I wait till about the low 60s, which is usually Late April here in Colorado but we've had a cold spring, so the water is upper 50s still. Below that it's fewer and farther between and other lures just work much better.

The absolute best time to throw a topwater bait is right before a cold front, overcast skies, and med to heavy fog. Either of these weather activities are a prime time for a topwater bait.

I am going to start on Tuesday.....................water temps be damned

I am going to start on Tuesday.....................water temps be damned

Atta Boy!! I like your attitude

 

 

Mike

Caught one in 52 degree water on a dalhberg diver frog a few weeks ago so I would say chuck away....never hurts to try and a different bait is only a lure change away.

2 weeks ago i was fishing a flat with a spook walking the dog there was lay downs.with a bunch of branches and.a.weedbed 4 feet off.the.flat nailed.a.4 pounder 47 degree water temp.38 air.temp.. sun was heating the surfave nice.little chop.in water about 8 mph wind nw

I use topwater baits from the moment the ice is out till the ice starts to show up in the late fall. I never catagorize baits by the time of year, the retrieve may be altered and the size might be different but I have caught on lures that most dont throw because it is not there peak season for it. sometimes using lures that are not the conventional wisdom can be what will get you the most success.  

 

Mitch

I start fishing top water when there are absolutely no other options. It's traditionally one of my least successful ventures in fishing. I think last year I landed three fish over 15" on top water.