Pre Spawn Smallmouth

[wilbur311]

Thinking about heading up to St Clair for some pre spawn fishing, what time frame would be best to come?

[SAL321]

Our plan is to be on the water as soon as we can tolerate the weather. With the milder winter we were thinking 3rd week of March to shake things down for a weekend. 4-6" of snow forecast for tomorrow.

I think targeting early April should be good for prespawn if the weather cooperates. The lake is ice free which is usually the bigger concern right now.

[wilbur311]

I've heard May is sometimes a great time. When does the grass really start growing?

Our plan is to be on the water as soon as we can tolerate the weather. With the milder winter we were thinking 3rd week of March to shake things down for a weekend. 4-6" of snow forecast for tomorrow.

I think targeting early April should be good for prespawn if the weather cooperates. The lake is ice free which is usually the bigger concern right now.

[bigbass201]

I prefer April, but the bite is better in May. Just like mentioned above weather is a huge factor.

[SAL321]

OK so in our case we have always hit out PB smallmouth before the first wave of spawners really start to pull up, usually before April 15th or so. As a reference out magic goal is a 7 lb'er . We got close 6.6 last year. It is usually crappy cold weather and there aren't many boats out there. The grass will be just coming up in May IF there is a stretch of warm weather. It will be all about the rock piles. If you find rock there will be multiple fish not too far behind.

If you are looking for numbers with your cookie cutter 2-3.5 # bass then the first two weeks of May are absolute prime time. No question about it. Expect bent pole patterns to develop and certain areas to be packed. To us it's no fun to fight the crowds. We go but stay out of the way of those looking to brag about catching 40-100 fish, it is absolutely possible.

Feel free to PM and I'd be happy to let you know what's going on. We are out almost every weekend weather permitting,

[MI bassassassin]

Post 5 very good advice!!

[wilbur311]

I can't thank you enough for your time. I will pm you when we have our plans together. Thank you again

OK so in our case we have always hit out PB smallmouth before the first wave of spawners really start to pull up, usually before April 15th or so. As a reference out magic goal is a 7 lb'er . We got close 6.6 last year. It is usually crappy cold weather and there aren't many boats out there. The grass will be just coming up in May IF there is a stretch of warm weather. It will be all about the rock piles. If you find rock there will be multiple fish not too far behind.

If you are looking for numbers with your cookie cutter 2-3.5 # bass then the first two weeks of May are absolute prime time. No question about it. Expect bent pole patterns to develop and certain areas to be packed. To us it's no fun to fight the crowds. We go but stay out of the way of those looking to brag about catching 40-100 fish, it is absolutely possible.

Feel free to PM and I'd be happy to let you know what's going on. We are out almost every weekend weather permitting,

[Hollada]

I've heard May is sometimes a great time. When does the grass really start growing?

Don’t need grass. One of my best days on the lake was March 27 of 2021. Water temp was 45-47. I caught around 50 that day with most over 4 lbs and over a dozen over 5 (no 6’s though!) all on small swimbaits, Bladebaits, and jerks. They come up to gorge on baitfish that are gathering in the warmer shallow waters. Late March to Late April is my favorite time. But I can and do go any day the weather allows.