Overcoming springtime bass fishing woes

Most Southern bass anglers have distinct positive thoughts about spring fishing. The majority point to this time of year as THE prime time to target largemouths.

A good time of year, however, does not necessarily mean the fish are always easy to locate and catch. The best regional bass fishermen who positively tout springtime angling are just as quick to point out the bass fishing “glitches” that can arise during this up-and-down time of year.

Here are a couple of springtime bassing’s major concerns and some tried-and-true tips on how to make the best of potential spring fishing problems.

Stained Water – Early in the year, stained-to-muddy is often a good description of many area rivers and reservoirs. This phenomenon is normally caused by extended rainy periods and the resulting runoff coming down a lake’s tributaries. Some waterways clear up rather quickly while others can remain stained for extended periods.

Severely stained water can make fishing rather difficult. Bass tend to hold tight to structure and may move very little if the discolored water inundates the entire reservoir. During stained-water periods, largemouths can find baitfish and other prey hard to locate. Thus, they will not expend much energy seeking forage.

To successfully cope with stained water, first locate the clearest area of the lake you can find. Often, since clearing usually begins to expose itself upstream on the tributaries, areas near the backs of creeks will hold water more conducive to increased bass activity. The bass may tend to be a bit more active in these spots because shad and other gamefish forage naturally gravitate to these “cleaner” locales.

In these upper-creek areas, try fishing 4-to 7-inch worms or similar softbaits worked with light weights. Fish them slowly and as close as possible to any available structure. If grass or other vegetation is present in clearer-water areas, work deep-running crankbaits close to and along the edges of the grasslines. Occasionally, spinnerbaits may pay off when fished in these same spots early and late in the day. Experiment with different colors, regardless of the type of bait used and don’t be hesitant to change baits frequently if necessary.

Should the upper reaches of the creeks fail to produce strikes during stained-water periods, seek out points that jut into the lake in areas where the river channel runs closest to the shoreline. Bass will often hold on such structure for days at a time when muddy conditions persist. Depth in these areas will vary, depending on water temperature and the presence of forage. Use Texas-rig worms and work the points slowly from shallow to deep.

Fish the entire length of a point before giving up and moving to another location. If active fish are found on any section of the point, a deep-running crankbait retrieved down the point’s slope is a good bet.

When fishing the points proves unproductive, it is time to move deeper. Seek out the bass holding fast to the river channel ledges. These fish may prove to be the most reluctant biters of all, but can be coaxed into striking when a bait is presented closely enough.

One-half to three-quarter-ounce jigging spoons may be fished vertically in suspended schools of bass. Big worms fished Carolina-rig style are also popular ledge-fishing baits during stained-water periods.

Fluctuating Water Periods – While stained water is often something of a constant during the spring, water temperature in the big reservoirs is far from consistent. February through April is witness to drastic drops and rises.

A warming trend may develop over a 3 or 4 day period, causing the bass to move ever closer toward their shallow-water spawning grounds. Then, just when the angler thinks he has the pattern figured out, a cold front plows through and Old Man Winter makes a valiant last stand. When this happens, the bass and the bass fishermen can become equally confused.

Keep just one thing in mind, say the experts. Remember that bass do not stop feeding after a spring cold snap; they simply stop moving great distances to chase prey. They are full from gorging themselves just prior to the cold front’s passage and refuse to pursue anything that doesn’t swim very near.

The best way to combat this period of largemouth lethargy is fishing slowly and placing the bait directly into the bass’s lair if not right into its mouth. Several local authorities refer to this as “hittin’ ‘em in the head.”

During such periods, look for fish on deep structure and use slow-presentation baits like worms and jigs. The old-standby jig-and-pig combo is a good offering.

Remember that early-spring is one of this region’s best times for bass fishing on the big reservoirs. Don’t be discouraged by the sometimes-fickle weather and water conditions. Use them to your advantage and success may be a mere cast or two away.