Spawn Period

Spawning doesn’t occur all at once. While some bass in a body of water are on their nests, others may still be in a prespawn disposition or already in postspawn. Because river backwaters, lakes, and reservoirs may be murky, it’s often difficult even to tell if fish are on nests.

Many anglers forego fishing for shallow bass at this vulnerable and critical time in their life cycle. Others enjoy sight-fishing for bass, whether or not they drop a bait. Most largemouths spawn in shallow water, but ‘shallow’ can mean several different things, depending on the clarity of water and its substrate. In murky waters, bass may spawn in water so shallow that their dorsal fins are visible; while in clear waters, their nests may be built in 8 feet of water. Nests may be within 40 feet of each other in prime pockets.

Once bass have released and fertilized eggs in their nests, the primary guarding duties fall to males—although females may hover nearby, as well, even holding in the scoured spot, at times. Males are at their most defensive as eggs mature and after their fry hatch; once the youngsters begin wandering from the nest to feed on their own, the fathers relax their vigilance.

Sight-fishing experts hoping to get rises out of males who are guarding nests or big females that remain on beds seek out the “sweet spot,” the most zealously guarded area of the nest. This is frequently the part overhung by weeds or drowned timber—someplace where bluegills lurk, awaiting their chance to pick off eggs or fry. Baits dropped onto such spots are likely to get reactions from defensive males. These can range from close approaches to nose-down, pectoral-finning postures, which usually precede a strike.

Bass caught in deeper water at this time of year are likely to have completed the spawn and entered their postspawn, avidly feeding phase. More about this later.

Location

North—In several Northern states and provinces, spawning bass are protected from angling. In others, only catch-and-release fishing is legal. Fish usually are found near spots where you located them during the Prespawn Period. Males sweep off silt to expose sandy or other hard bottom. They often choose spots with a log or stick on one side, perhaps because it provides a block against invading egg-eaters. Nest depth typically ranges from 1 to 4 feet.

Central States—Bass in this region usually enjoy more predictable weather and a longer spawning period than bass in the northern tier of states. Spawning may occur over a six-week period in large reservoirs like Buggs Island (VA-NC) and Grand Lake (OK). On such impoundments, largemouths tend to spawn first in the shallower upstream sections, where the water is darker and warmer. The abundance of cover in such reaches enhances spawning opportunities there. Coves and bays nearer the dam face warm up more slowly, thanks to deeper and clearer water at the lower end of the reservoir, so look for largemouths in these locations later. Where shorelines on main reservoirs aren’t buffeted by waves, largemouths may also spawn in the shallows.

South—In the South, bass spawn as early as December in South Florida, and they can be found in similar areas they moved to during the Prespawn Period. Because waters in the South are warmer year-round, bass often can be found spawning over deeper lake sections than in the North. When you spot spawning activity in steeper, colder lake or reservoir sections, move on to check out structure on adjacent flats and drop-offs—you’ll find active postspawn bass in those areas.