!!!!

[@pimpshack81]

I’m so appreciative of the 🔥🔥🔥 tips and pointers you always share . My fishing game has improved ten fold with your advice .. thank you so much 👍👍👍🎣🎣🎣

[@brianbbb7931]

You do some of the best tutorials on bass, your straight to the point and you make things simpler. Your awesome.

[@timtighe9718]

There is nobody close to you guys for great information. Thanks.

[@faimel9615]

Greatly appreciate the information. Since the shelter in place, I've been watching a bunch of your videos. Just sponging the knowledge!! Keep in coming guys!!

[@caseywebb5178]

So I took this info out to Truman lake in MO, and caught 10 fish! 4 were keepers!! Thanks Matt, for helping me be a better bass fisherman.

[@robertdtimmerman6507]

The info for ponds was golden. I have three ponds with three different types of structure. The info on the color line was something I had never heard of.

[@buddymccormack8668]

color lines, that shows me that some of the bigger fish I've caught in recent years and I think there was a pattern, now I see there was one. Thanks for that ! and, I love how much detail you guys go into in your videos.

[@Brandon-ln5hr]

I was just discussing this with a friend yesterday. Great timing Matt!

[@Botbassin]

Thinking back now how often I've noticed the change in color relating to the color line and how it has never once crossed my mind what it could mean. After this video I know now!! Man you guys are awesome!!

[@mrgungho]

Great explanation starting at 4:00 on the color line ! Thanks

[@dansmallwood2409]

I've fished mud lines before, but I'll definitely have to look more at the color line! Thanks!

[@mxbass1036]

Really good information today, thanks. Can't wait to be able to go fishing again.

[@josepha.4072]

Awesome to see you guys in kayaks that is really relevant to a lot of us (myself) that dont have larger, fancier boats, etc.

[@dtdionne]

Watched this vid on Sunday evening. Spotted a small color line Monday and because of this video I had the confidence to continue casting at it...caught back to back personal bests. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!

[@glennluteraan4434]

This was a wealth of gold info. Thank you.

[@predwards8941]

Excellent video as always. Thanks Matt

[@carey_metv]

I hooked up with probably a ten pound largemouth last year in the middle of the day it was huge! Snapped me off at the bank from that day forward I've been hooked on bass fishing and watching tactical bassin thanks for the videos you and your partner have helped me tremendously appreciate your detail I hope to be as good a fisherman as you someday!

[@alikseylondura7355]

Matt Allen, thank you, Love watching your videos, Love watching you fish, You give so much information all the time, And for that I thank you, Keep fishing buddy.

[@zekeroo7961]

You guys continue to blow my mind. You are Angling wizards lol. Thank you for all the consistent great information.

[@andrewwolf4963]

Ezekiel Thomas Youre a Wizard Harry!

[@thatoutdoorishguy2208]

Good info on the color line. Ive never heard of that. Thanks for another great video guys.

[@FishTails]

Love the tactical approach you always take. Takes the luck right out of fishing!

[@megancooper3241]

I was going to lake Lewisville either tomorrow or Sunday and this is the video I needed. Amazing timing!! 💯💯

[@dtdionne]

I guys do such a great job, thank you!

[@johanvanderwath9109]

Winter starting to show up here in South Africa but still loving your vids and Ideas about summer ext. Thinking it’s time to make some notes and use this info when the time is right!!! Great video!!

[@derekp6636]

I have to say, going back and watching your older vids without the beard is now such a shock! Looking good Matt! Thanks for posting a current topic I had on my mind....

[@hunt.fish.austin2741]

Thanks Matt, great info as always!

[@joshgibbs4625]

Hey man great info thanks so much. Love your channel so much information I can't stop watching!

[@stevemcewan8129]

Great info about the color line will definetly be looking for that in the future

[@jdmr.3346]

Matt is 100% right about the color line. I'm fishing a place that went from 1' of visibility to 3' at a small urban pond and the bass have positioned exactly to where he is saying. Matt and Tim need to write a book so they can get very detailed and technical about near unlimited knowledge, I would definitely pick it up.

[@Jonesy1222]

Solid video as usual! 🤙🏻

[@ufcguruofficial]

Color line. I needed this tip for the 40ft visibility here. Thanks Matt. By the way, one of my favorite videos regarding your knowledge.

[@ajp7002]

Color line tip was huge, I’ve fished it in the past and have found success fishing it. I never knew it had a name and why fish positioned there, great tip.

[@Jten12]

Color line makes tons of sense now. I’ve seen it and wondered if that ever mattered. Watched every minute .. Very informative video overall ! New subscriber . 👌👌

[@goldenrule6031]

Thanks to you'r service

[@basstacklex4206]

Great advice Matt!

[@fredflinstime6676]

Love the lures in the pockets.

[@bassjunkie4881]

Got a prespawn pond chunk on the bull rat before work this morning love this time of year

[@toycollector2611]

Amazing info. For me it's firehose learning. Used to fishing with worms but trying to learn from you pro fishermen. Thank you.

