Largemouth Bass

For largemouth bass near Velma, Oklahoma, focus on the smaller lakes and farm ponds scattered throughout the region. These often-overlooked gems can hold some surprisingly large bass. Spring is undoubtedly the best time, with pre-spawn bass staging near shallow spawning areas. Use lipless crankbaits and spinnerbaits to cover water quickly and locate active fish. Once the spawn is on, switch to soft plastics like Texas-rigged worms or creature baits to target bedding bass. Summer can be tougher, but fishing early mornings or late evenings near weed lines or submerged structure can still produce. A local tip: many of these ponds are privately owned, so always seek permission before fishing. Also, pay attention to wind direction; bass often congregate on the windward side of ponds where baitfish are concentrated. The largemouth here can be quite chunky, owing to the rich forage base in these smaller impoundments.