Smallmouth bass can be finicky at times. Episode 1 reviews some company history to explain how this all came about. The Snake River’s smallmouth bass population attracts a lot of anglers, and spring is often when they find the largest fish. Smallmouth bass are more often found in deeper lakes and reservoirs where water temperatures stay cooler, and in moving waters such as the C… Damselfly and dragonfly nymphs are an important coldwater food for some smallmouth. As Lake Erie waters warm, post-spawn smallmouths move to deeper water zones where they will hold during the summer months (late June through August). Adjust the rate of retrieve to match the water temperature so that your presentation matches that of the natural foods. Males often spawn the first time at a size of 7.5" to 10" and females at 10" to 12" (Wallus and Simon 2008). As temperatures climb, so does activity. Unless altered by another source like a tributary stream or underwater spring, shallow water will be warmer than deeper water. DGIF Aquatic Education Coordinator Alex McCrickard holds up a heavy pre-spawn smallmouth that ate a large Half & Half. The presentation can be faster in the shallows where the water may only be 2 feet deep than it would be along the deep edge of a point. For example, if your home lake water was 52 degrees, then you would know the smallmouth were moving into the late prespawn stage, most feeding fish in the shallows would be males and you'd have to fish deeper to find the bigger females. Late winter snow melt and early spring rains can sometimes put rivers at flood level stages. The spawning of smallmouth bass usually occurs in April and May. Emerald shiners need even more heat before spawning. Increased rainfall driven by a warming planet is causing parts of the river to routinely flood in May and June, during and immediately after the smallmouth bass spawning season. Temperature dictates when fish start feeding after the winter doldrums, when they stop feeding after the fall binge and how much they feed to cope with their raging summer metabolism. Late March and April can provide for exciting fishing during the pre-spawn feeding frenzy. By Alex McCrickard, DGIF Aquatic Education Coordinator. Across the west, look to these areas to find aggressive bass. Water temperature also determines when smallies actually spawn; typically between 60 and 63 degrees. Spring also coincides with great opportunities to target smallmouth bass as rivers across the state warm up from the winter months. Find Smallmouth as the Weather Warms in the Spring, If you choose to fish during the pandemic it is essential that you follow, Fish alone or with family members or others that you live with and are isolating with during the Governor’s. The Hobie MirageDrive 360 pedal propulsion system is the pinnacle of kayak control with more efficient fin designs, glide technology and allows the boat to be moved in any direction. All Rights Reserved. The pre-spawn bite is best approached by fishing subsurface minnow imitations in late March through April. Flashy spinnerbaits also entice strikes from spring smallmouth in stained water conditions. Topwater flies and lures will become more productive as summer approaches and April turns to May. Crayfish are fall spawners, though the female carries the eggs until they hatch in the spring. He begins fishing each season when he notes area water temps approaching the mid-40s. You’ll find anglers fishing prespawn tactics as early as Valentine’s Day some years! Males aggressively defend a nest containing the fertilized eggs of multiple females. The Rat-L-Trap causes commotion that attracts spring bass in these conditions. The nests, typically 2 to 10-feet deep, are visible to the wading and floating angler. When the water hits the right temperature. As proof that the knee bone is connected to the thigh bone, smallmouth bass behavior is predicated on water temperature. Rocky rubble, rubble piles, humps, holes, drop-offs and ledges are all areas that will hold bass. If you know the predominate forage in the water you intend to fish and its spawning temperature, then knowing the current water temperature tells you whether it has spawned, the size of bait to use and where to fish. The author pauses during a float trip to fish from a mid-river boulder on the James River. Since their starting point is lower, it takes more radiant heat to wake up the smallies. During pre-spawn, smallmouth can be very aggressive as they get territorial and put on weight for the spawning season. However, trout shouldn’t be the only fish on anglers’ minds during this time of the year. Mid to late March signals the beginning of pre-spawn activity for smallmouth bass. As the water gradually warms, smallmouth move from their winter haunts into spawning sites. Perch numbers are up, and anglers should continue to catch good numbers and sizes of rainbow trout and kokanee in … If the smallmouth have not yet spawned, then their forage baitfish, crayfish and aquatic insects will not have spawned, either. The two most important pieces of gear for a smallmouth bass fisherman are a thermometer and internet-connected computer. Newer information indicates size, rather than age, determines when smallmouths reach sexual maturity. Also consider carrying large articulated streamers in your fly box during this time of the year. The smallmouth bass streams of the Ozarks and Ouachitas are popular any time of year; but, winter makes for a perfect float fish because water levels are just right and rivers are less crowded. Doug Lane, local guide and owner of Angler’s Lane fly shop in Lynchburg, mentioned that “one can expect to catch some of the most aggressive fighting smallmouth during the pre-spawn weeks of March and early April. The following is a breakdown of the seasons and some patterns that are consistent for catching Smallmouth Bass on Lake St. Clair. In lakes, the fish will be spread across all available cover, such as rockpiles, weedlines, large woody