[@gizmocarr3093]

Question; when fishing moving water or current, what determines if you fish up current or down current or across the current? Fishing the color line is an old common practice when fishing saltwater flats and offshore reefs. This is a great way to apply it to bass fishing too. Fishing mud lines and other hiding places caused by light, current and structure is much the same. Sometimes fish will face down stream in current breaks and undercut banks and rock piles. I only mention this because I have seen both bass and trout in clear water facing downstream feeding in current. In some places fish even position parallel to the current and dart down or upstream to feed.

[@TheBprice18]

I love you named my home lakes. Table rock and LotO.... Bull Shoals is the extremely clear water reservoir in Missouri/Arkansas. And my favorite

[@DoubleBogeyBass]

Great advice again!

[@larryhensley6651]

Always great

[@caseywebb5178]

Thanks! great info

[@Redman_30]

Bought everything but deep cranks and the frogs, preciate the tips and links bud!

[@bobc2008]

Once you start frog fishing, you will never stop. It's addictive.

[@johngutkoska4708]

First off this is the most informative you tube channel ever. Matt I want to get a autographed lure for a friend that is crazy about your videos. If I send a lure and return shipping will you autograph it for him?. I know it sounds crazy but it would mean a lot to him if I get this done. He has no idea I'm trying to do this. Love the information. Please keep it coming.

[@Thatguy-il3qc]

Fun fact, I was using those exact flukes a couple of days ago and was smashing bass in neighborhood ponds. Especially up near some branches that had been blown into the water by recent storms. Never underestimate that bait

[@duanetheimer7215]

Matt does a better fishing video without a boat or a rod than most people with a 70k boat and more gear than the boat will hold. Matt Allen #☝.

[@kenmccarthyfishing]

🔥💣🧨 "COLOR LINE" Matt you blown my mind away again with your "thinking outside of the box" thank you 👊👊🍻🍺

[@user-by6yc8yl7v]

Season doesnt open up here where i am in Ontario Canada until June, most fish have already spawened by then here - the bass are either in full post spawn mode and out of the shallows, the others are done spawning and off beds cruising still in shallow water feeding up on bluegill in groups of 2, 3, 4 fish. By that time its 30+C air temp, waters in high 80s. My most productive time to fish is Early morning, fishing an hour or 2 before sunrise throwing a spook or poppin frog then a casting/dragging a really big football jig/chunk on flats until the suns been high for a couple hours. Then the bite dies down until the last couple hours of day light and into the night. Where im fishing in order to get bit between those 2 periods mid summer you need to pick apart every peice of shade/cover and put a plastic or jig on their nose. A super cloudy dark overcast day after a long period of nothing but sun with the right amount of wind are usually slay days w a spinnerbait and sometimes i catch more fish in half a day than i did the whole prior week combined x2 but theyre far and few between. Fishing Extremely pressured ponds in the middle of the city up here in Toronto 101.

[@JoeTayMetal]

Thank you!!

[@ericdelfosse6089]

You guys are the smartest bass anglers. I learn more in each video than I learned my whole life of fishing. I didn’t realize the science behind it, but since I have been studying under you guys it has made a huge difference and I am not only catching more fish but bigger fish in less time. Thanks for everything you guys do and keep up the great work. I recommend you guys to everybody that is an angler like myself.

[@marcuspierantozzi]

Matt. Awesome video as always. You are basically the only chanel I watch when it comes to bass fishing.. would you ever consider fishing in africa?? We have some awesome dams here in Zimbabwe

[@tompiggott3491]

Marcus .. you could take Matt and Tim out to target Tigers, if they came out to visit you. lol

[@LuxuryZoneProductions]

AWESOME 👌

[@kyanglr4071]

Planning a Cumberland trip this month..

[@TheKodiakWay]

I have a reservoir where the dam end is highland to a "T", and the upper end sets up perfectly like your lowland. I always wondered why the upper and lower ends fished differently...

[@andrewwolf4963]

whopper plopper 130 and a spinner bait are still two of those big bite baits , i know jigs and swimbaits are too but i need to find confidence in those

[@hammer9856]

Everything you need to know you learned in Kindergarten... Color within the lines. Great info as always Matt.

[@codyphillips977]

Color line is the deal. On my natural lakes in Illinois in Wisconsin you will basically have some fish on them at all times of the year

[@tombunch891]

I know you prefer to use mono over fluoro leaders already... but do you notice that when you use fluoro leaders more fish tend to jump off?

[@benjaminsmith3284]

I wish y’all would make a book.

[@greenpighunter6930]

Nice 👍

[@HBeretta]

Have you all done a Kayak setup video? What kind, how you setup, electronics, etc...

[@TreyJ.]

I wish the water i fish is that still the wind is just a major pain in the ass here in Central Texas

[@lakeratatouille]

I dumped Bass university because you sir are the Pesci Professor. Thank you

[@AnthonyRubeoOutdoors]

Do a northern and southern strain video with explanations . You said you would do one years ago but still haven’t seen it out yet. I run into people all the time who don’t know the difference, it seems like in one of the only people who know the difference

[@Mr.Spaghettti]

Its funny that you are starting your post spawn vids and where I live, spawn did not start yet!

