5 Fish Species to Target in Summer

Fish come in seasons. Certain species bite better during specific times of the year. When the water temperature rises, many fish species become inactive, and they move deeper to experience cooler water temperatures.

However, summer is an excellent time for other fish species to feed, making for a hot bite during this warm weather. If you want to snag a good catch, here are the top 5 fish species to target in summer and where to find them. 

1. Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass usually spawns in shallow waters during early summer, and aside from that, they become aggressive feeders during this season. Thus, baitcasting is a fishing technique with a higher chance of working. You may also use topwater baits, such as crankbaits, football jigs, and spinnerbaits. However, you must keep in mind that they are also hard fighting during summer, so pack up freshwater tackles. 

Where to Find:

You may find smallmouth bass in streams, rivers, and lakes every summertime. They frequent rocky shorelines, current seams, and offshore structures. One of the best fishing destinations to visit if you want to snag this fish is Mille Lacs Lake in Minnesota. 

Mille Lacs is the second-largest among the 12,000 lakes in the state. Moreover, it is dubbed as the world’s best smallmouth bass fishery, making it a perfect destination to go to in summertime to catch the fish. It will be helpful to get a local guide because the lake is so huge, and you will need aid from someone who’s an expert in finding the smallmouth bass’ location. 

2. Bluegill

Summer is the best time to look for giant bluegill. The trophy size is a special treat for anglers ushered by warmer temperatures. Bluegill fishing becomes relatively challenging during this season yet more accessible with baitcasting. The fish suddenly gains a unique eagerness to take the bait and the toughness not to give up once hooked. 

Bluegill becomes aggressive during the summer, and you can catch it in any way you can think of. When you're trying to catch other fish species, and it's not working, bluegill can save the day.

Where to Find:

You may find this fish in shallow covers, such as docks, grass beds, and laydowns. One of the best places to catch this fish is Lake Okeechobee in Florida. This 730-square-mile body of water is challenging to beat in terms of year-round fishable water. 

3. Catfish 

You can also catch larger catfish during summer and to do that. You must understand where they position themselves during warmer temperatures and that optimum fishing times are the key to success. The use of live or dead bait is the best method to snag a catfish during summer, and it is best to go fishing for them from sunset until sunrise for best results.

Where to Find:

Summer catfish usually move in shallow water feeding zones adjacent to deeper holes. If you want to catch more catfish, you should know that they go in these spots every night to feast on bluegill and shad. 

The Santee Cooper Lakes in South Carolina is the best place to fish for catfish. You may find this species in several varieties, including blue catfish, channel catfish, and flathead catfish. The lake is a 170,000-acred dual reservoir system, and it is usually full of savvy catfishing enthusiasts. 

4. Redfish

Redfish fishing is still as good as ever during summer. Due to the light winds, it becomes easier to cast during this season. Plus, the fish enjoys traveling in schools, and they use ambush-style attacks on passing baitfish and crabs, so you may have the opportunity to snag more than one. Topwater lures, spinnerbaits, paddle tails, gold spoons, and chatterbaits work effectively in luring them to bite. 

Where to Find:

As the water temperature rises, redfish move to more oxygenated waters such as underneath the grass beds and rocks if you are fishing in lakes and rivers. But, if you are in coastal marshes or creeks, you may find them during low tides around points, oyster bars, creek mouths, and coves. 

The Cajun Coast in Venice, Louisiana, is a hotspot for redfish fishing during the summer as Venice is known as the world's Redfish Capital. Baitfish congregate around outside points and small coves, where you'll find redfish.

5. Rainbow Trout

Many anglers are fascinated by the rainbow trout because of its vibrant and mesmerizing colors, and summertime offers one of the greatest angling pleasures when it comes to catching this fish. Rainbow trout is particularly active as the temperature becomes warmer because that is also the time when insect hatching peaks. 

You may find dry fly fishing effective in catching rainbow trout during summer. The best flies you can use are midges, daddies, olives, sedges, and emergers. 

Where to Find: 

The rainbow trout need oxygenated water, so they usually swim deeper. That is why anglers recommend fishing at 15 to 25 feet deep to catch them. Aside from that, it is better to go fishing early in the morning or late in the evening when the water temperature is relatively cooler. 

There is no better place to go rainbow trout fishing than the Missouri River. It is the longest river in North America from the Rocky Mountains.