Spawning Bass Arrive in March

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During the pre-spawn period, largemouth bass will begin to move from their wintering areas in deep water to transition areas near their spawning habitat. There they will start feeding on available forage, primarily calorie-rich baitfish such as shad, in preparation for the spawn. Spawning activities typically begin as water temperatures reach 62°F to 65°F. Largemouth bass become extremely aggressive during this time, fighting off any threats near their nests, particularly the male fish.

Why it matters

The pre-spawn and spawn periods are prime times for anglers to target largemouth bass, as the fish become more active and aggressive. This provides excellent opportunities for catching bass using a variety of lures and techniques.

The details

Anglers can effectively target largemouth bass during the pre-spawn and spawn periods by using soft plastic baits such as lizards, tubes, worms, crawfish, and baby brush hogs on a skirted jig or bladed jig, drop-shot, Texas rig, or Carolina rig. Casting these lures parallel to the bank and making long, slow retrieves can be productive.

• During the pre-spawn, largemouth bass will begin to move from their wintering areas in deep water to transition areas near their spawning habitat.
• Spawning activities typically begin as water temperatures reach 62°F to 65°F.