[@fahrenheit-eu5im]

hey Matt did you guys ever check out the megabass big Gabot Frog? I've really enjoyed throwing it but only have one color so I haven't had too many fish on it yet. would love to see a review

[@justinbuckles120]

Color line is great especially on spotted bass where I live like on lake linear. What about a lake like Wiess lake that is a relatively shallow lake but also is considered the coosa River do the bass farther up the river tend to stay shallow and the bass on the lake part tend to go a little deeper?

[@Fatality_2313]

I know you guys are local, any suggestions on Lake Hennessy? If you’ve ever fished it

[@bassjunkie4881]

Little Allen Bull Wa 2 kicks ass

[@nickv255]

Can I come fish with you guys? Lol I'd have so much info I wouldnt know what to do ! Thanks guys

[@andrewwolf4963]

Stay Agressive i’ll come too 😂

[@Unisys0107]

Do you guys have any videos on Norris lake in Tennessee

[@chrishereford1559]

Need to add herring lakes to the list.

[@fett2002]

I'm in Philadelphia. In our area, it currently doesn't seem like they're ever going to spawn!

[@jabarriley3799]

Iam in philly also looking for them.

[@ericlawrence9583]

Have you found them yet?

[@ericsmith3317]

TacticalBassin is THE BEST spot for info ! I'd take matt allen with a snoopy pole over ANY other bass fisher PERIOD !

[@Jwitzell]

Grrrr, can't fish for bass until the end of June here in Canada, wish they would ease up the regs in some areas...

[@robertsecondi2246]

So would a cooling lake for a power plant be considered a highland reservoir or a river? The have multiple fingers but also current usually pulling cold water into the plant down one finger and discharging hot water in a differnent finger that will eventually connect to the cold arm.

[@drewdodson8565]

Where are the videos for the pond guys!?

[@mattharris6246]

Sucks in Ontario we can't fish untill spawn is over have to wait till end of june

[@codyfoutz5750]

Can you please please do a pond fishing video for us bank fisherman??

[@Hiei1029]

What about small 1500acre lakes with tons of pressure? It’s post spawn going into summer and the lake gets pounded. Where are all the fish then? Cause it seems empty sometimes

[@jc719]

Do these tips hold true for residential lakes/ponds as well as canals? I’m in south Florida and fish from the shore in neighborhood lakes as well as sometimes canals in suburban areas. Thanks!

[@TKsw191145]

Where do you primarily guide at?

[@zorbs3008]

My PB smallmouth was caught in some fast rapids, I thought I got snagged but then it started moving.

[@aaronpaulsen4582]

What if you highland lake doesn’t have current for the summertime fish? Where will they go?

[@RichGags]

Hey, great content! I have a question for you. I went to a local pond today in New York and the pond is loaded with bass. We saw dozens of them, big ones, slow cruising back and forth in the clear water 6 feet from shore. They were in about 3 feet of water. 1.5 feet down. We tried everything and they wouldnt hit. Crank baits, chatterbait, spook, spinners, frogs, rubber worms, texas rig, drop shot, weightless, even tried real worms. They completely ignored everything we put in front of their face. What do you suggest when you can see them but they wont hit?

[@genericyoutubeusername6499]

Rich Gags if you can see them they can see you, first thing is to not let them see you and get spooked, another thing is if the waters clear enough that you can see fish you should try to be as finesse as possible, I live on Long Island New York and I get the best results sight fishing with wacky rig senkos, third is depending on how pressured that body of water is they could have seen every lure you threw before so live baits and lures they have never seen will give you more of a chance to get them. Hope this helps

[@johnproctor3071]

Did clear lake open up yet.

[@nickcrum9124]

What would you consider lake Champlain?

[@hankwilliams3063]

That's his opinion

[@matthewpriestley7202]

Any reason you step up to the Expride 7’2” MH for Underspins but keep to the Zodias line for Swimjigs/Spinnerbaits ?

[@brianrobinson9979]

Dang Matt that beard game is strong with you brother. Feeling a little jealous over here 😅

[@bigBallaStout69]

The color line separates the littoral and limnetic zones

[@txhuntsman]

Matt.....shhhhh the color line is a secret! I like it when the morning only guys go home!

[@Jerre1212]

I feel like in South Dakota my bass are still in spawn. Water temp is only about 40-50 degrees according to my lowrance. Have any idea where they would be?

[@chadbrakefield1168]

I'll be the first view. Lol. Thanks TB

[@grantedwards3262]

Are you from Missouri and if so where are good places for bass around the st. Charles area?

[@thelifeofjay835]

Literally running this same great all around summer combo right now except with the curado dc. Loving it! I love yalls content as we fish the Georgetown Lexington area of Kentucky. It can be challenging as the major bass lakes are western Kentucky. I started using GoPro hero 8 and YouTubing myself. I looked for a tactical bassin hat but didn’t see anything on tackle warehouse. Anyway I’m a huge fan. Appreciate y’all!