Story by Todd Goade | Photos by Tanner & Travis Lyons
As the chill of winter begins to fade and the first signs of spring emerge, we as bass anglers get spring fever as we eagerly anticipate the pre-spawn period. This transitional phase usually occurs when water temperatures rise to the low to mid-50s and low-60s and is a prime time to catch the bass of a lifetime. Here are some things I look for and do to make the most of a pre spawn trip.
During the pre-spawn period, bass are actively feeding to build up energy for the upcoming spawning season. They tend to move from their deep winter haunts towards shallower areas, such as creeks, coves, and flats. This migration makes them more accessible to us anglers but also requires a keen understanding of their behavior and preferred habitats.
One of my keys to successful pre-spawn bass fishing is locating the transitional areas where bass congregate. Creek channels, secondary points, and the edges of submerged vegetation are prime spots to find bass during this period. I’ll use my Lowrance C Map mapping to find those contour lines that identify a change from deeper water to shallower water that makes an irregular feature.
Choosing the right lure is crucial for enticing pre-spawn bass. Here are some of my go-to baits this time of year:
- Jerkbaits: One of my favorite ways to cover water in early spring, jerkbaits can be highly effective in clear to slightly stained water. I like a suspending jerkbait and the cadence I like most is to twitch it three times and pause, and so on. Most of my bites will come on that pause.
- Crankbaits: I like a crankbait that will run 8 to 10 feet, but I will use 12 to 15-pound fluorocarbon line so the bait will run shallower. I like to throw these crankbaits very shallow so I’ll get good deflective action off rocks, which will draw strikes.
- Spinnerbaits: Spinnerbaits are versatile and can be used in various water conditions. I’ll throw a Pulse Fish 5/8-ounce Pulse Blade spinnerbait around rock, wood, and any other visible cover I can target.
- Soft Plastics: I like a Zoom Brush Hog, and I also like a lizard on a Carolina rig setup. I’m probably one of the few people left that uses a lizard but the bait still catches fish!
Water temperature is a huge key this time of year. Different parts of the lake warm sooner than others, and just a 1- to 3-degree temperature change from one area to the next can make the difference between a fair day and a great day. Always keep an eye on your surface temperature at this time of year.
Again, pre-spawn bass fishing offers the opportunity to catch some of the year’s biggest bass. By understanding bass behavior, selecting the right lures, mastering presentation techniques, and adapting to environmental conditions, you can maximize your chances of success.
See y’all on the water!
Todd Goade – Angler Profile
