| Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Smallmouth Bass | 48-58 | - Smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging areas, becoming increasingly active as water temperatures rise
- Fish are actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, with a preference for shad and other baitfish in the upper water column
| - Transitional ledges and points in 5-10 foot range adjacent to potential spawning flats
- Secondary points with good access to deeper water
- Rocky shorelines and shallow structure warming fastest in spring conditions
| - Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to transition areas
- Blade Baits for actively feeding fish chasing shad
- Soft Jerkbaits worked with long pauses for less active fish
| - Shad schooling in upper water column
- Small baitfish relating to warming shallow areas
| - Natural Shad Colors
- Natural Baitfish Colors
- Metallic Colors
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| Spring (Spawn) | Smallmouth Bass | 55-65 | - Smallmouth bass are in spawning mode, with males guarding nests in shallow areas while females move between spawning areas and nearby deeper water
- Fish are showing increased aggression to protect spawning sites, making them responsive to both reaction baits and slower presentations
| - Rocky or gravel shorelines in 2-6 foot depths for active spawning
- Ledges and points in 5-10 foot range adjacent to spawning flats
- Protected coves and bays that offer wind protection for nesting sites
| - Tubes worked slowly around spawning areas and transition zones
- Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') along ledges and points
- Ned Rigs for finesse presentation to spooky fish
| - Shad schooling in the 5-10 foot range
- Crawfish becoming active in rocky areas
- Small bluegill and perch near spawning areas
| - Natural Baitfish Colors
- Natural Craw Colors
- Purple Colors
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| Spring (Post-Spawn) | Smallmouth Bass | 58-68 | - Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding along transitional ledges in 5-10 foot depths, likely following shad schools
- Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior in the upper water column, targeting shad with predictable movement patterns along structure
| - Main lake ledges in 5-10 foot depth range where shad are present
- Points and transitions near spawning flats that connect to deeper water
- Shoreline areas with moderate development offering ambush points
| - Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to ledges in 5-10 foot range
- Spinnerbaits worked along the same depth zones to mimic shad
- Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for a more subtle presentation when fish are less aggressive
| - Shad - primary forage evidenced by fishing reports and lake profile
- Small baitfish utilizing shoreline cover and ledges
| - Natural Baitfish Colors
- Metallic Colors
- Light Neutral Colors
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