Top water lures

[HATH]

I heard the spring and fall is the best time to use top water lures. Is this true? When do you determine it's time to use one? I guess when the fish are surfacing huh[:p] I've had a goal for a while now to catch a fish off a top water lure, but I'm yet to meet that goal.
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[kochanut]

take this with a grain of salt... i throw top wtaer bugs (poppers, divers, etc) instead of lures.. but i watch water temps when it comes to bigger bugs. as an example while i got a few musky this year on poppers i paid close attention to the water temps in the morning. in the mid 70's it seemed i would get alot more strikes. once the water temp got up (or down) past 72/73 i got nothing on top water. it could mean nothing at all but its just what i observed.
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[EvilTyeDyeTwin]

I heard from some of my bass/wiper experts (tackel shop workers) that the pure white color popper works great on boiling wipers at Willard and bass at East Canyon. I have yet to try out that advice yet. I imagine for bass there needs to be no wind? Can't wait to see a fish take the top water lure....has to be exciting to see the fish take lure off the top of the water. Good luck out there HATH.
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[utwalleye]

you guys should try a black buzz bait for bass and tigers.
water temp is what I use like what was already stated.
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[rippnlips]

Too many variables with topwater fishing. I've got well over 100 different types and there are times when one size, one color and one type of retrieve were the only thing that worked. The clearer the water the pickier they are going to be as a general rule. Our waters get lots of pressure and Bass see lots of the same stuff, so size, color and presentation have to be considered.

For low light conditions stick to darker colors. If its bright and sunny, think light colors, almost clear. If the water is choppy, fish with bladed bait or prop bait. If its calm stick with a pencil type that "walks the dog" or a popper bait that doesnt have too bad of a coned mouth so it spits the water more like a naturally injured minnow.

I've caught bass on topwater just after ice off, yes water in the 40's. All depends on the conditions, what you are using and most importantly how you are using it. Cant expect the same lure to work year round while fishing it the same way. Generally speaking Bass wont start hitting topwater with consistency until water temps get 60+.

I'd buy several different kinds and colors. Fall is about the best time of year for topwater (consistently). In another couple of weeks the Bass will be feeding heavy on Shad/Minnows and a topwater lure is just the ticket. A 1/2 oz Shad/trout colored buzzbait or LC Gunfish would be top choices at Powell or any of the lakes.


Feel free to pm me with any questions or if you want pics of different kinds, be happy to help []
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[HATH]

Do you think top water lures would work at UL where the water is so stained?
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[ifishutah]

yep, for sure. I like dark topwater lures for stained water. black, Green brown...

Remember ole Tubedude posting a picture this spring of a nice catfish loaded with frogs?

That's a HUGE clue as to what kind of topwaters work great on utah lake.
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[rippnlips]

Yup buzzbaits, propbaits or frogs. Need some noise with the stained water. Have caught them on stick styled baits in the semi clearer areas.
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