Hey guys I could use any and help with the pattern for these summer time white bass. I fish Joe Pool regularly, but I am sure there are many others having the same issues. Let me start by saying thank you for any and all input on this topic. Ok what I have found recently is the fish are not in their "normal" places and seem to be very scattered. I realize that every day on the water is different but it seems like the places I have found them for quite some time is just not producing anymore. Also of importance to note that there is absolutely no bird activity, and the fish havn't really schooled up that I have seen in over a month. They will come to the surface sporatically i.e. 30 seconds to a minute and then they drop again. I don't know if this movement is due to following the bait, matching the hatch as shad have recently spawned, or the setting up of the thermocline. My water conditions if it matters is 2-3ft. visibility and water temps right around 85 degrees. Thanks again

I think that are on the right track with the hatch idea that said, look for them in other than the usual spots. I see that happening on most the area lkaes and the best guides out there are still looking for them too. Of course those guys are a class above me in the fish finding and catching catagory...LOL!!

I know you fish joe pool, but if it's anything like Hubbard right now, they are either deep, or crazy shallow! like jumping out of the water shallow. This pattern just started about 2 to 3 weeks ago good luck!

Dont consider myself a class above anyone, but yes, in the last week pattern has changed big time. Atleast on my home lake. Been nailing 7/8 lb hybrids and numerous sandies. Then last monday couldnt buy a bite. So, dont think it is you or your fishing ability, I have been struggling in the last few days and sure others are to too, whether they will admit to it or not.

hey guys again I appreciate all the input on this subject, I hate to say it but I am glad I am not the only one having issues.

Here's my observations at Cedar Creek. When the new hatch of shad get big enough to become forage for predator fish (as they are starting to now), then you have 2 ways to go about catching fish on structure. Common to both ways is to look until you find a good concentration of fish - ON OR NEAR THE BOTTOM. Try your usual way to catch them, and if they won't bite, then they are probably on the new hatch. One way to proceed is to abandon this bunch and find another bunch on structure and again try your usual bottom fishing approach. If you start catching them then you have found fish on last year's larger shad and you're good to go. You may have to try many structures before you find fish on the larger shad. The 2nd approach is to match the hatch if your usual method does not catch them. For me, that means if I don't catch them on a #4 Mepps, then go to a #2 Mepps as I had to today. This works using the Mepps technique and I really don't experience a slowdown during the summer.

I don't know if there is a small enough slab or soft plastic like a Sassy Shad to achieve the same results with these techniques. I'm guessing there may not be because I remember last year reading where the guides were having to resort to trolling the small pet spoons to catch fish beause of the small shad.

One other observation here at Cedar Creek - in the summer I can find beautiful concentrations of fish on 25 to 30 ft deep structures and they often will just refuse to bite - even after trying everything in my tackle box. What I have found is that I have to ignore the deep fish and find them on 12 to 15 ft structures. The shallow pattern I call it. There they will bite using one or the other Mepps sizes.

The articles in my signature block describe the Mepps technique.

I have recently started to use your mepps technique, but I just use a different brand of in-line spinners and this has been producing really well for me. By the way thank you for your introduction on how to use them effectively it has brought my catch rate way up, especially when they won't hit the slab. I have been using a 1/4oz., and 1/2oz. models and they have done the trick that is until this last week. It seems like the fish just flipped the switch and said no thanks. I realize that part of my failure is just part of fishing and I accept that, but for several times in a row to have a bad day is very unusual. I have not been one to move around too much, but I am going to have to change my approach and figure something else out. Thanks for the insight Dennis!

Several People here on the forum have done well this time of year on Pool by tying 1/4oz jigs above there slabs to emulate the smaller bait fish. Also I know I will be chastised for this, but hell-pet season is here.

I have been having great success at Joe Pool getting the chiggers to bite but nothing else.