Spring is just flat-out a great time for bass fishing. As the weather warms up, bass become active and begin their move from deep wintering holes making their way to shallow spawning grounds. This makes them easier to catch (in theory of course) and provides an exciting challenge for anglers of all ages.
There are many myths surrounding spring bass fishing that you should be aware of to avoid disappointment. For example, some people believe that bass won’t bite in cold water, but this is not true. With the right lures and techniques, you can catch bass even in chilly water temperatures. No doubt it’s more challenging, but it’s not impossible. It’s important to stay ahead of the fish as they migrate to their spawning grounds and to choose the right lures and baits for the conditions.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, there are many resources available to help you improve your spring bass fishing skills. From articles and videos to fishing guides and forums, there’s no shortage of information to help you catch more fish. Find these and learn, but just like anything, there is no substitute for doing. By learning about the best spots, techniques, and gear for spring bass fishing, you can increase your chances of success and enjoy this exciting sport to the fullest.
Best Locations for Spring Bass Fishing
Spring is the best time for bass fishing as the fish are usually more active and hungrier after a long winter. Finding the right location to fish for bass is essential to have a successful outing. Here are some of the best locations to consider:
- Docks: Docks are a great place to fish for bass in the spring. They serve as an excellent hideout for pre-spawn fish. Little do they know that they’re just making it easier for you. The shade a dock provides is a unique part of every lake and bass seem to think so as well.
- Shallow Lakes and Ponds: As the season progresses, try shallow lakes and ponds first. Fish late in the day in early spring when the main part of a lake or pond is still cold. Surface water warms up several degrees on a sunny day, and maybe more so in the back reaches where there’s a bay, inlet, marsh, wetland, or simply shallower water.
- Rocky or Sandy Shoreline Banks: As the water temperature creeps progressively higher, bass move closer to their spawning areas. Rocky or sandy shoreline banks are a great place to find spawning bass.
- Submerged Roadbeds: Submerged roadbeds in the back of creeks are also a great location to fish for bass in the spring. They provide a hard-bottomed, protected structure for bass to spawn.
When fishing for bass in the spring, it’s important to keep in mind that they need three main things to spawn; hard bottom, protected areas (from wind/current), and sunlight. By identifying where the bass in your lake, pond, or reservoir are going to be spawning, you can then backtrack and figure out where they are. With these locations in mind, you’ll be able to have a successful catch and enjoy a great day of fishing.
Tips for Successful Spring Bass Fishing
Spring is an exciting time to fish for bass, but it can also be challenging. Here are some tips to help you catch more fish:
- Cover water: Bass are constantly on the move in the spring, so covering water is a good approach. Use fast-moving lures on warm days and slower-moving baits on colder days.
- Look for pre-spawn bass: They should be eager to bite. Try fishing near rocky flats or slopes not too far from their spawning hubs.
- Pay attention to the weather: The weather can really help you out when fishing for pre-spawn bass. Look for warm, stable weather patterns to increase your chances of success.
- Try different depths: Bass may be found at different depths depending on the time of day, water temperature, and other factors. Experiment with different depths until you find where the fish are biting.
- Use the right bait: Different baits work better in different situations. I will address specific baits in my next post.
- Be patient: Don’t spend too much time in one place. If the fish aren’t biting, move on to a new location. But also be patient and give the fish time to bite. Sometimes it takes a little while for them to become interested in your bait.
By following these tips, you’ll increase your chances of having a successful spring bass fishing trip. Remember to be patient and enjoy the experience! Also, if fishing a new body of water, find the local shop and stop in to get the lay of the land and maybe even a hot tip on what is working. Plus, itโs important to support local businesses, so buy something, even if itโs a bag of hooks!