Spawning season offers one of the best opportunities to catch big largemouth bass, and we’re going to provide tips for fishing spawning largemouth bass. As water temperatures rise and the fish move shallow, their predictable behavior allows savvy anglers to dial in effective techniques for serious success. Whether you’re new to bass fishing or looking to refine your spring strategy, these tips will help you make the most of the spawning largemouth bass bite.
Understand Largemouth Bass Spawning Phase
The largemouth bass spawn is one of the most important times in the species’ life cycle. This process typically occurs in spring when water temperatures rise into the low 60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit. Male bass move into shallow flats to construct nests, often fanning out small depressions in sandy or gravel bottoms. Once a nest is prepared, the male will court a female, who deposits eggs that the male fertilizes and guards aggressively.
During the spawn phase, both males and females exhibit heightened territorial behavior, making them more likely to strike at lures that come too close to their nests. This is why fishing during the spawn can be particularly effective — not necessarily because the fish are feeding, but because they’re protecting their beds.
Understanding this behavior is key. Spawning bass are in shallow areas and are very responsive to perceived threats. Targeting them with precision can lead to big rewards.
When Largemouth Bass Start to Spawn
Spawning largemouth bass behavior is triggered by a combination of water temperature and photoperiod (daylight hours). Typically, bass begin to spawn when water temperatures reach 60°F to 75°F. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
- 58°F–60°F: Males begin to scout and build nests.
- 60°F–65°F: Spawning begins; males guard the nest, and females move shallow.
- 65°F–75°F: Peak spawning period in most regions.
- 75°F+: Spawn begins to wind down; males continue guarding fry.
The actual timing varies by geography. In southern regions, spawning can start as early as February or March. In northern states, it may not occur until late April or even May. Watch your local lake’s water temperatures carefully — that’s your best clue for timing your bass fishing spawning efforts.
Best Time of Day To Fish Spawning Largemouth Bass
The best time of day to target spawning bass is during the mid-morning to early afternoon hours. As the sun warms shallow water, largemouth bass become more active and visible on or near their beds. These warmer, sunlit hours tend to be when:
- Bass are more aggressively guarding nests.
- Sight fishing becomes easier due to better visibility.
- Insect and baitfish activity increases, triggering protective strikes.
Low-light periods like early morning or late evening can still produce, especially for males guarding the nest or for pre- and post-spawn bass nearby. However, for targeting actual spawners on beds, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. is often the prime window.
Best Baits For Spawning Largemouth Bass
When fishing the spawn, bait selection matters. Since bass aren’t feeding out of hunger, but aggression, you want baits that provoke a reaction. Here are the best options, with a spotlight on Red Angle Fishing baits, which have proven highly effective for spawning largemouth bass.
1. Soft Plastic Creature Baits For Spawn Fishing
The Zeke Craw, Rocket Bug, and Ninja Kicker are productive creature baits for the spawn. Use these fishing baits in brighter colors and natural colors to mimic forage. White is ideal for sight fishing since it contrasts with the bottom, allowing you to see both the bait and the strike. Watermelon Red is more natural and deadly when fish are wary.
2. Jigs For Largemouth Spawn Fishing
Try a jig in Black/Blue for low-light conditions or stained water. In clearer water, Green Pumpkin or PB & J match local forage and are very effective. Pair a trailer bait from Red Angle Fishing with your favorite jig for optimal fishing results.
3. Stick Baits / Wacky Rigs
The Wiggle Stick in Bubblegum Pink or Peppered Pickle stands out visually and hovers just above the bed — ideal for taunting bass into striking.
4. Tube Baits
Tube baits are an old-school bait that has been overlooked in recent years. Especially in early spring when crayfish start to come out, tubes are great for spawning largemouth bass. Use different sizes, such as the Large Larry Tube and the Tiny Tim Tube for different presentations. Scarlet Shadow, RootBeer Magic, Green Pumpkin, and JohnnyCash Black/Blue are great colors to select.
How to Find Largemouth Bass During Spawn Season
Finding spawning bass starts with understanding their preferred habitat:
- Shallow Flats: Look in 1–5 feet of water in protected coves, bays, or shallow arms of lakes and reservoirs.
- Hard Bottoms: Sandy, gravel, or clay bottoms are prime nesting areas.
- Sunlight Access: South-facing shorelines warm up faster and are typically the first places bass move in.
- Visual Cues: Look for circular nests (beds) about the size of a dinner plate, often cleaned-out patches of bottom.
- Adjacent Structure: Bass like cover nearby — docks, laydowns, rocks, and grass edges provide ambush points and shelter.
Polarized sunglasses are essential for spotting fish spawning beds. Move slowly and avoid spooking the fish. A stealthy approach leads to more opportunities.
Concluding Tips For Fishing Spawning Largemouth Bass
To recap the main points and ensure a productive day on the water, here are the key tips for fishing spawning largemouth bass:
- Understand the spawn: Bass are protective, not hungry. Use this to your advantage.
- Watch the water temp: Look for that 60°F–75°F sweet spot.
- Fish during prime hours: Mid-morning to afternoon for sight fishing success.
- Use the right baits: Red Angle Fishing’s lineup is perfect for spawning season — choose colors based on water clarity and light conditions.
- Locate smartly: Shallow, sunny, protected flats with clean bottoms are prime zones.
Fishing during the spawn is not only a chance to catch trophy largemouth bass, but also a time to observe and appreciate their fascinating behavior. Practice catch-and-release where possible to protect future generations of bass and keep the fishery healthy for all.
