Springtime Bass Fishing
Spring bass fishing can be one of the most productive times to fish. Bass, as cold blooded creatures, feel the water temperature increase and begin to move up into shallower water to find a spawning area.
One of the first visible signs of bass moving up into shallow water is the activity of baitfish. Baitfish tends to school up in the warmest water in the shallow creeks and coves anywhere from 1-20ft. They will position themselves with access to drop-offs of 20 ft. up to 80 ft. or more allowing them to move up and down as conditions change.
Target the North side of the lakes for the warmer water temperatures. The bass will follow their food supply and will likely choose these areas to spawn first.
What water temp do bass spawn?
Once the water surface temperature becomes 45- 50 degrees, the bass will begin their movement to start to feed more as they get ready to find their spawning grounds. The smaller bass will be the first to arrive in the shallow water to scout out the spawning area in preparation for the females to move into. Remember, the large female bass are right behind them!
Look for the conditions to be right and if you find 2 or more of these conditions in the same area, chances are the bass are there too.
The challenge is not spooking the bass after you find them, so once you have located them, make long casts and be attentive to your bait as it falls on the surface of the water. Often times you will get a strike immediately as it hits the water.
The gear choices are many, but I recommend using a medium spinning reel, and a light medium action graphite rod with clear line. (8-10 lb. monofilament).
Spring bass fishing lures
Spring Bass Lures vary depending on structure in the water, (Grass, timber, rocks, docks) water clarity and the depth of the water you are fishing. Floating worms are a great lure for this time of year. The brighter fluorescent colors seem to get the bass’s attention away from spawning and onto feeding. Use a weed less rig like the Texas rig. Do not use a sinker. After casting the worm, slowly twitch it and let it fall. Continue this all the way in and be very attentive to any light movement in you line. Sometimes the bass will simply grab your bait to move it out of their area, and this is a great time to set the hook!
Bass are very aggressive and territorial predators. They will strike a bait instinctively to kill it, move it, or just inhale it. So, be ready to set your hooks this spring, the big one is out there!