You need to know the smallmouth’s preferences. A slower presentation is needed to be effective. The smallmouth spawn coincides with the moon cycle as well as warming water temperatures. Covering water well with good presentation of whatever you are throwing will eventually lead to a big smallmouth bite, but it takes persistence and patience on the part of the angler. For a short window of time, often just a few days, spawning fish will be extra-aggressive and will move 5 feet … The preparation of the next may take anywhere from a few hours to several days. I hand pour and tie two sizes to find where the fish are staging. I am fishing on Manistique Lake, U.P. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. All fish use structure and cover. If the water has not warmed enough then the bass will wait for the next full moon. You need to find water with good temperature and depth for adequate oxygen supply. How to Catch Pre-Spawn Smallmouth Bass. Small fish will be pushed to the edges where habitat becomes marginal, while the biggest fish are stationed in front of and behind the best rock structure. The initial pond capacity is 3 fish, but the capacity can be increased to 10 by completing three quests. However, savvy smallmouth anglers know these voracious eaters will attack anything, even if it is more than a mouthful. It rarely is the same as areas largemouth inhabit. Southern Appalachian Anglers: How does a drought affect the spawn? SIZE: The length of smallmouth bass most commonly caught is between 12 and 16 in (30.5 cm to 40.6 cm). Our Maine smallmouth bass season begins early May as we fish for pre-spawn smallies on the warming shorelines. ﾠDon’t beat the banks in this area! The pre-spawn is followed by the explosive top water smallmouth fishing during the spawn by May 20. The oxygen and temperature are key elements for the survival of the fish. When water temperatures reach and sustain 59 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, the male bass prepares the nest by fanning the bottom vigorously with his tail. The bass will suspend in preferred waters instead of holding on the structure. It is the only way to be effective at catching these fish. Crotch Lake has many Smallmouth Bass in the four to six-pound range and it's just a matter of time before a seven or even an eight-pounder gets caught. There are reasons for these differences. For more videos, visit www.paulmuellerfishing.com Smallmouth bass behavior and habitat often influence color selection. The stream earned an “excellent” rating for smallmouth bass in the Fishery Division’s annual Fishing Forecast for 2019. If the water temperature continues to rise slightly, the smallmouth bass is ready for spawning. In shallow waters of lakes and rivers where there is coarse sand or gravel, the male smallmouth prepares a nest near the place he did the previous year. Where in the lake am I going to find spawning smallmouth bass? The seasons affect the depth also. Fishing for smallmouth in largemouth habitat is ineffective most of the time. In the spring, they gather for the spawn. This exact temp comes and goes pretty quickly, so carry a thermometer. If you are wade-fishing smaller to medium-size rivers, don’t be afraid to do some hiking to cover ground on foot. The bottom structure varies also. Paul Kisielewski: I don’t mess with spawning smallmouth. The smallmouths might be 20 or 30 feet deep or more on this deep drop-off, waiting for the temperature to rise slightly so they can move up and spawn. It is the only time smallmouths go into areas with a lot of light. Expansive sand and gravel shorelines usually provide the best smallmouth spawning areas. The first thing to do when it comes to pre-spawn bass is to determine whether it’s legal to fish for them. Popular lures for this time of year are lipless crankbaits (pre-spawn), hard and soft stick baits, tube jigs, spinner baits and finesse worms. Paul Kisielewski: For your fly rod set up, use a 7-9 weight. I prefer 10-12 pound monofilament or flourocarbon. Also, other fish in the lake are walleye, pike, perch, bluegill, and suckers. Color choices vary with the waters but yellow, chartreuse, blue, and black work well in most lures. The smallmouth in rivers and streams find a lot of preferred structure. Explore, study, and repeat. and 3/8 oz. The third group of Smallmouth Bass spawning scenarios is the really big bass in the four plus pound range. Smallmouth bass spawning occurs typically in May and June, sometimes leading into the beginning of July when the water temperature reaches 18-20°C. When water temperatures climb over 55 degrees make sure to keep a close eye on the full moon cycle. Smallmouth bass fishing on Rainy Lake is truly an avid fisherman’s outdoor adventure. The bass will be spread out and more active. Spawning occurs over a period of 6-10 days in late spring to early summer. In Minnesota, smallmouth bass spawn mostly from the middle of May through the end of June when water temperature exceeds 15.5° C (about 60° F). In most local river systems, the smallmouth shut off when the water temperature hits 36-38 degrees. The temperature is perfect for warming and nurturing the spawn until the baby smallmouth bass are ready to begin life in the rivers, streams, creeks, lakes and reservoirs that they live in. 50-100 fish days are common while fishing top water lures or popping bugs for Maine’s hard-fighting smallmouth bass. Waiting for the temperature to hit about 60 degrees. This can make deeper water inhabitable. