| Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Smallmouth Bass | 45-55 | - Transitioning from winter deep water areas to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning
- Exhibiting increased activity during warming trends, particularly during afternoon hours when water temperatures peak
- Moving along transition areas between deep wintering holes and eventual spawning flats
| - Rocky points and riprap areas adjacent to deeper water
- Secondary points leading into spawning bays
- Shallow flats with hard bottom composition near deep water access
| - Blade Baits worked with slow, vertical presentations along depth transitions
- Ned Rigs worked slowly along rocky structure
- Tubes dragged and hopped along bottom structure
| - Crayfish emerging from winter dormancy
- Small baitfish schools in transition areas
- Juvenile perch near rocky structure
| - Natural Craw Colors
- Natural Baitfish Colors
- Metallic Colors
|
| Spring (Spawn) | Smallmouth Bass | 55-65 | - Staging in pre-spawn areas near shallow flats with easy access to deeper water
- Males actively guarding nests in 2-6 foot depths on hard bottom areas
- Aggressive territorial behavior, especially from males protecting nests
| - Rocky points and riprap areas with nearby deeper water
- Hard bottom flats in 2-6 foot depth range
- Shallow coves with gravel or rocky substrate
| - Tubes worked slowly along bottom near spawning areas
- Ned Rigs with subtle presentations for pressured fish
- Soft Jerkbaits for aggressive pre-spawn fish
| - Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy
- Small baitfish in warming shallows
- Juvenile perch in transition areas
| - Natural Craw Colors
- Natural Baitfish Colors
- Green Colors
|
| Spring (Post-Spawn) | Smallmouth Bass | 58-68 | - Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding in shallow water, targeting baitfish around hard structure as they replenish energy
- Fish are utilizing the entire water column with moderate clarity (10.2 ft Secchi), but showing preference for shallow zones near riprap and woody cover
| - Riprap areas, especially those adjacent to slightly deeper water
- Submerged trees and woody cover in shallow water
- Points and irregular shoreline features with hard bottom composition
| - Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6')
- Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)
- Spinnerbaits
| - Baitfish (shad/shiners)
- Juvenile perch
| - Natural Baitfish Colors
- Natural Craw Colors
- Metallic Colors
|
