One of the most thrilling moments in lure fishing is watching the calm water suddenly “explode” as your artificial lure disappears instantly—that’s the unique charm of topwater lure fishing. When the water temperature rises to a level where fish feed near the surface, this exciting scene becomes a common sight.

There are several reasons why fish attack objects on the water’s surface, especially in the post-spawning season. When the water temperature suits their metabolism and food is abundant, fish will feed heavily. On warm days, fish may look up at the water surface because many insects fall into the water. Additionally, some male fish stay near the surface after spawning, mainly to protect their fry—and these fish tend to be highly aggressive, attacking anything on the surface that gets close to their young.

Lure

Below are 7 practical tips to help you catch more fish during the late spring to summer topwater fishing period:

1. Find fish spawning areas
After the spawning season, try using tractor lures, poppers, or walk-the-dog lures around exposed rocks or logs in the water. These spots are likely to attract fish lingering post-spawning.

2. Target docks
In the later stage of the spawning season, cast your lure under docks—this is where male fish often hide to protect their fry. Aim to place your lure as close to the dock as possible; on sunny days, focus on the shadiest areas under the dock.

3. Adjust retrieval speed
A basic rule for topwater lure fishing: retrieval speed depends on water temperature. Generally, the lower the water temperature, the less active the fish—so you need to slow down your retrieval.

4. Use noisy lures in rough water
If the water is choppy with wind or waves, switch to noisy topwater lures (like tractor lures). The noise helps fish locate your lure more easily amid the turbulence.

5. Keep steady retrieval when fish chase
If you see a fish chasing your lure, keep retrieving at a steady speed to let the chase continue. Suddenly stopping the retrieval will most likely make the fish turn away.

6. Cast farther in clear water
When fishing in clear water, always cast farther—this increases your chances of attracting fish. PE line is ideal for long casts because it’s lightweight and has no stretch. Keep an eye on the line and react quickly once it tightens.

7. Head to shallow areas
If the water level rises and becomes murky in your usual fishing spots, move to shallow areas. Remember, the 6 tips above also apply here!