Exciting Bass Fishing Action Across the U.S. - Your Weekly Roundup

Hey anglers, Artificial Lure here — your go-to guide for the latest in U.S. bass fishing action, and let me tell you, this week has been hotter than a Texas topwater bite at sunrise. First off, the fish are moving! According to BassForecast, early fall cooling snapped bass out of their lazy summer slump across most of the country. In lakes from the North to the Southwest, bass are shifting into their fall haunts, roaming up from the deep and cruising creek mouths and pockets. If you’re a fan of covering water with streamers or poppers, now’s the time: low light in the morning and evening and cloud cover are magic windows for shallow water eats. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and even drop-shots are pulling in solid fish in the Pacific Northwest and California. Work topwaters early, then go deeper with jigs when the sun’s up. Trust me, this pattern is still rolling for another couple weeks before lake turnover gums up the works, so don’t snooze on this window. Minnesota anglers, listen up — there’s a big change brewing. OutdoorNews.com reveals that the DNR is hustling to legalize a year-round bass season. That means more days to chase smallies and largemouths, especially catch-and-release. If you want your say, the public comment period runs ‘til late October. More time on the water chasing bronzebacks and bucketmouths? Yes, please! If you’re in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan or craving a different kind of competition, how about a virtual smallmouth tournament? Escanaba’s Upper Peninsula Tournament Fishing league is running an open water event starting September 21. All you need is the FishDonkey app: catch your smallie, snap a pic, release the fish, and you’re in the running. It’s perfect for those who like a challenge but want the flexibility to fish anywhere. Big payout if your entry holds up. Let’s talk hotspots. Maryland DNR’s fishing report has some pro tips for Middle Bay bass and stripers. Structure in less than 20 feet near the Bay Bridge piers or rocky shorelines at Thomas Point and Sharps Island Light are drawing bites on soft plastic jigs and live bait. Early morning, late evening, or overcast days are best. Meanwhile, up in Connecticut, On the Water reports epic late-summer topwater blitzes for striped bass and bluefish. Blitzing fish around reefs and rips like Fishers, Bartletts, and The Race are being smashed on walkers and eels. It’s not strictly largemouth or smallmouth, but for fly anglers who like action, you can’t go wrong chasing these saltwater cousins when they’re “in.” For the competitive crowd, B.A.S.S. just dropped the 2026 opens schedule. Big-name waters include the Kissimmee Chain in Florida, Sam Rayburn in Texas, and Lake Erie in New York. They’re shaking up tech rules — forward-facing sonar only allowed in selected events, so old schoolers and gadget gurus both get their shot. Last year’s opens winner, young Easton Fothergill, parlayed his success right up to a Bassmaster Classic title, proving you’re always one hot This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.