Smart anglers know how to take advantage of extraordinary opportunities for catching bass. For instance, special conditions sometimes occur that draw fish into predictable areas and cause them to feed. Anglers who know how to find and work these places can score some unbelievable catches.

 

One good example is fishing run-ins after a heavy spring rain. Bass fishing superstar Kevin VanDam describes a run-in as a place where fresh water is gushing into a lake's tributary after a downpour. This could be a large feeder creek or a small gully. VanDam says when this fresh water is running in, baitfish move in immediately, and bass are quick to follow them.

He explains, "Anytime there's a hard rain while I'm fishing or the night before, I'm going to immediately look for run-ins, especially in highland reservoirs. A heavy spring rain will do a couple of things. Usually it will be a warm rain, and it'll cause a rise in water temperature where it's running into the lake. This warmer water draws baitfish.

"Also, a lot of times there's ‘sawdust' (a surface mat of small leaf matter, twigs, etc.) and trash floating back there, and the fish'll get around that. It provides food (washed in worms, etc.) and cover.

"So, while that fresh water was running in, I've had some incredible days running those back-bay pockets and casting into these spots. I'll throw right to the bank where the water's running in, and I'll cast to each spot several times to see if any fish are present. In this situation I like baits that have some flash and action, like spinnerbaits or shallow crankbaits. If the water is dingy, which it frequently is, I'll go with bright colors like chartreuse or orange.

"And one more thing," VanDam emphasizes. "If this pattern is going to produce, it'll do so immediately when the water starts running in - during the rain or right after it. The fish know when this special condition exists, and they'll move to it within minutes of when the water starts entering the lake. So don't delay in trying this pattern."

VanDam concludes, "I'm telling you, when this is working, it can be the best thing going on the lake. It's not uncommon to catch a limit from one spot. If you find the right place, the baitfish will be concentrated there, and the bass will be feeding on them like wolves."