By Scott Norton
This marks the new season of nature’s replenishment everywhere you look. The conditions are right for plants and animals alike to multiply. Right now, in our lakes bass are making moves that will secure the next generation. This natural instinct has instructions baked into their DNA to go forth even if it cost them their life. The bass are staging to start the process of the spawn. The spawn has three seasons inside a season. You have pre-spawn, spawn, and post spawn with each having significant changes in each one. Not all bass will spawn at the same time. They will come in waves which is why when you catch them, you can actually fish for them in each stage they are in. Because of this they will be spread out from the main lake to the spawning grounds.
The rising temperatures causes the metabolism to speed up causing the bass to feed. The females are carrying eggs to their destination. The males come in first to build the nests while the females pick a suitable male to seal the deal. The females will feed heavily on crawfish for the high protein and iodine needed to develop egg sacks. With the rise of temperatures, the hormones of these females will change with each stage.
Understanding these cycles can be very valuable when you are ready to target a specific group of bass. If you want to go after those big females try using lures that will resemble the shape, color, and size of the crayfish they feed on. Since these bass are coming out of their winter holes, they will not be pressured yet. There are many advantages you have during this time period and putting all the odds in your favor should be the goal.
You can actually catch bass with just about any lure you have right now, but a few will stand out with variations of weather and groups you choose to go after. Keep in mind that rain will muddy up the Watters so adjust your color accordingly. Remember with water clarity, your color choices will be determined by this. With clear water you use natural colors and muddy waters you will want to use chartreuse and black based off of how muddy it is. Red is the most important color because the females are feeding on crayfish. Be mindful and strategic this season and you may catch a boat load of bass this season.
Scott Norton is a Western North Carolina native. Born in Asheville, N.C., he is a long-time hunter, angler and weekend warrior.