Strike King pro Andy Morgan highlights some typical bass patterns in Zone 3 and recommends some key spots for anglers to check out during June.
“June emphasizes what happens after the shad spawn in May,” says Morgan. Because of warmer weather in May, bass have usually transitioned to main lake areas during June. “These fish are typically summered up and definitely in their summer schools,” Morgan shares. While fishing in the shallows was key during May, there are some other spots that Morgan suggest anglers check out. “There are some stripers left around in the shallows, but typically only stripers. Those fish out on the main channels, the creek channels, and the main lake are pretty much what everybody is targeting, and they are in those summer schools in my zone in June,” Morgan concludes.
If the water is clear, Morgan prefers Natural Shad. In stained water, he switches to Olive Shad. For muddy water, he will favor Citrus Shad.
The uniquely shaped bill on the 6XD Crankbait allows for this bait to create a steep dive angle for faster and deeper dives than many other hardbaits. The free-floating rattle provides a sporadic sound emission to entice huge strikes.
Morgan’s choice for clear water is Natural Shad, while he opts for Olive Shad if the water is stained. Citrus Shad is Morgan’s go-to when fishing in muddy conditions.
Designed for targeting the biggest bass, the deep diving 10XD crankbait can dive up to 25-feet with ease, allowing you to target bass you could not typically reach with smaller crankbaits.
He opts for Olive Shad in clear water, and switches to White if the water is stained or muddy.
Strike King’s Thunder Cricket was designed by Greg Hackney, Kevin VanDam, and Andy Montgomery and has changed the game for vibrating jigs. Its innovative design provides maximum swimming action, flash, and thump, with a superior hookup ratio.
If the water is clear, he will throw White Silver, while more stained or low-vis water conditions call for Chartreuse White.
With heightened effectiveness in cover, the Tour Grade Spinnerbait is designed with a light wire frame to help produce maximum vibration and comes complete with a hand-tied skirt.
He opts for Natural Shad in clear water. If the water is stained or muddy, he will throw Bone.
Morgan chooses the KVD Sexy Dawg because it’s a premium, “walk-the-dog” topwater lure with great action. When bass are chasing bait near the surface, he always has one tied on.
If the water is clear or stained, Montgomery prefers Green Pumpkin Game Hawg. For muddy water, he will favor Black N Blue.
Montgomery fishes on a Team Lew's Signature Series Mark Rose Carolina Rig 7’5” rod, pairing it with a Lew's HyperMag 8.3:1 baitcast reel.
He fishes the Carolina Rig on 17 lb. fluorocarbon line with a 15 lb. leader.
Strike King pro Tristan McCormick suggests a few of his favorite spots in Zone 3 during June.
McCormick expects the bass to be offshore and relating to current. Big schools of bass will sit on ledges and bars, waiting for the current to bring bait to them. He also expects bass to relate to mouths of creeks and points, feeding a ton after the spawn. McCormick normally sees clear water and water temperatures ranging from 80-90 degrees.
If the water is clear, McCormick prefers Citrus Shad. In stained water, he switches to TN Shad. For muddy water, he will favor Black Back Chartreuse.
McCormick prefers a 6XD with a fast retrieve to generate a reaction bite around schools, sometimes even catching two bass at a time.
McCormick’s choice for clear water is Green Pumpkin, while he opts for PB&J if the water is stained. Texas Craw is his go-to in muddy conditions.
As a follow up bait to the 6XD, McCormick will throw the ¾ oz Tour Grade Football Jig around the offshore schools of bass. He says this is a great way to get a big bite when they aren’t chasing a crankbait.
He opts for Green Pumpkin in clear water, and switches to The Dirt if the water is stained. He prefers Watermelon Red in low-vis conditions.
McCormick will throw a KVD Finesse Worm on a shakey head at the schools of bass offshore. He prefers a shakey head rigged Finesse Worm when there is less current and lots of pressure.
If the water is clear, he will throw Morning Dawn, while more stained water calls for Dingleberry.
McCormick will throw a Filler Worm on a drop shot when targeting roaming solo bass. He prefers a ½ oz weight on his drop shot.
He opts for Sexy Shad in clear water. If the water is stained, he will throw White, while he will switch to Chartreuse/White if the water is muddy.
McCormick utilizes the Bottom Dweller Spinnerbait in 1 oz. in Zone 3 when there is a lot of current. McCormick says the Bottom Dweller will get lots of reaction bites, and the bass think it’s a big gizzard shad.
