Color plan for Stevens Creek Reservoir bass in December
December on Stevens Creek is typically cooler; topwater bites happen most reliably in warm afternoons or around dawn/dusk. To maximize bites, start with a couple core colors/patterns and adjust based on water clarity and sun angle.
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Clear water or light tint: go natural. Good options include White with a subtle chartreuse belly or a classic Sexy Shad pattern (silver/gray back with chartreuse belly). A Whopper Plopper 90 in White/Chartreuse is a solid starter.
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Muddier water or algae edges: go bolder. Try a chartreuse/white body or a bluegill pattern (green back, white belly) to pop against the water color.
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Cold-water caveat: slower, smaller presentations work better. If fish are tucked to structure, use the 90mm to keep a subtler surface wake and longer pauses between retrieves.
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Color options to try (order of play):
- White/Chartreuse topwater (classic starter)
- Sexy Shad (silver/black back, chartreuse belly)
- Bluegill or natural shad tones (green back, white belly)
- Bone/Natural Shad (all white with a subtle scale pattern)
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Retrieval tips: use a steady walk-the-dog or normal topwater retrieve with deliberate pauses and slight twitches; pause 2–4 seconds near weedlines or structure, then resume. In December, too-rapid retrieves can miss the finicky bite—let the tail do the talking.
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Where to target: weedlines, rock or brushy points, and the edges of coves where bass suspend near cover. Look for warm pockets during sunny days; fronts and post-front windows can produce the best topwater action.
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Weather note: December bites hinge on sunlight and air temps. Warm afternoons or the few days after fronts can produce good topwater action; when it’s overcast or cold, be ready to switch to subsurface or slower baits.
Want to see these ideas in action? check these videos:
- 3 Topwater Bass Fishing Tricks #fishing
- The BEST Lures for Fall Bass Fishing!
- 3 Things EVERY Fisherman should know with FALL BASS FISHING #outdoors
If you’re shopping for lures, here are some solid options:
- SENPHE 5PCS Topwater Fishing Lures for Bass
- 5PCS Fishing Lures Plopper Topwater Lure
- Famillcase 3 Packs Whopper Plopper Lures
Stay patient and keep your line tight—December bass can be picky, but they’ll respond to a well-tired wake that's pulling the right color at the right time. Tight lines! 🎣
