Top spring, bass fishing lures

By Rick Seaman

Fishing for bass can be a thrilling and rewarding experience, especially during late winter and early spring when the water starts to warm up after the cold winter months. During this time, bass begin to move from their deeper winter haunts to shallower waters to feed and prepare for spawning. If you're looking to catch some bass during this time, here are some tips to help you out.

Look for warmer water

During late winter and early spring, bass will start to move towards warmer water. This means that you should focus your efforts on areas that receive more sunlight and are sheltered from the wind. Look for areas with shallow water and dark bottoms, as these areas will absorb sunlight and heat up faster.

Use slow-moving baits

As the water is still relatively cold during this time, bass are more lethargic and won't chase after fast-moving baits. Instead, use slower moving baits such as jigs, plastic worms, or spinnerbaits retrieved at a slow and steady pace.

Fish during warmer parts of the day

During late winter and early spring, the water temperature is usually the warmest during the middle of the day. This means that you should plan your fishing trips around these times to increase your chances of catching bass.

Focus on structure

Bass love structure, and during late winter and early spring, they will often move towards areas with structure in search of food and shelter. Look for areas with fallen trees, submerged rocks, or weed beds, and cast your bait towards these areas.

Experiment with different depths

While bass are known to move towards shallower waters during this time, they can still be found at different depths depending on the weather conditions. On sunny days, bass may move towards the surface, while on colder and cloudy days, they may stay deeper. Experiment with different depths and adjust your bait accordingly.

Be patient

Fishing for bass during late winter and early spring can be challenging, but it's important to be patient and persistent. Keep trying different baits and techniques until you find what works best for you.

Fishing for bass during late winter and early spring can be a rewarding experience. By focusing on warmer water, using slow-moving baits, fishing during warmer parts of the day, focusing on structure, experimenting with different depths, and being patient, you can increase your chances of catching some big bass. Remember to follow local fishing regulations and practice catch and release to help preserve the bass population for future generations.

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