Bass Fishing with Topwater Baits: Tips for Rivers and Backwaters
Bass fishing with topwater baits is one of the most exhilarating ways to catch largemouth and smallmouth bass. The explosive strikes and heart-pounding action make it a favorite among anglers. In this guide, we’ll explore how to use topwater baits effectively in rivers and backwaters, where to find bass, and recommend some top-performing lures available on Amazon.
Why Topwater Baits for Bass Fishing?
Topwater baits create surface disturbances that mimic struggling prey, triggering aggressive strikes from bass. These lures are particularly effective in warm water conditions (above 55°F), during early mornings, late evenings, or before a storm when bass are most active. They work well in shallow waters, making them ideal for rivers and backwaters where bass often congregate. According to Bass Resource, topwater baits are most productive in late spring, summer, and fall, especially in areas with dense cover or open water.
[](https://www.bassresource.com/fish/topwaters.html)
Where to Find Bass in Rivers and Backwaters
Bass in rivers and backwaters behave differently than in lakes due to current, cover, and water levels. Understanding their habits and preferred locations is key to success.
Largemouth Bass in Rivers and Backwaters
Largemouth bass avoid strong currents, preferring calm, slow-moving waters. Focus on the following high-percentage areas:
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- Backwaters and Side Channels: These are calm pockets off the main river, such as creeks or sloughs, where bass seek refuge. Look for areas with minimal flow, like stagnant side channels or weedy backwaters.
[](https://tiltfishing.com/do-largemouth-bass-live-in-rivers/)[](https://bassonline.com/bass-fishing-in-rivers/)
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- Structure and Cover: Bass hide near fallen trees, rootballs, submerged logs, or vegetation like lily pads and cattails. These ambush points allow bass to wait for prey.
[](https://shopkarls.com/blog/river-bass-fishing)
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- Eddies and Current Breaks: Behind boulders, logs, or bends in the river, bass position themselves to conserve energy while ambushing baitfish.
[](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/bass-fishing-tips)
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- Shallow Flats: In low water, bass move to flats with vegetation or timber, especially in backwaters, where baitfish congregate.
[](https://www.wired2fish.com/fall-fishing/fishing-backwaters-on-fluctuating-rivers)
Smallmouth Bass in Rivers
Smallmouth bass prefer clearer, deeper water with rocky or sandy bottoms. They thrive in areas with moderate current. Prime spots include:
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- Eddies Near Structure: Smallmouth hold in eddies behind boulders or logs, especially near drop-offs or river bends.
[](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/bass-fishing-tips)
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- Confluences: Where streams join rivers, oxygenated water attracts baitfish and smallmouth.
[](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/bass-fishing-tips)
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- Rocky Points and Drop-offs: Smallmouth congregate around rocky areas with steep depth changes, often hunting in slightly deeper water than largemouth.
(https://www.mass.gov/info-details/bass-fishing-tips)
Best Topwater Baits for Bass Fishing
Choosing the right topwater bait depends on water conditions, cover, and bass behavior. Here are some top picks, all available on Amazon with our affiliate link:
1. Whopper Plopper
The River2Sea Whopper Plopper is a prop-style bait that creates a unique plopping sound, attracting bass from a distance. It’s ideal for covering large areas of open water or fishing over grass. Fish it with a steady retrieve or add pauses to mimic injured baitfish.
[](https://www.reddit.com/r/Fishing_Gear/comments/1490gsm/are_knock_off_amazon_lures_worth_risking/)
2. Poppers
Poppers like the Rebel Pop-R create a popping sound and splash, perfect for calm waters or sparse cover. Use short, sharp rod twitches to make it “pop” and pause to let bass strike.
[](https://www.bassresource.com/fish/topwaters.html)
3. Buzzbaits
Buzzbaits, such as the Booyah Buzz, are excellent for fishing over heavy cover or in murky water. Their spinning blades create noise and vibration. Fish them fast to provoke reaction strikes.
[](https://www.bassmaster.com/column/bernie-schultz/tackle-systems-search-baits/)
4. Frogs
Hollow-body frogs like the Livetarget Hollow Body Frog excel in thick vegetation. Work them slowly over lily pads or grass mats with a walk-the-dog action.
[](https://www.tacticalbassin.com)
Techniques for Fishing Topwater Baits
Retrieve Speed: Vary your retrieve to match bass behavior. Fast retrieves work for aggressive bass, while slower, pausing retrieves tempt lethargic fish.
[](https://www.bassmaster.com/column/bernie-schultz/tackle-systems-search-baits/)
Casting Accuracy: Cast near cover like logs, weeds, or rocks, as bass often strike when lures bump into objects. In rivers, cast upstream to let the current sweep the bait naturally past cover.
[](https://shopkarls.com/blog/river-bass-fishing)
Stealth: In clear backwaters, approach quietly to avoid spooking bass. Use lighter lines (12-14 lb. for largemouth, 8-10 lb. for smallmouth) for better lure action.
[](https://tiltfishing.com/do-largemouth-bass-live-in-rivers/)[](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/bass-fishing-tips)
Gear: Use medium to medium-heavy rods with braided line (30 lb. for buzzbaits, 12-14 lb. for poppers) and baitcasting reels for precise casts.
[](https://www.bassmaster.com/column/bernie-schultz/tackle-systems-search-baits/)[](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/bass-fishing-tips)
Seasonal Considerations
In spring, target backwaters with clear water for spawning bass. Use smaller baits like poppers or finesse topwaters. In summer, fish vegetation-heavy areas with frogs or buzzbaits. In fall, focus on main river channels with rocky cover, using larger baits like Whopper Ploppers to match bigger shad.
[](https://shopkarls.com/blog/river-bass-fishing)
ConclusionBluegill Fishing Slip Bobber
Topwater bass fishing in rivers and backwaters offers unmatched excitement. By targeting backwaters, eddies, and structure, and using lures like the Whopper Plopper, Pop-R, Buzzbait, or Hollow Body Frog, you can increase your chances of landing trophy bass. Shop these lures on Amazon using our affiliate links and gear up for your next adventure. Happy fishing!