Pre-spawn bass fishing falls between winter ice-out and spring spawning season. During this time, bass move from deeper waters to more shallow areas to prepare to spawn. These fish become more active and hungry during this period. Pre-spawn is a perfect time for anglers to take advantage of this behavior. In fact, because many lunker bass are females with eggs, this is a great opportunity to fish for a real trophy.
Temperature
During the cooler part of pre-spawning season, when temperatures are below 40 degrees Farhrenheit, bass hole up in deeper areas. As temperatures begin to warm up to above 55 degrees, just before spawning, bass will start to feed more. Look for bass to move out of deeper areas and begin to suspend near sunken trees, rock piles and other cover on the edges of deep water in search of prey.
Visibility
Bass sluggish from colder pre-spawning waters are more likely to hit a fast-moving bait when the water is clear. Murky waters make baits difficult to see and less likely to elicit a response until things clear up or bass move to warmer and more shallow areas. For these low-visibility conditions, try working your bait more slowly.
Worms and Jigs
Start your pre-spawning bass fishing with worms or jigs. At this time of year, bass are feeding more than defending territory, and you should select baits that simulate prey. Worms and jigs are perfect for this and will often trigger a feeding reaction.
Crank Baits and Stick Baits
If worms or jigs fail to catch fish, switch to a crank bait or stick bait that mimics local bait fish. Use lures that suspend in the water. These are easier to work at depths of 15 to 40 feet, where pre-spawn bass are more likely to hold.
Dead Sticking
Pre-spawn bass may take a while to warm up to artificial baits. That's where the technique of dead sticking comes in handy. Dead sticking is unlike the fast casting action in quick retrieves of summer bass fishing. To use this technique, cast a suspending crank or stick bait out into the water, crank it down to the depth that bass are holding and leave it there for several minutes. If you get a tap or jerk on your slack line, you know you have a bass on. Tighten up the line and set the hook.
Fish Finder
Unlike warm weather fishing, when they are spread out throughout the shallows, bass are much more likely to form tighter groups and may prove more difficult to locate during the pre-spawning season. A fish finder helps to locate bass congregating in deeper waters.
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