Spring Bass Fishing: A Complete Guide

By: FishUSA Staff

April 15, 2025

Spring is one of the best times to catch bass. As water temperatures rise, bass become more active, feeding aggressively before and after the spawn. Understanding seasonal patterns, water temperature changes, and the best lures will help you capitalize on the spring bass bite. This guide covers where to find bass, the best techniques, and top lure choices for spring fishing success.

Understanding Spring Bass Behavior

Best Lures for Spring Bass Fishing

Where to Fish for Bass in Spring

Tips for Spring Bass Fishing Success

Best Time of Day to Fish in Spring

Conclusion

Understanding Spring Bass Behavior

Bass behavior changes dramatically throughout spring as they transition from winter patterns into pre-spawn, spawn, and post-spawn periods. Knowing where bass are during each stage will increase your chances of landing trophy fish.

1. Pre-Spawn (Water Temps: 48-58°F)

As water warms to the high 40s and low 50s, bass move from deep wintering areas toward shallow flats and staging areas.

Where to Find Bass: Main lake points, creek channels, and secondary points.
Best Lures: Lipless crankbaits, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, and jigs.
Key Technique: Slow retrieves with pauses to mimic struggling baitfish.

2. Spawn (Water Temps: 58-70°F)

Once water temperatures reach the upper 50s and 60s, bass move to shallow areas to spawn.

Where to Find Bass: Flats, sandy-bottom areas, protected coves, and shallow structure.
Best Lures: Soft plastic creature baits, wacky-rigged worms, and jigs.
Key Technique: Sight fishing for bedding bass using slow presentations.

3. Post-Spawn (Water Temps: 70-75°F)

After spawning, bass move back to deeper water to recover. Males stay in the shallows longer to protect fry.

Where to Find Bass: Near drop-offs, creek channels, and submerged vegetation.
Best Lures: Topwater frogs, crankbaits, and soft plastic swimbaits.
Key Technique: Target bass near ambush points where they can feed on baitfish.

See our complete guide on the Bass Spawning Season.

Best Lures for Spring Bass Fishing

1. Lipless Crankbaits

Best For: Pre-spawn bass feeding on shad.

Lipless crankbaits are excellent for covering water quickly and finding active bass.

Retrieve Tip: Use a yo-yo retrieve or burn-and-stop technique.
Best Colors: Red, crawfish, and shad patterns.

2. Jerkbaits

Best For: Cold water and finicky bass.

Jerkbaits mimic dying baitfish and work well in clear water conditions.

Retrieve Tip: Pause frequently to trigger bites.
Best Colors: White, silver, and natural baitfish colors.

3. Spinnerbaits

Best For: Fishing around cover and in stained water.

The flash and vibration of a spinnerbait help bass locate it in murky conditions.

Retrieve Tip: Slow roll near structure or burn it in open water.
Best Colors: White, chartreuse, and gold blade combinations.

4. Jigs

Best For: Pre-spawn and spawning bass near cover.

Jigs excel when flipped into cover or dragged along the bottom.

Retrieve Tip: Work slowly around rocks and submerged logs.
Best Colors: Black and blue, green pumpkin, and brown.

5. Soft Plastics (Creature Baits & Worms)

Best For: Targeting bedding bass during the spawn.

Soft plastics are great for pitching to nests and provoking reaction strikes.

Retrieve Tip: Keep the bait in place with slight twitches.
Best Colors: Green pumpkin, white, and black/blue.

6. Topwater Baits (Post-Spawn)

Best For: Fishing early mornings and evenings after the spawn.

Topwater baits like frogs, poppers, and walking baits are deadly when bass start feeding aggressively again.

Retrieve Tip: Work the bait with a steady cadence to create surface disturbance.
Best Colors: Black, white, and natural frog patterns.

Where to Fish for Bass in Spring

1. Shallow Flats and Coves

Bass move to shallow water to spawn, making flats and coves ideal spots.

2. Secondary Points

During the pre-spawn and post-spawn phases, bass stage near secondary points before moving deeper.

3. Creek Channels

Bass follow creeks from deep water into spawning areas in the spring.

4. Vegetation and Brush Piles

Cover provides protection for spawning bass and great ambush points for feeding fish.

Tips for Spring Bass Fishing Success

Fish Slow in Cold Water: Early spring bass are sluggish and prefer slower presentations.
Cover Water to Find Active Fish: Use search baits like crankbaits and spinnerbaits to locate bass.
Adjust to Weather Changes: Cold fronts can push bass deeper, requiring finesse tactics.
Target Spawning Areas: Look for sandy or gravel bottoms where bass lay eggs.
Use Natural Colors in Clear Water: Green pumpkin and shad colors work best in clear conditions.

Best Time of Day to Fish in Spring

Morning: Bass are active near shallow flats and feeding zones.
Midday: Fish move to cover or deeper water; jigs and soft plastics work best.
Evening: Topwater baits and reaction lures produce aggressive bites.

Learn more about the best time to fish for bass!

Conclusion

Spring bass fishing is one of the most productive times of the year. By understanding the pre-spawn, spawn, and post-spawn phases, you can locate bass more effectively and use the best lures to catch them. Whether you're fishing with crankbaits, jigs, or soft plastics, adjusting to water temperature and bass movement will help you land more fish this spring.

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