| Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Largemouth Bass | 48-58 | - Bass transitioning to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding but sensitive to cold fronts with water temps in low 50s
- Seeking warmer water in protected pockets and corners of rip rap, particularly where water is dirtier and warms faster
| - Corner pockets of rip rap, especially areas with dirty/stained water that warms quickly
- Lay downs and grass along rip rap banks
- Protected coves with warming water potential
| - Bladed Jigs worked steadily along rip rap
- Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') targeting transition areas
- Neko Rigs for tough conditions or pressured fish
| - Bluegill holding tight to rip rap and cover
- Crappie in transitional areas
- Crawfish becoming active in rocky areas
| - Vibrant Craw Colors
- Dark Neutrals
- Natural Baitfish Colors
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| Spring (Spawn) | Largemouth Bass | 55-68 | - Largemouth bass transitioning into spawning phase, moving from pre-spawn staging areas to nesting locations in protected shallow areas
- Fish actively defending nesting areas and responding aggressively to intrusions, particularly around boulder-laden shorelines
| - Boulder-strewn shallow areas, particularly in protected coves and pockets where water warms fastest
- Secondary points with mixed rock and timber, serving as staging areas
- Shallow protected areas near deep water access, especially with laydowns or grass
| - Bladed Jigs worked around boulders and shallow cover
- Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentations to spawning areas
- Swim Jigs for covering water between likely spawning locations
| - Bluegill beginning to move shallow
- Crawfish becoming more active around rocky areas
| - Vibrant Craw Colors
- Dark Neutrals
- Natural Baitfish Colors
|
| Spring (Post-Spawn) | Largemouth Bass | 62-75 | - Post-spawn largemouth are actively feeding to recover energy, focusing on bluegill and other available forage near rip rap and shoreline structure
- Fish are establishing typical summer patterns, transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper structure while maintaining feeding activity
| - Rip rap banks, especially those adjacent to deeper water
- Secondary points with mixed rock and grass
- Shallow coves with emerging vegetation
| - Spinnerbaits worked parallel to rip rap
- Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shoreline cover
- Swim Jigs mimicking bluegill
| - Bluegill
- Crawfish in rip rap
| - Natural Baitfish Colors
- Dark Neutrals
- Vibrant Craw Colors
|