Timing is everything when it comes to bass fishing — and Australian bass are no exception.
These native sportsfish change their feeding habits, behaviour, and preferred depths throughout the year. If you want to catch more fish, you need to adjust your approach with the seasons.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best times of year, day, and conditions to target Australian bass, plus the top lures and gear to use during each period.
📆 Bass Fishing by Season in Australia
🌱 Spring (September – November)
Spring is when bass come alive. As the water temperature rises above 16°C, they become more active and move toward structure and shallow banks.
🎯 What works best:
•Soft plastics near weed lines
•Spinnerbaits along the edges
•Early topwater action on warmer mornings
🕐 Best times:
Early morning & late afternoon — especially after warm nights
📌 Gear tip:
•Use a Favorite U1 ML for soft plastics
☀️ Summer (December – February)
This is prime topwater season. Bass are aggressive and often feed at dawn and dusk.
🎯 What works best:
•Poppers and stickbaits at surface
•Crankbaits along rocky banks
•Spinnerbaits through structure
🕐 Best times:
•Dawn & dusk only — midday bite usually shuts down due to heat
•Night fishing can also be excellent in low-pressure systems
📌 Gear tip:
•Fast-action rod like the Favorite X1 M for precise surface control
🍂 Autumn (March – May)
Bass start to feed heavily in preparation for winter. It’s a transitional season where deeper lures begin to shine.
🎯 What works best:
•Lipless crankbaits (vibes)
•Soft vibes or blades
•Deep-diving hardbodies
🕐 Best times:
•Morning bite window extends longer
•Midday bite returns, especially on overcast days
📌 Gear tip:
•Use a Medium-power rod with backbone for deeper retrieves
❄️ Winter (June – August)
Bass go deeper and feed less aggressively. The bite slows down, but quality fish are still possible for patient anglers.
🎯 What works best:
•Deep soft vibes and slow-rolled plastics
•Vertical blade presentations
•Natural colours, slow tempo
🕐 Best times:
•Midday when the water warms
•Look for fish in 3–6 metre depth zones
📌 Gear tip:
•Long-cast combo (X1 7’2” M + 2500 reel) for reaching deep edges
🧭 Best Times of Day for Bass (All Year)
Time of Day Effectiveness Notes
Dawn (5–8 AM) ✅ Best overall Topwater, aggressive bites, low light
Morning (8–11) ✅ Good Subsurface bites, soft plastics
Midday (11–2) ⚠️ Variable Tough in summer, decent in winter/autumn
Afternoon (2–5) ✅ Good in spring/autumn Spinnerbaits, cranks
Dusk (5–8 PM) ✅ Excellent Similar to dawn, great for topwater again
🧠 Weather & Water Tips
•🌧️ Post-rain = stained water → spinnerbaits, vibes
•☁️ Overcast = extended bite windows
•🌡️ Temp 18–24°C = peak feeding
•🧊 Below 14°C = slow presentations, deep targets
•💨 Wind chop = great for cranks & reaction baits
❌ Mistakes to Avoid by Season
Mistake When It Happens How to Fix It
Fishing topwater at noon in summer Summer midday Switch to crankbaits or go deeper
Using fast retrieves in winter Cold water Slow down and downsize your lures
Sticking to shallow banks in autumn Early autumn Look for mid-depth transition zones
Skipping dawn/dusk in spring Early season warm-up Always fish first light in spring
❓ FAQ – Bass Fishing Time in Australia
Q: Can I catch bass year-round?
✅ Yes — but techniques change with the seasons.
Q: What month is best overall?
→ November or March — stable weather and active fish.
Q: Do tides affect freshwater bass?
→ Not really — unless you’re fishing near saltwater/brackish zones.
Q: Are overcast days better?
✅ Often yes — especially for crankbaits and reaction lures.
🔗 Related Articles
•Top Bass Fishing Spots in Australia
🛒 Final Thoughts
Bass fishing success in Australia isn’t just about what you use — it’s about when you fish.
Understanding seasonal shifts and adjusting your lures, location, and retrieve can dramatically increase your results.
🎣 Gear up with the right rod, time your session right, and make every trip count.
🛍️ Shop Favorite Rods for Every Season →
Right season. Right gear. Real results. Fish Favorite.