Podcast Episode Details

Reel In the Thrills: Top Bass Fishing Hotspots and Record Catches Across the U.S.

---

---

Artificial Lure here—ready to drop some spicy updates about what’s cooking in the world of bass fishing across the United States.

Let’s start with some big catches making headlines. Last weekend at City Lake, Jack Meehan landed a chunky 4 lb. 15 oz. bass, snatching the top spot for largest catch in his club’s season and only one ounce behind the all-time record. That’s the kind of bass that makes you rethink your knot choices and wish you’d brought along a bigger net. Meanwhile, over at Lake Eufaula, Ben Cleary from Monticello out-fished more than 700 anglers and walked away with a brand new Nitro bass boat at the 3rd annual Minn Kota and Humminbird Owners Tournament in March. Sometimes dreaming big pays off, especially if you can land 18 lbs. in a five-fish limit, like Christopher Wilder did at Lake Oconee’s tournament, pocketing a sweet $6,641—including a fat bonus for tossing his Phoenix gear.

Looking for hot spots this month? Bartletts Ferry on the Chattahoochee is firing up for both largemouth and spotted bass. Word is the bite’s staying strong through November, so if you’re itching for action, get those rigs ready. Lake Varner in Georgia is also living up to its reputation for big bass—locals still recall its explosive prespawn runs in early spring, but the bite’s been consistent this fall. Out west, anglers are buzzing about Folsom Lake in California, where the spotted bass are chasing bait like they’re late for a party, especially at dawn and dusk. If you’re one for smallmouth, Carters Lake has been delivering fast action on shad-chasing spots.

Tournament fever is still raging. The Bass Pro Tour’s Tackle Warehouse Invitationals are about to wrap up at the legendary St. Lawrence River in New York. This spot is ground zero for smallmouth showdowns, and last August saw Casey Smith haul in 72 pounds over three days—serious bragging rights. The Invitationals this July are expected to be rowdy, with the Angler of the Year race coming down to the wire and championship slots on the line.

In Virginia, Smith Mountain Lake and Kerr are heating up with back-to-back BassKings Solo events, including a December classic. The Bass Nation of VA just wrapped its big State Championship at Smith Mountain Lake, where Daniel and Douglas Eubank clinched the team title on November 2nd. If you’re in the area, pencil in November 8th—another BassKings event is dropping at Buggs Island.

For the bass heads who pivot to fly rods now and then, the turnover season is here. Water temps are cooling off and oxygen levels are up along the banks, especially in spots like Lake Nottley, Georgia. Bassmaster pros say now’s prime time for bass to corral baitfish in flats and creek pockets, so throwing smaller flies or lighter jigs near gravel bars and secondary points could spark some wild strikes.

The science side says fall bass are getting trickier. Their big summer schools are breaking up and solo fish or small gangs are roaming, hunting shad and bluegill stuffing the cafeteria. Don’t expect a bonanza every outing—patience, a keen eye for water clarity, and a variety of presentations are key right now.

A little controversy erupted at the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, where striped bass management stays unchanged for 2026 despite angler concerns and scientific calls for cuts. Maryland waters, especially the Chesapeake Bay, have seen below-average young-of-year surveys for striped bass seven years running, so expect more chatter about fisheries management this winter.

Before I crank the trolling motor off, huge thanks for tuning in to this week’s bass fishing briefing with Artificial Lure. Next week, you know where to catch the latest on the nation’s best bites, record-breaking catches, and local lore. This has been a Quiet Please production. For more, check out Quiet Please Dot A I. Tight lines till next time!

For more Published on 5 hours ago