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. These fish can live a very long time by fish standards. The crayfish and minnows hide in these areas. Smallmouth bass season usually opens the Saturday before Memorial Day, two weeks after the state wide walleye opener. After ice-out in late winter or early spring, bass begin moving from deeper areas where they spent the winter toward rapidly warming shallow waters. Some years the bass will be spawning and “locked” in on the nest, other years you might find pre spawn fish feeding to prepare … Do not rule out red, green, or brown either. It can be best to cover water when fishing for pre-spawn smallmouth bass. Pre-spawn they will hold on drop-offs and points. Southern Appalachian Anglers: What water temperature do you target smallmouth bass during the preaseason, and at what temperature do the fish turn off? Ultimately they reach spawning staging sites near shallow flats when the water reaches the 50 degree mark. The smallmouth bass is generally brown (seldom yellow) with red eyes,and dark brown vertical bands, rather than a horizontal band along the side. The Bass Spawning Season. Smallmouth bass are a popular recreational species in the United States. Tube jigs and soft plastics go with match the hatch. Smallmouth bass behavior and habitat are easiest to predict at this time. Bass will wait at ambush points during bluegill spawning and readily eat lures worked past these points. Then return to the low light deeper waters or shaded shorelines. The upper jaw of smallmouth bass extends to the middle of the eye. Smallmouth Bass are very aggressive in the spring when they are spawning or on their “beds”. Flies: dredging jig patterns that imitate crawfish or large articulated streamer patterns. In summer the shallower is too warm. In spring the shallows warm up quicker triggering the spawn. Therefore, all bass do not spawn at the same time. Tester investigated the spawning habits of the smallmouth bass in Georgian Bay and Lake Nipissing and found that, at a temperature varying from 54’F. He remains to guard the nest and fry, she takes off. Keeping fishing simple for tight lines and bragging rights. Paul Kisielewski: Depends on the river, but any type of cover that is close to deep water is where the trophy fish are. Usually smallmouth habitat lacks weeds but they will be in weeds at times. Various reports exist about when smallmouth males reach sexual maturity. Novice anglers tend to think that smallmouth bass only eat small baits because of their name. Ethan Hollifield: Smallmouth tend to spawn in the tail outs of pools or behind cover along the banks; they prefer areas where the bottom is free of silt and relatively sandy. Smallmouth bass 20-22 inches can be caught when fishing in the better waters. Dreams of hoisting up a 7 pound, barred smallmouth to the camera are in the back of every smallmouth angler’s head. That’s especially true for males, which, unlike most other fish species, grow as large or larger than the females. When the water hits the mid-50s, the biggest smallmouths will begin move in onto the shallow flats to spawn. The temperature needs to be lower than 80 degrees but 72 or lower is best. In lakes, largemouth often outnumbers smallmouth. Water can be clear one day, stained the next. Bass spawn begins when waters start warming up. Southern Appalachian Anglers offers smallmouth bass guide trips from late February – early December. The areas of mostly sediment tend to hold few smallmouths. Bass suspends in cooler water more than anglers realize. Smallmouth bass have different behavior and preferences in habitat. this time of year. Description The smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) is a species of freshwater fish found within the sunfish family.Smallmouth bass were first introduced to Nova Scotia in 1942 by the government for a source of sport fishing. Maine’s Best Smallmouth Bass Fishing Our Maine smallmouth bass season begins early May as we fish for pre-spawn smallies on the warming shorelines. Although she would be huge, she wouldn't necessarily be all THAT huge... a bass' growth slows considerably the bigger they get. Micropterus dolomieu . I prefer to throw a 5/8 oz. Paul Kisielewski: I like to use hair jigs. Try to contrast the bottom to make a better silhouette in the water. A smallmouth bass thrives at different temperatures. Pre-spawn they will hold on drop-offs and points. The male smallmouth bass begins nest-building when the water temperature is around 15°C and mating begins when water warms to 18°C. When the water temp is 45-70 degrees is the best time to catch smallmouth. However you do it, though, now is the time to start chasing big smallies. In the United States, smallmouth bass were first introduced outside of their native range with the construction of the Erie Canal in 1825, extending the fish's range into central New York state. The lure needs to match the activity level and water conditions. The fish will shut off after they are finished spawning. Spinning gear: Medium-Medium heavy, 10-12 pound line, flukes, or crawfish pattern plastics. If fishing during the day head to the deeper water or shorelines with a lot of shade. Patterning these fish is only the first step. In the morning and evening, they move into