Bass Fishing on Windy Days (Complete Guide)

Heavy winds can make bass fishing much more difficult. Knowing how to adjust your fishing techniques in the face of strong winds can help you catch more bass.

When fishing for bass in windy conditions, casting against the wind, using heavier baits, and slowing down retrieval can be very effective.

In this article, I will explain the importance of bait selection and location in bass fishing, regardless of whether the wind is calm or storm-grade. Knowing the top times and seasons for bass fishing is vital. Please check out this helpful guide.

Locating Bass on Windy Days

On windy days, bass tend to move to areas that offer shelter from the wind and where they can find food. Look for areas where the wind blows into the shore, such as points, coves, or pockets, as these areas often have baitfish pushed up against the shoreline.

Bass may also be found near weed beds, rock piles, or any other structure that provides cover from the wind. Additionally, check for changes in water temperature, as bass may move to deeper water in response to the wind.

Click here to learn about bass fishing on cloudy days. You may also be interested in learning what the best water temperatures are for bass fishing.

Bass Fishing in Windy Conditions

Fishing for bass in windy conditions can be quite challenging. The wind can make controlling and keeping your boat in the right position difficult. It can also affect the behavior of the bass, making them less likely to bite.

However, if you can adapt to the conditions, you can catch more bass. By understanding how the wind affects the bass, you can adjust your techniques and lure selection to entice them to bite.

You might need to use different types of lures or fish in different lake areas. You might also need to change your retrieve speed or casting direction. These adjustments can make a big difference in your success rate.

It’s important to remember that fishing in windy conditions can be a fun challenge. With the right mindset and techniques, you can still have a great day on the water and catch plenty of bass.

Impact of Wind Direction on Bass Fishing

Wind direction can greatly impact where bass are feeding and how they are positioned in the water. For example, if the wind blows towards the shore, it can push baitfish towards the bank, and bass may feed in shallower water closer to the shoreline.

On the other hand, if the wind is blowing parallel to the shoreline, bass may be holding in deeper water off the shore.

If the wind blows towards you, it can make it harder to cast and control your bait, so it’s best to cast parallel to the shore and retrieve your bait against the wind. This can create a more natural presentation and make your bait more appealing to the fish.

If the wind blows away from you, you can cast perpendicular to the shore and let the wind carry your bait towards the fish. This can be especially effective when fishing with topwater lures or other baits that create surface disturbance.

It’s also important to consider how the wind affects the water’s surface. For example, waves or choppy water can make it harder for bass to see your bait, so you may need a more visible or noisy bait to get their attention.

Species Breakdown: Windy Conditions

Largemouth Bass

Let’s talk about how windy conditions can impact largemouth bass fishing and the recommended techniques to catch them in these conditions.

When it’s windy, bass tend to move to areas with cover, such as weeds or rocks, where they can escape the wind. This means you’ll need to adjust your fishing location accordingly.

Next, when it comes to bait selection, you’ll want to choose lures heavy enough to cast into the wind. Spinnerbaits and crankbaits are good choices, as they can be retrieved quickly and are less likely to be blown off course by the wind.

It’s also important to vary your presentation. One technique that works well in windy conditions is the “yo-yo” retrieve, where you quickly reel in the lure and then let it drop down, imitating a fleeing baitfish.

Another technique is the “stop-and-go” retrieve, where you quickly retrieve the lure, then pause briefly, and repeat. This can entice bass that are reluctant to bite due to the windy conditions.

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass tend to be more active and aggressive in windy conditions, as they are more comfortable moving around in choppy water. However, the wind can also make it more difficult to present your bait effectively.

One technique to try is using a finesse rig, such as a drop shot or a shaky head. These rigs allow for a slower presentation, which can be more effective in windy conditions. You can also try using a topwater lure, such as a popper or a buzzbait, as the surface disturbance can make the bait more visible to the fish.

It’s also important to pay attention to the wind direction and adjust your presentation accordingly. If the wind blows towards the shore, try casting parallel to the shoreline and retrieving your bait against the wind. This can create a more natural presentation and entice smallmouth bass to bite.

Spotted Bass

Spotted bass can be more active and easier to catch in windy conditions, as the wind can push baitfish towards the shore, bringing the spotted bass with them. You may have better luck fishing near the shore in these conditions.

White Bass

White bass can be more active in windy conditions, as the wind can push baitfish towards the shore, bringing the white bass with them. You may have better luck fishing near the shore in these conditions.

One technique to try is using a jigging spoon or a blade bait, which can be effective in deeper water and can be easily cast into the wind. Another option is to use live bait, such as shad or minnows, as they can be more visible to the fish in choppy water.

Striped bass

Striped bass can be difficult to catch in windy conditions because they tend to move to deeper water where they can escape the wind. This means you must use heavier baits and adjust your fishing location accordingly.

One technique to try is using a jigging spoon, which can be effective in deep water and easily cast into the wind. Another option is to use live bait, such as eels or bunker, as they can be more visible to the fish in choppy water.

Cold Wind vs. Warm Wind

In cold weather, wind can make it harder to find active bass, as they tend to become more lethargic and less likely to move around in the water. When fishing in windy and cold conditions, it’s best to use slow-moving baits like jigs, or live bait like minnows or worms.

On the other hand, in warm weather, wind can make bass more active and easier to catch. As the wind pushes water and baitfish towards the shore, bass may feed in shallower water near the shoreline.

This is a great opportunity to try using topwater lures like buzzbaits or poppers, which create surface disturbance and can attract more attention from the fish.

Regardless of the weather, it’s important to pay attention to the direction of the wind and adjust your presentation accordingly. For example, if the wind is blowing towards the shore, try casting parallel to the shore and retrieving your bait against the wind to create a more natural presentation.

How Windy Are We Talking About?

