Bass and Wind

[HarryG]

I have difficulity finding Bass after a windy day or even a few days after. When it is calm for a few days, I just hit the weed beds and do well, but if the wind picks up, the move and I am not sucessful in tracking them. I fish a fairly large clear lake. It has a good supply of bass but wind makes it tough for me. I would appreciate any tips.

[Andrew Erickson]

on windy days i start throwin Rattle traps around points and do pretty well.

[Wayne Ek]

When it's windy or cloudy bass tend to move off cover or move up (shallower) on structure. Wind for a number of days can cloud the water, which will tend to move fish shallower and away from cover. They tend to roam more. Use presentations that cover more water. Like cranks, blades, buzzers or C-rigs. Try fishing away from heavy cover, look at sparse cover or open points. During the first part of the Mn. season for bass we can have spawning fish on the backs, but once the spawn is done and post spawn recuperation is over, we will get good fishing. However, prior to the fish setting up on a summer pattern we will have that month or so of unstable weather (lots ot T-storms) and you end-up fishing for neutral fish or at worst negative fish. I think Minn. bass fishing really get's rolling about the middle of July and just keeps getting better as we roll into the fall.

[TurnUpTheFishing]

When it's windy I try to work the windswept shoreline. The wave action will likely create a mud/dirty water line if you can pinpoint it work it best you can, the bass will use it the same as a weedline. When fishing in the wind I move towards baits that create noise and are easier to use in windy conditions like spinnerbaits, cranks and depending on the wave action possibly buzzbaits.

[Ray Esboldt]

I know you're question is about after a wind lays down. I've never really thought about that. This time a year (pre-spawn or immediate post-spawn), I like a flat day. The fish can get a little weather finicky May through mid-June. Flat water is usually associated with some weather stability or an impending change.

Once spawn passes, let that wind hammer. I like fishing in the wind. As long as I can maintain my balance, no wind is too much. Give me a fast breaking point with a wind blowing straight in or quartering it, some weeds and rocks on top, and we'll put some quality fish into the boat fast. Cranks are good, but a jigworm is better.

I look forward to them blast furnace days of July and August.