| Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Smallmouth Bass | 52-62 | - Smallmouth bass are actively transitioning to pre-spawn feeding, with fish reported being 'about busting at the seams' but not yet spawning
- Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior in areas with current, particularly targeting crawfish in slightly stained water conditions
| - River channels with moderate current and slightly elevated water levels
- Transition areas near spawning flats with access to deeper water
- Rocky areas and current breaks that hold crawfish
| - Bladed Jigs worked along current seams and channel edges
- Tubes dragged and hopped along rocky bottom areas
- Ned Rigs worked slowly in transition areas
| - Crawfish are the primary forage, particularly active with warming water
- Small baitfish beginning to move shallow with warming trends
| - Vibrant Craw Colors
- Natural Craw Colors
- Dark Neutrals
|
| Spring (Spawn) | Smallmouth Bass | 58-70 | - Smallmouth bass are in various spawning stages, actively defending nests in shallow areas while also utilizing current breaks for feeding
- Fish are responding well to moving baits in the upper water column, particularly around current-influenced areas
| - Current breaks and tree laydowns in 2-6 foot depth range
- River channel edges where spawning areas meet deeper water
- Protected areas behind structure that block current
| - Bladed Jigs worked around current breaks and laydowns
- Soft Jerkbaits rigged weightless and worked with the current
- Tubes pitched to visible cover and spawning areas
| - Crawfish emerging in shallow areas
- Small baitfish in current seams
| - Natural Craw Colors
- Light Neutral Colors
- Vibrant Craw Colors
|
| Spring (Post-Spawn) | Smallmouth Bass | 62-70 | - Fish are actively feeding in shallow water (2-6 feet) around current-influenced areas and wood cover, showing typical post-spawn recovery behavior
- Moving between feeding stations along shoreline structure, particularly relating to current breaks and wood cover during warmer parts of the day
| - Laydowns and log jams connected to shore in 3-5 feet of water
- River channel edges with current breaks
- Brush piles in 2-6 foot depth range
| - Spinnerbaits worked parallel to shoreline cover
- Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') along channel edges
- Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) bounced along bottom with current
| | - Natural Craw Colors
- Chartreuse Colors
- Natural Baitfish Colors
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