1-5 mph

When winds are light, bass may not be as actively feeding and could be more easily spooked by your presentation. Catching them is still possible using the right baits and techniques.

One good technique uses finesse baits like drop shots, wacky worms, or shaky heads. These baits can be presented slowly and subtly, which can be more enticing to bass in calmer conditions. A great lure option for this is the Zoom Trick Worm in a natural color like watermelon or green pumpkin.

Another technique is to try fishing deeper structure like drop-offs or humps where bass may be holding in calmer water. For this, you can use jigs or Carolina rigs, and a good option is the Strike King Bitsy Bug Jig in a brown or green color.

Overall, when fishing in 1-5 mph winds, it’s important to use finesse techniques and subtle presentations to entice bites from more finicky bass.

6-10 mph

When the wind picks up, bass can become more active and easier to catch. One technique to try in these conditions is to use moving baits like spinnerbaits or chatterbaits.

These baits can be retrieved quickly and create vibrations in the water that can attract bass. A great lure option for this is the Strike King KVD Spinnerbait in a white or chartreuse color.

Another technique is to fish windblown points or shorelines where bass may feed on baitfish pushed towards the shore by the wind. For this, you can use crankbaits or swimbaits, and a good option is the Rapala Shad Rap in a silver or blue color.

When fishing in 6-10 mph winds, it’s important to use baits that create movement or vibrations in the water to attract more active bass.

11-15 mph

The wind blowing at 11-15 mph can make finding and catching bass harder. The waves created by the wind can make the water murky and disturb the bass’s feeding patterns.

To combat this, try using bright-colored lures like chartreuse or fluorescent colors that can be seen in murky water.

Use lures that create a lot of vibration, like spinnerbaits or crankbaits, to help bass locate your lure. Try fishing around areas with structure like docks or weed beds, as they can provide shelter from the wind and calm water for the bass to feed in.

16-25 mph

When the wind blows at this speed, it can create choppy water conditions and make it harder to fish effectively. One technique that can work well in these conditions is to fish with moving baits like spinnerbaits or crankbaits. These baits can create vibration and noise in the water, making it easier for the fish to locate them.

One good lure option is the Strike King KVD Square Bill Crankbait in a natural color like shad or crawfish. You can also try a spinnerbait like the Strike King Mini-King in chartreuse, white, or silver.

Another technique is to fish deeper water using a Carolina rig or a jig. This can help you target fish less affected by the wind and seeking refuge in deeper water. You can use a Zoom Brush Hog or a Strike King Rage Craw in a natural color like green pumpkin or black and blue.

When the wind is blowing this fast, it’s important to use heavier line like 12-15 lb test to help you cast farther and control your bait in the water.

When fishing in 16-20 mph winds, using moving baits or fishing in deeper water with a Carolina rig or jig can be effective techniques to catch bass. Remember to use heavier line and target areas with structure or cover where fish seek shelter.

Over 26 mph

The wind blowing at 26+ mph can make it very difficult to fish for bass. The waves can become very large and dangerous, making it unsafe to be on the water. Bass may also become less active and harder to find in these conditions.

If you fish in these conditions, try using heavy jigs or weighted swimbaits to reach the bottom of the water column where the bass may be hiding.

Use lures that can create a lot of commotion, like topwater poppers, to help the bass locate your lure in the rough water. Stay safe and avoid fishing in these conditions unless you are an experienced angler.

Bass Fishing Gear for Windy Fishing

When it comes to fishing line for bass in windy conditions, many anglers prefer to use braided line. This is because braided line is strong and has low stretch, allowing you to feel even the slightest bites. As for rods, you’ll want something at least 7 feet long and fast action.

This will help you make longer casts and keep your line tight when reeling in your catch. Regarding baits, you’ll want to stick with aerodynamic lures that can cut through the wind.

This includes spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and swimbaits. It’s also a good idea to use heavier baits to help you cast farther and stay in the strike zone longer.

Best Lures & Techniques for Windy Conditions

Regarding lures, some great options for bass fishing in windy conditions include crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and chatterbaits. Try using a medium diving lure in natural colors like brown or green for crankbaits. Spinnerbaits in white or chartreuse colors work well too. And for chatterbaits, a green pumpkin color with a matching trailer is a good choice.

When fishing these lures, try using a slow and steady retrieve to keep your line tight to feel for any bites. If you’re using a crankbait, vary your retrieve speed to imitate the movement of a wounded baitfish.

Spinnerbaits can be fished by reeling them in quickly with a steady retrieve or by using a stop-and-go technique. And with chatterbaits, try fishing them along weed lines or other structure, and use a jerking motion to create an erratic action.

It’s also important to adapt your approach based on the wind conditions. If the wind is blowing towards a certain bank or structure, try fishing on the downwind side of it. The wind will push baitfish towards that area, which will attract bass.

And if the wind is too strong to fish your lures effectively, consider switching to a heavier lure or using a different technique, such as flipping or pitching.

As for your fishing line, braid or fluorocarbon are good options for fishing in windy conditions. Braid is more visible in the water but is also more sensitive and allows you to feel even the slightest bites. Fluorocarbon is less visible and has less stretch, making setting the hook on a fish easier.

When choosing a rod, a medium-heavy rod with a fast action is a good choice for bass fishing in windy conditions. This type of rod will give you the power to cast heavier lures, but also enough sensitivity to feel for bites.

Safety Considerations When Fishing in Windy Conditions

When fishing in windy conditions, safety is really important. You should always wear a life jacket or PFD and be aware of your surroundings. Ensure you know how to operate your boat and watch the weather forecast closely.

Letting someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return is also a good idea. If the winds are strong, staying off the water is best until conditions improve. Finally, be mindful of waves and keep a low center of gravity in the boat to avoid tipping over.