Bass Fishing in June: High Water, Hot Action

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As summer takes hold in the Ozarks, Table Rock Lake becomes a premier destination for bass anglers seeking action-packed fishing in one of the most scenic lakes in the Midwest. June is an especially productive month, as post-spawn bass are feeding actively and moving throughout the lake. But when late spring rains swell the White River and James River arms, the water level often rises well above normal. This seasonal flooding can transform the lake’s shoreline, creating both challenges and outstanding opportunities for those targeting largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass.

How High Water Changes the Game

During June, Table Rock’s bass are transitioning from the spawn to summer feeding patterns. But when the water rises rapidly, bass behavior shifts dramatically. Flooded vegetation, submerged trees, and newly accessible shoreline cover offer bass fresh ambush points and cooler, shaded zones rich with insects, baitfish, and bluegill.

Rather than retreating to deeper water after spawning, many largemouth bass stay shallow— sometimes in water just inches deep—utilizing the expanded habitat. This means that shoreline structure that was high and dry just weeks ago can suddenly become a bass hotspot. It also allows anglers to fish areas that are often unreachable during normal lake levels.

High water levels benefit the fishery as a whole, too. Flooded cover protects fry and provides increased forage opportunities. For anglers, this often translates to more bites and bigger fish, if you can find the right approach.

Shallow Water Tactics: Work the Flooded Cover

When the water is high, head straight to the bushes. Look for areas where trees, willow branches, or shoreline grasses are submerged. Largemouth bass, in particular, will tuck deep into these areas. Flipping and pitching soft plastics into tight cover is a proven method during this time. Use a Texas-rigged creature bait, craw-style plastic, or jig and pig combo, and don’t be afraid to go heavy on tackle—fluorocarbon line is often necessary to pull bass out of the thick brush.

Focus on isolated pieces of cover. A single flooded bush or log may hold a territorial fish, especially if baitfish are nearby. Keep your boat positioned outside the brush line and make quiet, accurate pitches. High water often leads to shallow, spooky fish, so stealth matters.

Topwater Bonanza in the Early Morning

One of the most exciting aspects of June fishing during high water is the increased topwater action. As bass roam the shallows looking for an easy meal, they become highly receptive to topwater lures during low-light periods. Walking baits like the Zara Spook, poppers, and prop baits such as the Whopper Plopper are excellent choices around flooded wood and points. In protected coves or pockets with dense brush, a weedless frog or buzzbait can yield explosive strikes. This bite typically peaks in the first few hours of daylight, though overcast conditions or shaded banks can prolong the action. Some of the lake’s biggest largemouths are caught on topwater during high water in June.

Midday Adjustments and Finesse Techniques

As the sun climbs higher, smallmouth and spotted bass often move deeper. During the midday lull, shift your focus to secondary points, channel swings, and rocky ledges just outside the flooded zone. Use finesse presentations like drop shots, shaky heads, or Ned rigs with natural-colored soft plastics. Green pumpkin, watermelon red, and smoke hues match the forage and stand out well in Table Rock’s typically clear water.

Electronics become especially helpful during this part of the day. Look for baitfish activity on your graph, and fish just above or alongside submerged structure. Smallmouths tend to relate more to rocky areas and long tapering points, while spots may suspend near baitfish schools in deeper water.

Gear and Line Considerations

Table Rock’s clear water demands subtle presentations, especially when fishing deeper. Use fluorocarbon in the 8–12 lb range for finesse rigs and topwaters. In shallow, brushy areas, heavier gear is essential—go with braided line or 17–20 lb fluoro- carbon for flipping and pitching into heavy cover. Matching your tackle to your technique ensures more hook-ups and fewer lost fish.

Navigating High Water Safely

Fishing high water isn’t without its risks. Submerged debris such as logs, root balls, and even man-made objects can become boating hazards. Always idle through shallow or unfamiliar areas, and wear a life jacket, especially near fast-moving feeder creeks. Keep an eye on floating debris, especially near the river arms after a rain. Using updated lake maps and GPS navigation tools can help you stay safe and find structure that’s now under several feet of water.

A Time of Opportunity

While some anglers may be intimidated by rapidly changing water levels, those who embrace the conditions can have outstanding success. High water doesn’t make the bass disappear—it just makes them adjust. Largemouths use the new cover to their advantage, while smallmouths and spotted bass find new ambush zones in slightly deeper haunts. With the right approach and a little flexibility, June can offer some of the most exciting bass fishing Table Rock Lake has to offer.

So load your tackle box, launch the boat early, and keep an eye on that shoreline. Because when the water is high, so are your chances of landing the bass of a lifetime.