In this fishing article, we will cover the best bait colors for spring bass fishing based on region. Spring is one of the most efficient seasons for catching big bass. Bait colors can vary based on location or area such as the Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, and West. Water clarity, forage availability, and regional weather patterns all influence which colors will get the most bites.
We will break down the best bait colors for spring bass fishing in five regions. Additionally, we’ll highlight fishing baits that help you catch more bass in the spring.
Best Bait Colors For Spring Bass Fishing – Northeast
In the Northeast, spring bass fishing means targeting smallmouth and largemouth bass in deep, rocky reservoirs, natural lakes, and rivers. The water is often clear, and crawfish are a primary food source in early spring.
Best colors for the Northeast spring bass fishing:
- Green Pumpkin: One of the most reliable soft plastic bait colors for clear waters.
- Watermelon Red Flake: Great choice for finesse worms and creature baits when fishing in clear, highland reservoirs.
- Red and Brown Crawfish Patterns: Jigs and crankbaits in these shades mimic early-season crawfish, a key food source for bass.
- White and Pearl: These colors work well for swimbaits and trailer baits when bass feed on alewives or shad.
Recommended baits for Northeast spring bass fishing:
- Zeke Craw or other creature baits in green pumpkin, red, or watermelon red flake. These fishing baits target pre-spawn bass near rocky points and drop-offs.
- 740 StriKer in lighter colors. Fish this bait with a jig head to mimic natural baitfish or shad in deeper water.
- The Dart is an excellent choice for anglers who enjoy drop-shot fishing during early spring in the Northeast.
Best Bait Colors For Spring Bass Fishing – Southeast
Southeastern waters include large reservoirs, rivers, and cypress-filled swamps. The water is often stained or tannic, requiring colors that stand out while still mimicking natural prey.
Best colors for the Southeast spring bass fishing:
- Red and Orange: Essential for tubes, lipless crankbaits, and jigs during early spring when bass feed heavily on crawfish.
- Chartreuse and White: Ideal for spinnerbaits, bladed jigs, and crankbaits in stained water conditions.
- Junebug: A staple for soft plastics in darker waters, great for Texas-rigged worms and creature baits.
- Scarlet Shadow: A bold mix of red and black that works well in murky conditions.
Recommended baits for Southeast spring bass fishing:
- Tube Baits in red, orange, or scarlet shadow to mimic crayfish.
- Rocket Bug in Junebug for flipping around cypress trees and submerged vegetation.
- Ninja Kicker in bright colors for bladed jig and spinner bait trailers to provide additional action for feeding bass.
Best Bait Colors For Spring Bass Fishing – Midwest
Midwestern lakes and rivers often have fluctuating water clarity due to spring rains and runoff. Bass here feed on a mix of crawfish, shad, bluegill, and other baitfish.
Best colors for the Midwest spring bass fishing:
- Shad Colors (Silver, White, Pearl): Works great for drop shot and jig head baits, jerkbaits, and swimbaits in clearer waters.
- Black and Blue: A must-have for jigs and soft plastics, especially in muddy waters caused by spring flooding.
- Green Pumpkin Grape Seed: A solid choice for stained water when bluegill becomes active in the shallows.
- Brown and Orange Crawfish Patterns: A top choice for jigs and crankbaits near rocky or riprap shorelines.
Recommended baits for Midwest spring bass fishing:
- Wiggle Stick in green pumpkin black flake and green pumpkin grape seed are excellent choices for spring bass in the Midwest.
- The Dagger in shimmy shad and other baitfish colors works well in clearer water where baitfish are likely to be.
- Tube Baits are a staple for bass fishing in the Midwest during spring for largemouth and smallmouth bass.
Best Bait Colors For Spring Bass Fishing – Southwest
The Southwest has clear desert reservoirs and river systems where bass rely heavily on shad and bluegill for food. Since many lakes have crystal-clear water, using natural baitfish colors is key to catching bass in the spring.
Best colors for the Southwest spring bass fishing:
- White and Silver: Perfect for swimbaits and drop shots when bass feed on threadfin shad.
- Green Pumpkin and Oxblood: Subtle and natural soft plastic colors that work well in ultra-clear water.
- Minnow or Transparent Colors: Jerkbaits in minnow or translucent hues are highly effective in clear lakes.
- Panfish: A great color choice when bass are chasing bluegill in clearer waters.
Recommended baits for Southwest spring bass fishing:
- Drop Shot & Jig Head Baits in threadfin shad color are perfect imitations for baitfish in southwest spring waters.
- Finesse Arrow Worm in oxblood, red, and natural worm colors for finesse approaches when targeting bass in deep, clear reservoirs.
- Spear Tail Worm in cooler water provides an ultra-finesse approach for bass on the lethargic side.
Best Bait Colors For Spring Bass Fishing – West
Western bass fisheries include deep reservoirs, natural lakes, and rivers that often contain baitfish as a food source. Water clarity varies from crystal clear to stained, depending on snowmelt and runoff.
Best colors for the West spring bass fishing:
- Natural Trout Patterns: Swimbaits in rainbow trout colors are deadly in lakes with stocked trout populations.
- Brown and Green Pumpkin: Great for jigs and soft plastics when bass are targeting crawfish.
- White and Bone: Excellent choices for topwater baits and jerkbaits in clear water.
- Purple and Smoke: These finesse worm colors work well in deep, rocky reservoirs.
Recommended baits for West spring bass fishing:
- Creature Baits in brown-like colors to mimic crawfish near rocky ledges.
- Swim Baits in trout patterns result in successful catches when fishing bodies of water are known to have trout.
- Topwater Lures in colors white, neon ribbit, and electric croak produce well when fished in fisheries in the West region.
Final Thoughts on Spring Bass Bait Colors
By understanding local forage and water clarity, anglers can choose the best bait colors for spring bass fishing based on region. Whether fishing clear West waters, murky Midwest rivers, or tannic Southeast swamps, selecting the right color matters.
For high-quality baits designed to match these regional conditions, check out Red Angle Fishing Products and give yourself the best chance at landing big spring bass.
