Bass Fishing Report - May 15, 2025
May 15th, 2025 Bass Fishing Update 🎣
Bass fishing fanatics! Dive in and explore all three Bass Fishing Report heat maps below. Make sure you don’t miss it — scroll down to check out the latest Bass Season and Bass High Wind maps to stay ahead of the game. Know-Adapt-Catch® more Bass.
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Bass fishing report for this week:
How can you maximize your odds of taking advantage of what mother nature is giving all of us bass anglers this coming weekend? Take a look TODAY at your Bass Forecast app Adapted Pattern® feature Top 5 Baits and if you don’t have them, get them before you go…because we have all had that sinking feeling of not having the right baits on hand when it’s too late to do anything about it. Stay ahead of the bite and Plan and stalk like an Apex Angler if you want to catch an Apex-sized bass.
Stop guessing and fish smarter—With Bass Forecast Pro you can see 10 days ahead and always be ready for the best bite!
From the rugged docks of Grundsund, Sweden, in 1910, Carl Grundén, son of a fisherman, saw the North Sea’s fury test the limits of flimsy gear. Determined, he crafted oilskins to withstand the coldest, wildest waves. By the 1930s, Grundens was a name whispered with respect in harbors worldwide, relied on by crews pulling cod through relentless storms. For over a century, we’ve built gear to keep fishermen steady and dry in the harshest conditions.
That same spirit now rides along on your morning cast. As you work the edges of lily pads at first light, the Tough Sun Hoodie has your back—UPF 50 to block the sun, a hood for cover, and thumb holes to keep it all in place. It’s light, fights odor, and carries our Lifetime Warranty, a nod to gear that holds up, whether you’re chasing bass or battling the open sea.
Regional Bass Fishing Forecast Breakdown: May 15 –19, 2025
Northwest
Cooler-than-average temperatures and unsettled weather persist due to a lingering upper-level trough. Bass remain in pre-spawn to spawn stages, with feeding activity subdued. To help you figure out the bite, use your BassForecast mobile app Adapted Patterns® feature as baits, locations and presentations can change from day to day this time of year. Be prepared for sporadic showers, especially in northern areas.
Southwest
Extreme heat continues across much of the region, with temperatures soaring into the triple digits, which will cause water temperatures to rise closer to thermal optimum for Bass and spike feeding activity transitioning into post-spawn and summer patterns. The shad and bluegill spawn is on, which will create some awesome topwater fishing opportunities.
Midwest
Recent heavy rains have led to elevated water levels and potential flooding in some areas. Bass are in various stages of spawn, depending on local conditions. Use your BassForecast mobile app Adapted Patterns® feature to hone in on what stage of the spawn is in play the day(s) you go because it can change from day to day this time of year. Check local forecasts for flood advisories before heading out.
Southeast
A slow-moving upper-level low brings increased chances of rain and thunderstorms throughout the weekend. Bass are actively feeding in post-spawn to summer patterns. Be cautious of rapidly changing weather conditions. The shad and bluegill spawns are on, which will create some awesome topwater fishing opportunities. Use your BassForecast mobile app Adapted Patterns® feature to identify best bet baits, lake locations and presentations to take advantage of this weekend’s opportunities.
Northeast
Warmer-than-average temperatures have accelerated the transition into spawn and post-spawn patterns. Bass are feeding aggressively, especially during overcast conditions. Topwater lures and crankbaits are effective near rocky points and drop-offs. Keep an eye on local forecasts for any sudden weather changes. Use your Bass Forecast mobile app Adapted Patterns® feature to identify best bet baits, lake locations and presentations…which can change from day to day.
PRO TIP: Use the weather graph in your Bass Forecast PRO app to review rainfall totals over the past 10 days by location, helping you avoid lakes likely impacted by muddy inflows.
Stay ahead of the bite by leveraging your Bass Forecast app's features, including the Adapted Pattern® Top 5 Baits and Lake Locations, to maximize your success this weekend. To see exactly when bass will be turned on in your area, open your Bass Forecast mobile app and get PRO.
Shimano Pro Alex Davis discusses his Curado rod and reel tackle system for targeting bass with jerkbaits like the Shimano Zumverno 115SP and World Minnow FB. This lineup of jerkbaits features Shimano's patented technologies like FLASH BOOST, JET BOOST, and SCALE BOOST for improved visibility, casting, and lifelike characteristics. Davis prefers 6'10" Curado rod models in Medium and Medium Light. This size rod features a shorter handle, which he finds is better for twitching because it fits under your arm and allows you to work the bait without interference. The Medium offers a stronger, more aggressive action, while the Medium Light delivers subtle movement ideal for mimicking shad, especially in cold water. Curado rods feature Hi-Power X technology, and Davis believes a soft tip with a strong backbone is essential to absorb surges and keep fish hooked. For reels, Alex Davis favors a Curado 150-size reel with a 6.2:1 gear ratio for controlled retrieves that also avoids pulling hooks. For line, Davis favors 10 to 18-pound Mastiff FC fluorocarbon, and controls the bait's depth depending upon the line's size — the thicker the diameter, the shallower the bait dives.
For more Shimano Pro Tips on how to fish a jerkbait and other bass fishing techniques, click here
Test your bass fishing knowledge
Even on legendary big bass waters like Lake Fork Texas, how many hours does it take the average angler to catch a 10-pound bass?
Choose your answer
a. 2,105 hours
b. 4,790 hours
c. 868 hours
Curious about the Bass Forecast Feeding Mood Ratings and Adapted Pattern® recommendations for the weekend of May 20 to 25?
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Bass Forecast Tip:
Over 1.5 million+ Bass Forecast anglers have used these tips to boost catch rates during the cooler season.
1. DO NOT rely on “what worked yesterday”. It's not a solid strategy. The trickiest part of figuring out the bite in bass fishing is that patterns can change daily based on the weather, thus changing the feeding behavior of bass. Use the Bass Forecast app feature Adapted Patterns® to help adapt your strategy in real time. Bass Forecast Adapted Patterns® has predicted the winning pattern in 86% of top flight bass fishing tournaments 7 to 10 days before the tournament began.
2. Select best odds days up to 10 days in advance by getting Bass Forecast PRO inside the app. While there's no ‘guarantee’ of success on any single outing, double blind research has shown that season long average catch rates during GOOD/EPIC rated days are 68% to 305% higher than the average. Fisheries biologist research has also proven that bigger bass are caught during GOOD/EPIC days due to proactive vs reactive feeding behavior.
3. NO MATTER WHEN YOU GO, the BFR combined with the Seasonal Pattern (see map below) guides the 3 key elements of a successful bass catching pattern: 1. Baits to use. 2. Best bet fish feeding locations. 3. Best bet presentation speed.
Tight lines and happy fishing!
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