| Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Largemouth Bass | 48-58 | - Pre-spawn largemouth bass are transitioning from winter depths to shallow warming bays, staging near spawning areas while actively feeding to build energy reserves
- Fish are becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise, with periods of increased feeding activity during stable weather patterns
| - Protected shallow bays with emerging reed beds, especially those with southern exposure for warmer water
- Secondary points and breaks leading into spawning bays, particularly in 6-12 foot depth range
- Areas where deep water access meets emerging vegetation, providing quick depth transitions
| - Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around emerging reed beds and shallow cover
- Lipless Crankbaits parallel to emerging vegetation and across flats
- Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') along secondary points and transitions
| - Bluegills congregating in warming shallows
- Young perch moving shallow with warming trends
- Crawfish becoming more active in warmer areas
| - Natural Craw Colors
- Dark Neutrals
- Natural Baitfish Colors
|
| Spring (Spawn) | Largemouth Bass | 55-65 | - Male bass moving into shallow areas (2-6 feet) to create spawning beds near hard bottom areas and cover
- Females staging in slightly deeper water (6-12 feet) near spawning flats, making periodic moves shallow
- Pre-spawn feeding activity increasing as water warms, with aggressive responses to prey near spawning areas
| - Reed beds in 2-6 feet of water with firm bottom
- Protected coves with emerging vegetation
- Secondary points adjacent to spawning flats
- Transition areas between shallow flats and deeper water
| - Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip)
- Soft Jerkbaits
- Wacky Rigs
- Spinnerbaits
| - Bluegill beginning to move shallow
- Young perch in emerging vegetation
- Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters
| - Natural Craw Colors
- Dark Neutrals
- Natural Baitfish Colors
|
| Spring (Post-Spawn) | Largemouth Bass | 58-68 | - Post-spawn bass are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy
- Fish are establishing patterns around emergent vegetation, particularly in the reed beds mentioned in reports
- With moderate water clarity (2.3m secchi), bass are actively sight-feeding during prime light conditions
| - Reed beds in 2-4 feet of water, especially those adjacent to slightly deeper water
- Secondary points with emerging vegetation near spawning bays
- Shallow flats with mixed vegetation in 4-8 feet of water
| - Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around reed edges and pockets
- Wacky Rigs worked slowly in gaps between vegetation
- Spinnerbaits parallel to reed lines during wind
| - Young of the year panfish
- Crawfish becoming active in warming waters
- Emerging juvenile perch
| - Natural Craw Colors
- Dark Neutrals
|
