Targeting Shallow Post-Spawn Bass
Post-spawn bass fishing in shallow lakes can be one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences for any angler. After the spawn, bass are often in a state of recovery and can be difficult to catch. However, by understanding their behavior and patterns, you can increase your chances of success.
First, it’s important to understand what happens during the spawn. The spawn typically occurs when water temperatures reach around 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the species and location. Bass will then move into shallow water and begin the spawning process. The males will build nests and wait for the females to come lay their eggs. Once the eggs are laid, the males will guard them until they hatch.
After the spawn, the males will continue to guard the nests and fry, which can make them more aggressive towards anything that enters their territory. However, the females will move back into deeper water to recover from the spawning process. This means that post-spawn bass fishing can often be a game of finding the right location and lure to entice a bite.
One of the best locations to target post-spawn bass is in shallow coves or bays that have a lot of cover. These areas provide a perfect location for bass to recover from the spawn and can often hold a lot of fish. Some of the best cover to look for includes docks, laydowns, brush piles, and vegetation.
Docks can be particularly productive during the post-spawn period, as they provide shade and cover for bass. Try pitching a jig or worm under the dock and letting it fall slowly to the bottom. Make sure to keep your line tight, as bass will often bite on the fall. If you’re fishing a dock with a lot of pilings, try bouncing a crankbait off the pilings to trigger a reaction bite.
Laydowns are another great location to target post-spawn bass. These fallen trees provide excellent cover and structure for bass to ambush prey. Try using a spinnerbait or crankbait to cover the entire length of the laydown. You can also try flipping a jig or Texas-rigged worm into the openings in the branches to entice a bite.
Brush piles are another productive location to target post-spawn bass. These man-made structures provide excellent cover for bass and can often hold a lot of fish. Try using a finesse worm or jig to work the edges of the brush pile, or use a crankbait to burn through the middle of it.
Vegetation is another productive location to target post-spawn bass. Look for areas with submerged grass or lily pads, as these provide cover and structure for bass. Try using a topwater frog or buzzbait to work the edges of the vegetation, or use a weedless worm or jig to work through the thicker areas.
Once you’ve located the right location, it’s important to choose the right lure to entice a bite. During the post-spawn period, bass can be finicky and may require a more finesse approach. Try using smaller baits and lighter line to make your presentation more subtle.
Jigs and worms are two of the most productive baits to use during the post-spawn period. Try using a finesse worm or jig with a light weight to make a subtle presentation. You can also try using a shaky head or drop shot rig to entice a bite.
Crankbaits can also be productive during the post-spawn period, especially when fished around cover. Try using a squarebill crankbait or lipless crankbait to trigger a reaction bite. You can also try using a deep diving crankbait to target bass in deeper water. These tactics will keep you around the fish and hopefully get more in the boat. Good luck!
by Clif Gallagher
