When one is selecting a lure, the depth at which bass are located must be considered. In hot weather during July and August, smaller fish will often be active in one to two feet of depth immediately above and below rock riffles. However, larger bass will more often frequent structures extending into deep holes. In spring and fall, with cooler water temperatures and decreased intensity of the sun, even larger bass will be found near shallow structures. Spinner-baits, which ordinarily are fished only one or two feet below the surface, become very effective in these conditions.
Weather conditions have some bearing on how actively smallmouth react to a lure presentation.
As a cold front approaches, bass often become extremely active. They can be very non-selective in feeding and will strike at almost any lure presented. But once the front settles in, the fish retreat deeper into structure. During this period, accurate lure presentation becomes of utmost importance in coaxing a fish to strike. Lures must be placed extremely close to the fish, yet not so close that the fish will be spooked.