Looking at the “favorite bait fit smallmouth” thread I noticed how many mentioned topwater. I was just wondering when everyone throws or starts throwing topwater baits for smallies? Prespawn, postspawn, during the spawn? I’ve got a smallie trip at the end of next month so I’m curious.
When the water temp reaches the high 50’s and beyond
We take a yearly trip up to the boundary waters in Minnesota/Ontario. If the water temp starts getting up to 62 degrees on a warming trend the smallmouth can go absolutely crazy on topwater. This would be pre-spawn or the very beginning of the spawn in that area.
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Thanks guys. I appreciate the responses.
Late July - maybe a week into September, this is 72-80*
Mercury 250 proxs 2B115089
Really start throwing top water in the post spawn.
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I always have a topwater bait tied on and will try it most days. Late May till Mid July for me
Caught a couple on Pool 4 of the Mississippi in 48 degree water two falls back on a Spook when I found a group of them running shad up on a point. It's always worth a few casts just to see!
Echoing Gambler Bob, they'll also blast them when they're getting ready to spawn or on beds. Only point of contention I'd make is that we often see them start getting ready to spawn in the mid to upper 50s with low 60s being well into the spawn most years depending on moon phase. It seems these northern fish start spawning in colder temps than their southern counterparts.
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What he said. Always have a spook tied on. Love it in a drizzle under cloud cover. Have thrown a spook all day in the right weather condition.Originally Posted by basscla
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i have never caught a small mouth on top water
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i have never caught a small mouth on top waterNothing like it!
I'm told anytime water is over 50 degrees and it seems like a good rule.
Long ago in a previous life I busted smallmouths on buzzbaits. Yellow triple wing thrown right up against the bank early in the morning. Delta Reservoir north of Rome, NY. Place was loaded with them. Good size, too. Late spring thru mid fall.
Seriously? We gotta get ya to NY, we had 1 day last year boated 170 between 2.5 and 4.5 pounds all on plopper 90's. nothing like smallmouth on topwater for 10 hours straighti have never caught a small mouth on top water
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