Just wanted to know if anyone was picking up bass in the shallows yet. I was at shoecraft last week and we were marking fish that were suspended in 10-18 feet of water. Couldnt get any takes. Anyone find any spawners yet. caught a couple nice smallies last week in 15 feet of water but we've been looking for largemouth. Any input would be great.

team c+r

let em go bro

yea i could use some help on that too. i am new to the bass scene but i spend a good 75 days on the water whether it be salt or fresh all sorts of fish, and my new goal this year is to target some more bass, so i've spent money on the right gear and what not and i have a boat, but when will they start spawning and how long does that whole thing take?

In my readings the Small Mouth will be first when water temp reaches 55 to 60 degrees. Large Mouth usually spawn when water tempertures reach 58 to 65 degrees.Then perch, crappie, and Bluegill spawn at around 62 to 65 degees.
Time on the water is the only true way to be sure, when you see the bass building nests then they are spawning. Each body of water is going to be a little different.
The old wive's tale is when the Dogwood trees bloom the bass Spawn [Large Mouth]
I hope this helps a little.
Bill

Anyone know how i might aproach the suspended fish?

Bill G -
My recollection of spawning timing of our warm water fish is a little different than what you presented above.
Walleye 38 to 42 degrees
Perch 45 to 52 degrees
Smallmouth bass 55 to 60 degrees
Black crappie 58 to 64 degrees
Largemouth bass 60 to 65 degrees
Pumpkinseed 60 to 68 degrees
Bluegill 67 to 72 degrees

Typically here in hooked82's area the smallmouth spawning can vary from mid-April to the end of May while the largemouth typically spawn from early May to early July. The exact timing varies with the water temperatures which in turn depends on the kind of spring we have. In addition the bass (especially largemouth) spawning is also dependent on having stable weather. In otherwords once the temperature becomes favorable the LMBs spawn during a period of stable weather and if possible on the full or new moon. If we have one of our normal springs that spawning may be put off several weeks even if the temperature is a favorable.

So far the temperatures have been a little behind the normal though I have been consistently having multiple fish days for a month or so.

hooked -
Doubt that the suspended fish you are seeing are bass at this time of year. I typically have best luck on LMBs this time of year fishing cover and for SMBs on the end and inside turnsof points and occassional up on the flats. In either case the fish are almost always on the bottom.

Tight lines
Curt

Curt, Thank You, I changed the spawn temps in my note book. I will keep a diary this year make a note of the surface temp and spawn activity on a trip by trip bases.
I normally fish ultra clear lakes so I can see most nest sites. I'll let you all know the results of the research. This should be fun and interresting.
Bill

Thanks curt, I was thinking those suspended fish were most likely trout. Guess we just have to wait a little longer for things to heat up. Thanks again.

Ryan

C+R

5/13/06 Lake Tapps News Flash
Small male SMB were spotted today brushing the bottom clear for nest bulding. Larger female was caught in shallow water [4']. Water temp was 59 deg.
Bill

I'm just getting back into bass fishing and have hit North Lk. and Doloff in FW area in last few days. Went around shoreline of both with spinnerbait into cover and cranks around docks (weed's permitting) and zilch! Don't know if it's too cold yet or what, anybody do any good in those? Thanks, good luck.

Hardware if they don't bite crank and spinner baits, SLOW DOWN use a pig and jig or a Texas rigged Worm. Dark colors for dark water, oh you know the selection. I would try right on the outer edge of those weeds. Good Luck
Bill

Hey, thanks Bill, I used to do well on plastic worms back in the day in Lake Tapps. Got that bad habit of only using what I like! With this warm spell it should be improved.