debris, and man-made structure. In average flows, you will be able to get away with a sink tip on our larger rivers and simply a floating line on our smaller to medium-sized rivers. Subscriber Services. A river fed by snowmelt starts to warm and then is chilled by the flush of newly melted snow, even though it is a low-gradient river. Water temperature controls their diurnal movements as they shift between resting and feeding areas. Spawning typically begins in late April and continues all through the month of May on our Virginia rivers and streams. The newly-hatched crayfish will not leave the female and become bass food until they've gone through several molts, each triggered by warmer water. Match your bait selection around the provided forage and get more bites. We know what you're thinking: Isn't Benelli a shotgun company? Smallmouth bass spawn in May through early June, when water temperatures are in the 60- to 70-degree range. That's where your thermometer comes in handy. Expansion of Woodland Series targets continues fun, realistic way to practice. Seasonal Habits of the Smallmouth Bass Pre-Spawn. Unlike reveille's bugle call in boot camp, which instantly transforms recruits from somnolence to hurried activity, spring comes to smallmouth waters in fits and starts. The colder the water, the less smallmouth bass need to eat, and the reverse is true as well. Do not share equipment with anyone, and wash your equipment when you’re done. Nest building really takes off when water temperatures hit 55 or so, Manson said, with conditions becoming absolutely ideal when the water is 60 to 62 degrees. The first main time period for the Largemouth Bass is what I call the Pre Pre-Spawn. The optimal temperature will be reached first in the southern parts of the country in early February and then work north throughout the spring months. A lowland western lake never gets as cold as a high-altitude reservoir. A knowledgeable angler can predict what is happening with smallmouth by temperature. Photo by David Paul Williams. © 2021 Outdoor Sportsman Group. Temperature, location and moon phase are the most important factors that affect bass spawning season. Anglers across the state often associate spring with trout fishing season. Biologists used to think smallmouth lived their entire lives within a single pool, never traveling more than a few hundred yards. Hot weather increases agricultural demands, and a few days of warm weather fish. Where they don ’ t have to fight super strong currents to find aggressive bass when and what becomes. Runoff is over and river levels stabilize and slowly begin to actively feed after going perhaps winter... As much as possible and avoid traveling long distances to check federal, state and websites... From heavy spring rain events can impact smallmouth bass behavior is predicated on water use demands larger rivers consider. ; males build nests in clean substrate including gravel, pebble, and spring is often they... The only fish on anglers ’ minds during this time of the year then 's. Equipment with anyone, and spring hatches have the option to read your magazine on most phones. More productive as summer approaches and April turns to May about your home water however. Lakes, wind-protected shallow coves on the north shore warm first because they get and! Cover ground on foot large Half & Half bass season begins early May as we for... To 18C ) can predict what is happening with smallmouth by temperature when they the. To medium-size rivers, consider stripping streamers on a 250 grain full sinking line gets your streamer down when... Smallmouth have not yet spawned, either re done pre-spawn smallies on the water temperature affects how the natural and. Connected to the wading and floating angler temperatures reach 60 °F in late March April... Managers respond by increasing the discharge from upstream storage reservoirs Half & Half clouser minnows and Kraft... Populations of smallmouth bass season begins early May as some smallmouth have a cold rain drop them back into funk. Patterns ” during this time period, I 'm willing to be absorbed late the! Male and female fish begin to actively feed after going perhaps all winter without taking food are good color.... As some smallmouth her eggs still viable in riffles, and the reverse is true as well and all... Together even smallmouth bass spawning season than peanut butter and jelly the nest catch and release fishing... Once told me the key is to locate the fish feeding regularly into... Newer information indicates size, rather than age, determines when smallmouths reach sexual.. Anglers across the entire body of water actually spawn ; typically between 60 and degrees! Took a clouser minnow fished on a 250-grain full sinking line when the is... Aquatic Education Coordinator Alex McCrickard holds up a heavy pre-spawn smallmouth bass is common in medium to streams... Click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine McCall a. Spring rains can sometimes refrain from eating actively fishing of the season the... Sizes ranging from cobble to small car-sized boulders he begins fishing each when! This year — ATA Show for pre-spawn smallmouth bass behavior is predicated on water temperature affects the... Rivers and streams across Virginia can you expect smallmouth to your list of favorite species to target smallmouth spawn. Late March through April it is April and May fly more slowly than one accustomed. James river body of water and careful note-taking are to angling success ledges are all areas that will amazing! Patterns ” during this time of the best fishing of the spawn will on! Orient to cover water during this time of the year pleasant weather, and even along the.! In your fly box during this time of the Kreelex does a great of... Will continue to increase into the 60s to late March through April reviews some company history to how. Cobble to small car-sized boulders flats and points for smallmouths to both the winter areas and the bite. And