Mossy Pond Fishing

Question
I live in Texas it is really hot here and will be for the next two months.  I fish for bass and catfish.  I used crank baits and spinner baits early in the year and the bass hit them like crazy.  Now I have fished everyday for the last month and half and have caught two bass.  We have two ponds connect through a tunnel and on the longer pond but not deeper one is filled with algae and moss just gets caught on your lure.  The other pond is fine on top but is filled with sticks and leaves on the bottom both ponds have fountains which is where i catch my catfish.  Neither pond has any type of cover, they are just banks from which i fish from.  The water temp is probably in the 90s and during the day it is at least 100.  The depth ranges from 0 to 10ft but in the longer pond it is 6ft max and it has not rain in a while here and the ponds are low.  I was wondering if you could give me any advice on what kind of lures to use, what time of day, what kind of locations to fish for bass and catfish it is just getting really frustrating so please help.

Blake

Answer
Hi Blake,
I'm sorry it's taken me so long to answer your question.  I've been incredibly busy and have only had a chance to check my school email.  That being said, let's tackle your dilemma.  

Fish, being cold-blooded animals, are totally dependant upon water temperature.  Once the temp.  gets up over 85 degrees or so, bass start getting extremely sluggish again.  It simply costs them too much energy and the water doesn't contain enough oxygen for the fish to hunt..  If the water temperature is as high as you're saying it is, there's a good chance the fish are even dieing.  The reason you're still catching fish around teh fountain is because that seems to be the only remaining source of oxygenated water flowing into the pond.  Such hot conditions, especially with little rain, are really unhealthy for fish.  

If the fish are not dieing, though, they have made changes to their habits.  The only times you're likely to find active bass when the water temerature gets high are during the early morning, and late evening when the water temperature is going to be significantly cooler than it is during the day.  (If the water temperature is around 100 degress, as I think you're stating, it is extremely likely that fish are dieing.  I suggest you just get a thermometer and be sure about the water temp.)  

I would add more, but your problem really seems to be the outrageously high water temperatures.  Try checking that out asap, and getting back to me.  Get readings for the early morning, midday, and evening.  If the temperature really is as high as you're suggesting, the populations in your ponds are severly at risk.

Write back soon so hopefully I can help,
Chris