Seasonal
Tactics Pre Spawn Bass
Often I am
asked what exactly it means when we talk about seasonal patterns.
Well here on the Delta from the Full moon in February for the
next few months we can have bass in all three seasonal patterns
around the spawn. Pre spawn, Spawn and Post Spawn. Remember throughout
the Delta and our lakes not all bass spawn on the full moon in
April, different areas have fish at different stages throughout
the spring. Yes the spring, where you can be a hero or a zero.
The chances for a monster increase yet the bite is inconsistent
at times. Here are the basics of pre spawn conditions which apply
not only to the Delta but our lakes as well.
(1) Water Conditions - The water will run warmer
than early spring, although there may be occasional fronts that
will drop the temperature. Look for water temperature between
51 to 60 degrees F. Clarity can change rapidly and can range from
extremely clear to turbid due to incoming spring rains.
(2)
Bass Locations –
With the water temperatures on the rise, bass begin an ongoing
migration from their deeper water winter holding spots to spawning
areas in the shallow bays and coves and on sloping rubble or gravel
banks. These are the times when you can break that lifetime best,
yet you can Zero now too (it Is Spring). As Bass go on a feeding
binge in preparation for spawning, and females are heavy with
eggs and the fish are more scattered now than any other time of
the year and are continually roaming. For years the Delta’s
best have shown us how important it is to key locations will still
be the migration routes between deeper waters and spawning areas,
although bass will be continually moving shallower.
In reservoirs,
search out the shallow flats close to major creek channels. In
natural lakes, shallow bays and coves are the best choices. Best
action occurs when the water temperature stabilizes above 55 degrees
F., which usually occurs once both the nights and days start becoming
warm. When bass move onto the spawning areas just prior to the
actual spawn, the action is the best of the year. Remember Not
all bass in a lake spawn at the same time, so if you wish to extend
the productive pre spawn season, follow the rising water temperature.
For instance, I Always start with South east facing banks. As
the lake warms to the point bass are spawning there, move to the
southern shore facing the north. Some bass also live and spawn
in the middle of lakes and reservoirs where cover is good, and
these will be the last to spawn. It's not uncommon to see bass
spawning in flooded treetops and on underwater islands and humps
and other structure such as old roadbeds, even into early summer.
(3)
Water Depth -
Prespawn bass are located relatively shallow. Look for them in
water from a foot or two down to eight feet depending on water
clarity and amount of cover.
(4)
Lure Choices -
Although the pig n jig can still be productive now, "locator"
lures that are retrieved at a faster pace allow you to search
for roaming bass. These include spinnerbaits,
crankbaits, jerkbaits and at times topwaters and buzzbaits.
(5)
Tactics - Even these faster moving lures should be used
slowly at the start of this prespawn period; speed them up as
the water continues to warm. It's also a good idea to explore
with these lures. If you get a strike but don't hook the bass,
switch to a slower lure such as a jig or plastic worm, and rework
the area. Or simply slow down your retrieve with the spinnerbait
or crankbait. If you get several short strikes with a buzzbait,
try using a stinger or back hook. The smaller males spend more
time in the shallows than the bigger females do. If you’re
catching small fish, GET OFF THE BANK
Dan
Mathisen
FishDelta.com
- All Species, All Delta
The
Ultimate Resource For California Delta Fishing
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