| Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Smallmouth Bass | 48-58 | - Smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter depths to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning
- Fish are following the warming trend, moving from deep wintering areas to intermediate depths near potential spawning flats
- Feeding activity increases during stable weather patterns, with fish particularly active during afternoon hours when water temperatures peak
| - Rocky points and ledges in 12-18 foot depths adjacent to potential spawning flats
- Transition areas where rock structure meets emerging weed growth in 8-15 feet
- Deep rock piles near Duck Bay and Johnson Shoal that provide staging areas
| - Drop Shot with light finesse baits worked slowly along rock transitions
- Ned Rigs dragged slowly across rocky bottom structure
- Blade Baits worked with a slow lift-and-drop near staging areas
| - Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy
- Small baitfish schools in transition areas
- Perch relating to rocky structure
| - Natural Craw Colors
- Dark Neutrals
- Natural Baitfish Colors
|
| Spring (Spawn) | Smallmouth Bass | 55-65 | - Smallmouth bass are actively engaged in spawning activities, with males guarding nests on or near rocky substrate and females moving between deeper staging areas and spawning flats
- Fish are highly territorial and aggressive during this period, particularly around nesting sites, making them responsive to both finesse and reaction-style presentations
| - Boulder fields and rock piles in 3-8 foot depths where spawning beds are established
- Deeper rocky points and ledges adjacent to spawning flats where pre/post spawn fish stage
- Transition areas where rock structure meets emerging vegetation, providing cover for staging fish
| - Drop Shot with light line and finesse presentations, working slowly around spawning areas
- Ned Rigs worked methodically through boulder fields and rocky areas
- Tubes dragged and hopped along rocky bottom structure
| - Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy in rocky areas
- Small baitfish moving into spawning flats
| - Natural Craw Colors
- Green Colors
|
| Spring (Post-Spawn) | Smallmouth Bass | 58-68 | - Post-spawn smallmouth bass are actively transitioning from spawning areas, moving daily and establishing summer feeding patterns
- Fish are becoming more active and aggressive, targeting both crawfish and minnows around structure
| - Docks adjacent to deeper water, especially those with rocky bottom composition
- Rocky points and drop-offs near spawning flats
- Transition areas where rock structure meets vegetation
| - Lipless Crankbaits worked at varying speeds around docks and transition areas
- Drop Shot with finesse presentations in clear water conditions
- Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly along structure edges
| - Minnows schooling around dock areas
- Crawfish emerging from rocky structure
- Small bluegills near shallow vegetation
| - Natural Craw Colors
- Natural Baitfish Colors
- Metallic Colors
|