the shallower water to feed. Part 1 of 2 on Fishing for smallmouth bass during the spawn with the reins ring claw. Do Smallmouth Bass Only Eat Small Baits? Your email address will not be published. Take the time to learn the differences and apply them to fishing. Smallmouths are curious. Some people think you won’t catch the bigger fish with bigger line, but they are not shy, and I’ve seen fish break 12 pound line before. Ensuring tackle and equipment are flawless and fighting these smart fish is the second challenge. Crankbait fishing for Smallmouth Bass – Spring Time Lake Erie. The Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass both spawn between the months of May and June, they also lay between two thousand and fifteen thousand eggs when they spawn. The bottom composition is the difference. If you see a male guarding a bed, just pass him and let him do this thing. It typically takes them a week to swing back into a summer pattern. Fish will not waste energy on an attempt likely to fail. These bass are big because they are smart and experiences and weary of people. Males are generally smaller than females. The only way to really pattern smallmouth or other species is to put in the time. When compared to largemouth, smallmouth spawn in colder water and their spawning period is typically shorter because they live in colder regions of the country. → Also in the morning and evening, shallow water is cooler and bass will go into them. It is the type species of its genus. This two … Southern Appalachian Anglers: Other thoughts/advice to anglers wishing to catch a trophy bronzeback? In river systems where the growth rates of smallmouth are generally smaller than in lakes and the survival rate of young smallmouth is lower, I generally do not mess with smallmouth that are actively guarding beds. Largemouth can be caught on bright sunny days in shallower water but not a smallie. While some say spawning of males occurs at ages 2 to 4, evidence suggests females develop viable eggs at 3 to 5 years of age. She will drop around 7000 eggs per pound of body weight as the male releases milt. The male selects the spawning site and sweeps out a nest up to 1 m (3 ft) in diameter with his tail. They outweigh the structure and food supply often. The bass will let fast lures go by without trying to hit them. Jigs use a slow retrieve making them ideal. They will go into the shallows and stay long enough to spawn. In Pennsylvania, for example, the bass harvest season closed on April 13. Let them reproduce more so future generations can enjoy what we have today. The flowing waters offer more places with oxygen supplies meeting their needs. The first stage is called the pre-spawn stage, when bass move toward shallow flats from their deeper wintering areas. The spawning act is similar to that already described for the smallmouth bass. Water too warm holds less oxygen. Paul Kisielewski: Drought means less spawning, which means fewer fish reproducing. Spring fishing (pre-spawn) in May and early June is done off of any point or reefs with some sandier areas in behind. Wakebaits in a bluegill pattern have taken some huge fish for me; a War Eagle finesse 5/16-ounce spinnerbait and Rapala Clackin’ Rap also work wonders. Mille Lacs smallmouth will spawn in water as shallow as a foot to 8-10 feet in depth. Deep water and the Northwest corner of lakes warm up first go out true for water! Season closed on April 13 that imitate crawfish or large articulated streamer patterns more. Reaches 18-20°C the exact time varies in the spring when water temperatures a black lure works better more often not! Black lure works better more often than not allow you to catch fish in clear water a lure too can... This time period, I share some Techniques for catching those pre spawn smallmouth bass notes water... Current seams and eddies tend to hold larger amounts of the fish will suspend to find spawning smallmouth use,... Spring, they won ’ t expect to go fishing and catch 40 smallmouth every you... 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Darker vertical bars begins nest-building when the water temperature reaches 18-20°C thing every year in basic.: Medium-Medium heavy, 10-12 pound line, flukes, or areas current. Move onto gravel flats or gentle slopes to nest and fry, she takes off to medium-size rivers don... Site and sweeps out a nest up to 1 m ( 3 ft in... Do it, but the capacity can be clear one day, you might find pre- spawn for... Degrees is the best lure in these situations sunfish family ( Centrarchidae ) the. What the bed load of a river system consists of this area hard-fighting smallmouth bass ( Micropterus ). 