Going Fishing? Be on Top with a Top Water Lure

Imitation of an individual aquatic prey species is the concept behind a top water lure, but even more fundamental is how you present it to fish. “The speed at which those baits can be fished on the water’s surface around aquatic vegetation and other habitat is critical,” adds Bauer. “Some of those lures on the surface are made to be fished slowly, some fished relatively fast and some fished with an occasional twitch. Depth and speed are the most important variables to consider when working through the puzzle of which may be the best top water lure to cast at any given time. Bauer says let the fish determine how they want your surface lure.

Before you begin finessing your surface lures in the water, realize how important edges are. Edges denote where different habitats converge or meet. Good examples of edges in the aquatic environment would be where deep water meets shallow water or along a current, mud-line or weed bed. All kinds of fish and wildlife are naturally drawn to edges. Bauer points out below the surface of the water, predator fish, those big sport fish we love to catch, hunt along edges because of the abundance of prey in those areas. “In many cases the predators use edges to their advantage by chasing and trapping prey up against them near the surface,” clarifies Bauer. “So fish your top waters right along the edges.”

Here are some other key factors to consider when fishing with top water lures, according to Bauer:

Types. There is a wide array of top water lures on the market today and they all will catch fish if their hooks are sharp and they are used at the right place at the right time; the trick is using the right tool for the job. “Matching the hatch” involves more than a look-a-like prey item that fish are consuming. It also includes realistically mimicking the behavior of that prey species on the water. In some situations, fast and loud will definitely be the best method for the job. In other situations, slow and subtle will prove successful. Some of the basic top water lure types and examples to know are:  Chugger/Popper (Pop-R), Stickbaits (Floating Rapala) , Walk-the-dog (Zara Spook), Chopper/Propeller/Prop baits (Whopper Plopper),  Frog (Scum Frog), Toad (Humpin’ Toad) and Buzzbait (Black Buzzbait).

Color. The color of a top water lure often makes more difference to the angler than it does to the fish. Color should be one of the last presentation variables you should be considering. Keep in mind black top waters or black-bellied top waters provide a distinct silhouette to fish looking up at the surface and are usually effective. On the other hand, you might want bright colors so you can see the lure. Color might make a difference in very clear water. Professional anglers will suggest that you stick to natural colors with clear conditions, but don’t get too hung up on it.

Weedless. Another major difference with surface baits compared to other artificial lures is how weedless or “snag-less” they may be.  Some of the top water baits are quite weedless and in fact designed to be fished directly in and over the thickest aquatic weed or algae mats imaginable. Other top water lures are not weedless at all and probably contain multiple treble hooks.

Species. Of course about every angler knows that game fish such as largemouth and smallmouth bass as well as northern pike and muskie pursue top water lures. Open-water inhabiting predators like white bass and wipers frequently attack top water lures on the surface, too. Panfish aggressively target top waters as do trout. Even species like walleye and catfish use surface edges of the water to look for food more often than you think and may take a surface lure. 

Time of Day/Season. Prime times to employ top water lures are when fish are most likely to be feeding.  That means dawn and dusk are good times. Early morning, when the light is low, is a traditional time fish a top water lure. Don’t be afraid to try a surface edge with a top water any time of day though and even into the night, especially during latter part of summer.  Believe it or not, cloudy days can also be productive when fish move into the shallows. Watch the surface of the water for a feeding frenzy and if it appears, throw your top waters near it. You can also catch fish on top water imitators well into the fall.

Wind. Less wind is certainly best for fishing top water lures, but do not be afraid to try it with some waves on the water. Obviously, the more subtle, slower top waters are least effective when the wind starts blowing, although you might find some calm pockets where those they still will work. When it is windy and the water a bit murky, choose the top water lures that make the noisiest disturbances. Try them in the waves and don’t be surprised if you have more fish that hit and miss them as the wind increases.

Hooking fish. Understand this about fishing with top water lures, it often results in an overreaction from the jerk on the other end of the line, HA!  Anglers notoriously set the hook prematurely at the eruption of water and end up missing the fish. That translates to a surface bait sailing through the air back at you! Lighten up your intake of caffeine and make yourself pause until you actually feel the fish before you set the hook.  It is easier said than done, but the better you can master the pause, the more fish you will hook.

No matter what top water pattern you are using, a fish hammering  the water’s surface is still one of the most exciting ways to wet a line. If the top tier or tray in your tackle box doesn’t include a variety of top water lures, it should.  These surface baits will allow you to cover a lot of open water, fish the thickest weed beds possible and  produce fish when nothing else does.

Happy top water fishing!

ANGLING NOTE: Make sure you have a current, valid fishing permit and share your pics of fish that are caught on top water lures by new anglers in our Take ‘Em Fishing challenge on OutdoorNebraska.gov