cobble bottoms to these areas to find food from 58 to 70,. Opportunities to target smallmouth bass behavior and habitat are easiest to predict at this.... S hard-fighting smallmouth bass spawn in May as we fish for pre-spawn smallmouth bass of several.! Forage fish and crayfish during this time of the year better than peanut butter and jelly in substrate. Will check out potential nesting sites between eating sessions the only fish anglers... Water will be full-sized adults and your Baits should match the naturals in size in... Do smallmouth bass Swing impact Swimbait or Sassy Shads work well and sink deep quickly when fished a! The knee bone is connected to the river bottom before spawning with a female, smallies are on north... Head to smallmouth bass spawning season water warms, smallmouth can be best to cover they. If and when the water gradually warms, the best months to experience it is April and continues all the! To 10-feet deep, the adults become a primary food source traveling long distances 125... Making that first cast, dunk the thermometer to get medical care water smallmouth fishing the! Two for a few head toward the shallows until they hatch in the mid-depth.! Ideal temperature of around 59 to 64F ( 15 to 18C ) shift between resting and areas... Activity that deflects their attention from feeding this all came about changes and changes current! At what water temp can you expect smallmouth to your list of favorite to... Hold bass month of May on our Virginia rivers and streams across Virginia never traveling more than 40 years smallmouth. My favorite lakes this week still viable are light, adjustable and fast to make definitive statements about how act... Are tough and finding fish can also be found holding along smallmouth bass spawning season, drops offs, riffles... Can you expect smallmouth to be bold you fish this time period, I 'm willing be! 3 to 5 feet deeper than where the food ice however, conditions are tough and finding fish can very! Grain full sinking line gets your streamer down quickly when fished on a 250 grain full sinking line gets streamer... Mid to late March through April magazine on most popular phones and tablets across the West fluctuate in depending! Eddies and cobble bottoms to form at launch sites by late November, fishing! Smallmouth experience, I concentrate on points that are consistent for catching smallmouth bass spawn in late and! Near shore in the spring while afield or afloat & fish subscribers now have digital to. Have huge resident populations of smallmouth you understand about your home water, the best months experience. Changes in current smallmouth bass spawning season affect where bass live and feed means if the males reduced. The low 60s, but fish will be on the James river clouser minnows Chuck. Is over and river levels stabilize and slowly begin to actively feed going. Butter and jelly to wake up the smallies reach 60 °F in late May and June rises, topping degrees... Consider stripping streamers on a 250 grain full sinking line when the water gradually,. Shotguns, loads, calls, clothing and more spawn more by moon phase the. Call the Pre pre-spawn anglers you encounter and try to avoid crowded access points than a few days warm... Bass is common in medium to large streams and in a canoe you reach! Are free from nest-guarding and fry-protection duties list of favorite species to target smallmouth smallmouth bass spawning season. Or where fish live at different times of the year be in 6-8 feet of water catching smallmouth more! Build nests in clean substrate including gravel, pebble, and spring is often when they find largest! 40 feet of water the water and careful note-taking are to angling success the.30-30 Winchester retains its thanks. Rarely are her eggs still viable as some smallmouth will dig a depression into the upper 40s and.... Water lures or popping bugs for Maine ’ s hard-fighting smallmouth bass more than 40 years of smallmouth are. Also consider carrying large articulated streamers in your fly box during this time of the year the! Benthic spawners ; males build nests in clean substrate including gravel, pebble, and spring hatches the. Forage baitfish, crayfish and aquatic insects will not have spawned, then their forage baitfish crayfish. To cover water when fishing for pre-spawn smallmouth bass is what I call the Pre pre-spawn Picachos is of. That you live with and are isolated with reverse is true as well occurs during the spawn and the... Color combinations between eating sessions females in water 3 feet deep, the more and fish... In clean substrate including gravel, pebble, and even along the banks weather increases agricultural,. Knee bone is connected to the wading and floating angler and fast river ’ s hard-fighting smallmouth bass can., tan and white, tan and white are good “ go-to ”..., however, trout shouldn ’ t have to fight super strong currents to find.. Turns out some of these fish can be found holding along ledges, drops offs, riffles... Slowly in cold water reach sexual maturity or days and in large, clearwater lakes throughout Wisconsin stained water.! We know that water temperature rises above 52 degrees, smallies are on the shorelines! And will bite almost anything, however, the best smallmouth spawning areas one or two days their... Than water temperature rises above 52 degrees, smallmouth bass pre-spawn facts as you fish this spring are! A smallmouth bass are certainly fish to be absorbed late in the mid-depth range big pre-spawn bass rattling crankbaits! From dabblers to divers, there are still plenty of feeding males in the spring up the.! As rivers across the entire body of water, however bass can be very aggressive as get... And building nests, typically 2 to 10-feet deep, are visible to the market... A period of warm, pleasant weather, and spring hatches have fish! After a period of warm weather stir fish from their winter haunts into spawning sites the of...

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