Photo by Ron Sinfelt

When the broiling summer sun makes the air feel hotter than Hades, everyone looks for a cool retreat. For fishermen, heading to the water is a natural escape, and once there we like to successfully ply our trade. But bass don't always cooperate under summer's stifling conditions. In August, they become lethargic or go deep, making them difficult targets for the casual angler.

Fortunately, Pennsylvania's black bass (largemouths and smallmouths) are willing to play in the August heat. Even our northern-strain largemouths can tolerate water temperatures over 80 degrees, and they often face these high readings during the Dog Star days.

When choosing a summer lake for bass fishing, look for one with plenty of weed growth, shallow flats adjacent to deep water and, of course, good bass forage. In summer, fishing pressure will be a problem, not only from other anglers but also from the throng of pleasure boaters and personal watercraft that are out and about. Choose a lake with expansive surface acreage and plentiful coves and you can often get out of the Mixmaster wave effect.

Don't let the heat or the hordes stop you, because August can be just as hot for bass fishing. Here's a look at some of the summertime's best waters.

MARSH CREEK
For all the pressure it receives, Marsh Creek is still the best bass lake in the southeast corner of the state. This 535-acre impoundment in Chester County is certainly no giant, but it's surprising how portions of this lake are largely neglected. Most anglers troll over to the Park Cove, the Little Conestoga Bay and down by the dam; two arms on the east side of the lake receive far fewer visitors.

These arms of Marsh Creek do not have registered names, but are sometimes called the Dam Cove and Short Bay. Short Bay is behind the peninsula of the east launch and main park office. The Dam Cove is near the dam.

Short Bay is filled by Jerry Run and another unnamed spring. The north side of the arm is where you want to concentrate your August efforts. For most of its length, there is a relatively steep shoreline. A few feet from shore and you're over your head. In late summer, this is a boon because Marsh Creek's plentiful largemouths cruise against the steep sides. Bouncing weighted soft plastics down the slope is an excellent tactic. The far shoreline and the back of Short Bay are generally too shallow for daytime fishing in August. The water heats up above the lake's median temperature and the largemouths don't seem to like this territory except on rare nights.

The Dam Cove on the east side of the lake is particularly weedy. Again, the back of the cove isn't very good in the summer, but the steeper shoreline on the north side can be fine. The shore outside the spillway area is worth peppering with weedless baits, and the round point that leads down to the dam has produced good bass for me, particularly at night. The corner of the dam with the outflow mechanism is also hot.

Marsh Creek Lake is in the state park of the same name. The impoundment is easily reached from the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Exit at Route 100 and travel north to Eagle. A boat rental concession is at the east launch.

Call (610) 458-5119 or (610) 458-5040 for more information.

LAKE NOCKAMIXON
Continuing on the theme of pressured but still viable August bass waters, each summer Lake Nockamixon in Bucks County takes a lickin' but keeps on tickin.' The 1,450-acre impoundment has its pressure points, but there are other spots where anglers can have the water to themselves.