Spawn

The spawn happens in spring when water temperatures reach the mid to upper 60s. Bass move from deeper water onto shallow flats, pockets, and areas near cover to build beds and lay eggs. Male bass fan out a bed on the bottom, often near hard surfaces like sand, gravel, or clay, then guard the eggs and fry after the female lays them.

Anglers pay close attention to the spawn because bass behavior changes completely during this time. Fish become territorial rather than hungry, and they will bite to protect the bed rather than to feed. This makes sight fishing possible in clear water, where anglers can spot beds and target the guarding bass directly with slow-falling soft plastics.

A practical tip is to fish shallow, protected areas first, such as coves and backs of creeks, since these warm faster and often hold spawning fish before the main lake does. Watch for calm, sandy or gravel bottoms in one to four feet of water, since these spots are prime bedding areas.

• Pre-spawn: fish stage near spawning flats and feed heavily.
• Spawn: fish hold tight to beds and react to intruders.
• Post-spawn: fish recover offshore before resuming normal feeding patterns.