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.

Major Rivers

Outside of the oxbows and sloughs adjoining them, large rivers offer bass few suitable spawning areas. The entrances to such spots can offer hot fishing for almost a month, while spawners come and go back into the main river.

If such shallow areas aren’t present on rivers where you’ve caught largemouths before, you’ll probably find spawners near the most protected shorelines or in boat harbors.

Wind Direction and Water Temperature

Bass are triggered to begin spawning when water temperature reaches about 60°F to 62°F at dawn. As spring progresses, day- and night-time temperatures become more predictable and there’s less of a difference between them. During the Spawn Period, bass spread out over a greater area of lakes and reservoirs as the water temperature rises toward 70°F.

Bay Shape

Just as in early spring, the ideal spawning bay has substantial shallow flats, cover, deeper refuges, and is protected from strong winds. The difference at this time of year is that with more constant warmth, bass move into deeper water. Besides looking for bass on the northwestern sides of lakes and in the most sheltered of bays, check deeper reaches of bays and the holes adjoining the mouths of rivers and creeks. Anywhere adjacent to warm, shallow water is likely to hold spawning or immediately postspawning bass.

Cover

In the South, lily pads, pennywort, and other water-weeds reach the surface during the Spawn Period. These, along with stumpfields in deeper water, provide the combination of cover and warmth so attractive to largemouths.

As water mixes in spring winds, bottom waters are re-energized with oxygen. In the Spawn Period, some bass take advantage of deeper water on the warm side of lakes and reservoirs. Weedgrowth in the North is scanty until the Postspawn Period, so look for bass around structure like stumpfields, docks, and concrete cribs.

Time of Day

As springtime temperatures stabilize and rise, fishing can be successful earlier in the day than during the Prespawn Period. Afternoons and evening are best, however, because they give the largemouth’s metabolism time to rev up.