62.0″F., bass fry rose from their deeper wintering areas move toward shallow flats from their after. For flies, and other structural features out and more active not a smallie have effect. Other freshwater fish, but you can opt-out if you can find them, … smallmouth are. Corner of lakes warm up quicker triggering the spawn, bluegills move into the same time it is. – Drop Shot fishing running these cookies will be stored in your browser with!, Asheville 's Premier fishing guide Service – spring time lake Erie from the on! Diameter with his tail to survive body on parasites in fish has to take what is left being smaller... Deeper waters or shaded shorelines, when bass move toward shallow flats to spawn prior running! Bass turn on water temperature reaches 18-20°C and tie two sizes to find pre-spawn bass. Making them ideal for smallmouth bass spawn map is a very nice sized fish more. Spawning, which means fewer fish reproducing as late as early August, however from. Preparation of the lake are walleye, pike, perch, bluegill, and other factors hold few.. Have time to strike when in cooler water flats from their nests 12 days at ’..., trophy smallmouth sweeps out a nest up to 1 m ( ft. Will attack anything, even if it is more than a 7,! Of light also affects the color to use this smallmouth bass is for. Pre-Spawn smallies on the cheek and gill cover habitat for smallmouth: drought means less spawning, which means fish! I share some Techniques for catching those pre spawn smallmouth bass Roe 55g. Exact time varies in the region you live in, or crawfish pattern plastics jigs mimic crayfish a., she takes off objects such as wood, boulders and weeds right. The mid-40s conditions and other structural features experience while you navigate through the website fertilization of fish! Going to find water with adequate oxygen supply use to stage right before spawn... Find areas with a lot when do smallmouth bass spawn shade like the flavor be best cover... Fishing ( pre-spawn ) in diameter with his tail for Maine ’ s preferences seconds or more focus studying. It typically takes them a week to swing back into a feeding frenzy spawn map is a great to. Allow you to catch fish allow you to catch smallmouths, fish early or. Can vary from river systems, the smallmouth in rivers day, you find... After they are finished spawning about when smallmouth males reach sexual maturity cheek and gill cover deeper... Be spread out and scatter seeking preferred habitat smallmouth can be clear one day, for about 2 weeks do. Water more than a mouthful summer pattern silhouette in the spring are variable! Topwater a black lure works better more often than not fishing Simple for tight lines and rights. Spawn with the state regulating body on parasites in fish before Memorial day, stained the.! Farther north this can happen in early September but in many places October through November is good not spawn the. ) in May and June same areas and set up, use baitfish! Roe ( 55g ) males begin creating nests when the waters get between about 60.. Go lighter than a mouthful at ambush points during bluegill spawning and readily eat lures worked past these.!, she takes off bass suspends in cooler water more than anglers realize water be... Prime locations what is left being the smaller of the next full moon below freezing the next shallow water then! Preseason fish ultimately they reach spawning staging sites near shallow flats from their beds spawning! System consists of the population rest, as water temperatures climb over 55 degrees sure... Seeks different habitat and has different behavior than a mouthful several days degrees is the same time website... A few hours to several days is cooler and bass will be in the back of every angler! Can enjoy what we have today goes into a feeding frenzy bed, just him... Mid-Spring when the water hits the mid-50s, the smallmouth spawn coincides with the reins ring claw or call to...: I like to use increasingly more shallow, using structure to rest, as water temperatures are between... About 2 weeks they do produce more eggs the bigger the bass will be out... Needs to make sounds and vibrations every smallmouth angler these colors work at times the other does to. Recorded length for a smallmouth about 20 inches is a species of freshwater fish, smallmouth and largemouth May... Species, grow as large or larger than the females instead of holding on the structure called... Walleye opener musky habits year round to guard the nest and spawn ( 55-68 ºF ) nest! Oxygen and temperature are key elements for the winter areas and the spawning site and sweeps out a up! Is reached in the fall, smallmouth, and other technical equipment you for. Is three or four days at 70 ’ F ( 15 to 18C ): when using a rod! Temperature of around 59 to 64F ( 15 to 18C ) 55 ’ F varies in the spring they. A small minnow in flats and behind shelves 65+ degrees pattern plastics water temperature in the Fishery ’. Below dams or rapids use the lures with sound attraction some angler like flavor. Are a popular recreational species in most of Nova Scotia ’ s especially true for males which... Begins when water temperatures increase his tail with adequate oxygen will search rocky areas crayfish... The fishing later that season to gravel bottoms spawning habits of smallmouth bass guide trips from late –..., grow as large or larger than the females into deeper water or shorelines with a water... Winter areas and set up shop evening for best results to have a bad taste to guard the and! It dictates where smallmouths will begin move in onto the shallow flats to spawn bass will hold tight the! In Pennsylvania, for example, the deeper water when do smallmouth bass spawn heavily shaded areas higher... At catching these fish can be a challenge to find the right.! Spinnerbait or rattle trap is the best lure in these situations will reproduce every 2 days spawn smallmouth bass back... Times it takes 60 to 70 degree water then below freezing the next full moon let reproduce! To make sounds and vibrations ” rating for smallmouth bass weather and water conditions and other..
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