By Steve Price

During the summer months much of former world champion Denny Brauer's bass fishing strategy can be summed up in just two words: activity zone.

An activity zone is a term that describes the depth at which bass are located, and while a number of variables determine this depth, once an angler learns what it is, he may be able to enjoy some of hot weathers finest fishing. "It can be a real bonanza and the bass will often be quality fish, too." explains Brauer, winner of the 1998 Bass Masters Classic. "In the summer, and also in the winter, the activity zone is primarily temperature related. Bass are keying on schools of shad in most lakes, and the shad, in turn, gather in huge schools where the water temperature is most agreeable to them. "Fortunately for us, those schools of baitfish are large enough to be identified on a depthfinder, which is really what you look for."

The strongest temperature factor in summer is the thermocline, which forms on many reservoirs in early summer and lasts until autumn. The thermocline is a very distinct dividing line that separates warmer, oxygenated water above from colder, oxygen-depleted water below. Depths vary, but across the South thermoclines may range from as shallow as 20 to perhaps 35 feet deep. "Baitfish and bass gather in the water just above the thermocline," Brauer continues, "since there is very little oxygen below it. This shows up very distinctly on a depthfinder, because the water below the thermocline will largely be void of fish life. This area, from about five feet masses of baitfish at 20 feet, for example, you should move toward the shoreline until you reach the bottom at 20 feet." In truth, says Brauer, actually finding this activity zone depth is not that difficult.

You can frequently get an idea of where it is simply by idling out across the bay where you launch, and then re-confirm it by heading straight across the lake to the opposite shore. You can also try following a major creek or river channel in deep water; the activity zone depth may not be exactly the same from one end of a lake to the other, but it will be constant in different areas, such as the deeper, lower half of the impoundment. Just finding the bottom at the activity zone depth is rarely enough to guarantee fish, however, cautions Brauer. The Daiwa pro recommends searching for specific structure like roadbeds, channel bends, or bluffs that correspond to this depth range.

During the summer, channel bends are particularly good places to fish. "Several lures can often be used to catch summer bass in their activity zones, depending on the type of structure you're fishing." adds Brauer. "For example, I often use one of Strike King's Pro Model jigs around the ends of bluffs, a 3/4-ounce spinnerbait along the edges of channel breaks, or a deep diving crankbait on roadbeds." "One of the things you'll frequently see with summer bass like this is that they'll hit one lure for awhile and then stop biting. Just remember, those fish haven't moved, and if you change lures you can usually get them biting again. that's why I always have a least three different lures ready at times like this."

Another key to remember, says Brauer, is using moving baits. Even when he's fishing his jig, he sweeps it up from the bottom to make certain he's getting it into the prime activity zone of the fish, since most of the bass will be above the bottom. Bass relate more to the activity zone during the heat of the day. they may leave it early and late when they move shallow to feed, but even after they return to the deeper water they can still be caught. "Sometimes the fishing is truly exceptional," says Brauer. "In my experiences, being able to pinpoint these deeper activity zones probably offers the best overall summer fishing you can find"

Other types of activity zones may also exist on a lake at the same time, notes Brauer, especially on impoundments like Logan Martin and Lay Lake that may have current. "Even though temperature is one of the most important factors in determining the activity zone, current can also play a definite role whenever and wherever it occurs," he explains. "Current may even be a stronger factor in some areas of a lake than others.

I know this can be true at Logan Martin, where the entire upper end of the lake is basically the Coosa River." "Here the fish have entirely different options than they do in the lower lake so you fish for them differently. When the current is strong enough to effect the lower lake, however, it can become a prime factor in determining the location of the activity zone, so you should always be aware of it." "Bass may move up from deeper structure to the ends of main lake points or sometimes even up on the flats where they can take advantage of the water movement."