Spring is prime time for bass fishing. As water temperatures climb from the low 50s to the mid 70s, bass transition from deep winter haunts to shallow spawning flats. Matching your lure to the seasonal phase is the difference between a banner day and going home skunked.
Pre-Spawn (Water 50–60°F)
Bass are moving shallow but feeding aggressively to build energy for the spawn. They’re transitional and will hit reaction baits.
Crankbaits are king during the pre-spawn. A medium-diving crankbait (6–10 feet) in crawfish or shad patterns triggers reaction strikes from bass staging on secondary points and channel swings. The Strike King KVD 2.5 ($8) and Rapala Shad Rap ($8) are proven producers.
Jerkbaits work when the water is still cold. Suspending jerkbaits with erratic darting action mimic dying shad. The Megabass Vision 110 ($25) is the gold standard, but the Lucky Craft Pointer 78 ($15) produces 90% of the results at 60% of the price.
Spawn (Water 62–72°F)
Bass are on beds and territorial. They’re not feeding — they’re protecting eggs. You need to aggravate them into striking.
Soft plastic creature baits on a Texas rig are the spawn killer. Drag a green pumpkin or watermelon creature bait across bedding areas and let it sit. The Zoom Brush Hog ($5/pack) and Strike King Rage Craw ($6/pack) are classics.
Ned rig (small soft plastic on a mushroom head jig): Subtle, weedless, irresistible to bedding bass. The TRD HogZ on a 1/6 oz mushroom jighead ($5) catches everything.
Post-Spawn (Water 72–80°F)
Bass are recovering from the spawn and feeding heavily. They’re moving to the first major depth change adjacent to spawning flats.
Spinnerbaits cover water fast. A 3/8 oz willow-leaf spinnerbait in white/chartreuse ($5) is the post-spawn search bait. Slow-roll it along channel swings and drop-offs.
Swim jigs with soft plastic trailers mimic bluegill and shad moving shallow. The Dirty Jigs Swim Jig ($6) paired with a Keitech Swing Impact trailer ($6) is a lethal combination.
Must-Have Colors
- Clear water: Green pumpkin, watermelon, natural shad
- Stained water: Chartreuse/white, firetiger, black/blue
- Muddy water: Black/blue, dark colors with rattles