Fishing pre spawn bass

The sun is out, the gloves and coats are put away and pre-spawn spring fever is spreading amongst anglers everywhere. Pre-spawn bass fishing is one of the most exciting times of year on an angler’s calendar. Bass that sat around lethargically all winter are now starting a feeding frenzy as they try to pack on weight and energy for spawning. 

If pre spawn isn't on your fishing calendar, that needs to change. Pre spawn is known as one of the most aggressive feeding times for bass. As soon as the water warms past 50 degrees, the pre spawn bite should be on and vicious.

We are highlighting some of our best tips for finding pre-spawn bass as they move from deepwater to potential bedding areas. We are also looking at must have lures for pre-spawn and how FIshbrain can help you find that perfect spot.

Transition zones

As winter turns to spring, bass are leaving the deepwaters that provide the warmest temps. They are looking to sun-warmed shallows which provide warmth, bait fish and spawning beds. Early pre-spawn you need to catch fish on their way to these areas. The transitional areas where a nice 45 degrees bottom connects deep water and shallows is a great start. You can also look for transition areas that lead into creeks, or other bodies of water that drain into the shallows.

As the season goes on and the water temps rise, you can change your search for bass into shallow flats. Here, bass will be hunting baitfish, like minnows, bluegill, sunfish and other small pan fish. These baitfish will congregate around structure and weeds and bass should be targeted there as well. 

How Fishbrain helps

Depth charts are your best friend here. Find the deep zones and then the gentle inclines leading up into the spawning grounds.

Target the flats after that and mark them with waypoints so you can find these areas quickly every time you open your map

The right temp

Pre spawn action is highly dependent on weather. Watch for the ambient temp to rise and with that the water temp. Between 50 and 55 is your perfect range for pre spawn kickoff temps.

How Fishbrain helps

In flowing waters, like rivers and creeks, jump onto your map and turn on the "River Gauges" layer. The gauges will pop up on your screen and you can certain gauges to monitor water temperatures. You can also monitor the temperatures of rivers and creeks that run into lakes and focus on the mouths where these proper temperatures run into the lake.

What’s on the menu?

If you’re fishing early enough water temps may be still cold and the fish may be still acting lethargic. Flukes, Senkos, and other soft plastics should be fished slow here, giving fish with a slow metabolism the chance to take your bait.

When the water warms, crawfish lures and jerkbaits should be used. Crawfish represent one of a bass’ favorite foods and is packed with nutrients for them to get ready for spawn. Spring is a natural time for crawfish to shed their shells, as well, making them particularly vulnerable to hungry, female bass.

Jerkbaits are a great addition for high water visibility days, before spring rains inevitably dirty up the water. Fish have a chance to see jerk baits shine through the clear water and the visibility lets them catch up to the bait and take it on a pause. Crankbaits are another all time favorite and can be fished with, or without a lip.

How Fishbrain helps

Look up a body of water on your “waters tab” and check “Top baits.” There, you will see a list of the most successfully used lures on that body of water. You can also filter catches to specific times of year and look at the hardware other anglers were using then, as well.

Make the most of the pre-spawn this year by targeting specific areas and choosing specific lures with Fishbrain.

Now let's go fishing. You find the shallows and we'll bring the jerk baits.

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