Hey fellow anglers, Artificial Lure here, back with your can’t-miss weekly roundup on what’s hot and happening in the world of bass fishing in the United States. Whether you toss poppers on the fly or chunk swimbaits from the deck, this week’s news is as fresh as a livewell at sunrise.

Let’s talk recent big catches. At Lake Hamilton, Arkansas, the HLSS Bass Team Event is just wrapping up and stories are already coming in about some chunky largemouths showing up in weigh-ins. If you’re hungry for big-bass drama, check out what went down at the 2025 Big Bass Shootout—Wade Miley and Matt Lee took the honors with a top fish of 7.14 pounds, a true toad that’s got folks buzzing and dreaming of their own PBs. Meanwhile over at Falls Lake, North Carolina, Andrew Steagall and Daniel Dix dropped a sack weighing 27.74 pounds with their biggest at 7.27 pounds—these are the kind of tournament days we all dream about.

For the fly-fishing bassheads, western waters are on fire. Clear Lake, California, is getting a big shout from West Coast guides, with anglers hauling in quality largemouth on both classic and experimental patterns, including spreading word about killer topwater sessions at Lake Casitas—multiple 50-bass days being reported. According to local guide Rich Tauber, Lake Cachuma is also absolutely putting out for those willing to try new finesse and shallow-water presentations. If you’re itching to put the bend in a 7-weight, now’s the time to head west.

Down in Texas, the latest records from the state parks folks show Ed Harper with a recent 3.57-pound white bass at Possum Kingdom, caught on January 25, 2025—a great sign as the season cools and fish start feeding up. Guides on Lake Dunlap are saying the early winter finesse worm bite for largemouths in 10-15 feet is producing reliable action if you prefer a southern swing.

You want hot spots? Lake Guntersville, Alabama, is gearing up for Bass Pro Shops REDCREST 2025, with the nation’s top pros descending on this legendary water. And come January 30, the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour will be kicking off its 2025 season at Lake Conroe, Texas. Both lakes are primed for fast action and thick Florida-strain bass, and tournament pressure always means new tactics will be uncovered—an ideal time for fly fishers everywhere to scoop up new techniques.

There’s news off the water, too. Starting in 2025, Major League Fishing is limiting the number of high-tech sonar units per boat in tournaments, trying to put more emphasis back on skill and reading the water instead of just reading screens. That’s good for everyone, especially those of us who like to keep things hands-on and sight-based, whether you’re wading a stream or piloting a bass boat.

Out in the Arizona desert, the Arizona Game and Fish Department just proposed unlimited striped bass bag limits at Lake Mead and Lake Mohave for 2026, noting studies that say catch rates won’t hurt populations due to the fish’s prolific nature and reliance on food supply—so if you’re into stripers on the fly, that’s a wide-open invitation to load up.

As temps drop, fall into winter can actually turn up some amazing fish. On the East Coast, especially around Baltimore Harbor and the Potomac, striped bass are staying active for folks slinging soft plastics and paddletails, proving you don’t have to give up kettles and flies just because the mercury’s falling.

Thanks for tuning in to Artificial Lure, your locals-only guide, bringing the best of the U.S. bass scene to your ears. Swing by next week for more action, tall tales, and tips—for Quiet Please Productions, check out Quiet Please dot AI. Tight lines, and remember: wherever you fish, keep it fun, keep it fresh, and keep coming back for the latest fishing gossip!

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This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI