The spring spawn is one of the most productive times to target bass. Males and females move into the shallows, making them easier to target. A combination of post-winter hunger and spawning aggression means they will strike almost any target they see as possible food or threat. But in just a few weeks, this feast can turn to famine on the drop of a dime. Although the post-spawn bite may lessen, this does not mean it is gone completely.

Bass activity is like a rollercoaster. Flat during the winter doldrums. Rising as spring weather warms and the spawn approaches. A downward dive as they recover from the stress of spawn, followed by another climb to the top as hunger gets the best of them. But, even during the low periods, bass still need to feed, so even if the bite is difficult, it is never gone.

LOCATING BASS

As the spawn comes to a close, the females will retreat from the beds, heading off to get some much-needed rest. However, the males will stick around and protect the fry. Look near the beds for clouds of fry as they move in mass. Find the fry, and the males will be nearby, watching from the depths and ready to strike at the first sign of danger. To find the females, search for cover nearest the beds. It is worth investigating whether it is a channel, dock, vegetation, or submerged brush.

When targeting the men on guard duty, think about food and danger. If the males believe something, they will likely lash out with fury. The lizard is one favorite lure that loses its appeal after the fry has hatched. While a hot ticket when bass are on the beds, as they threaten the yet-to-hatch eggs, that threat diminishes as the fry emerge, and so does their success rate. Shad swim baits, Ned rigged worms, and frogs should all be in your tackle bag, ready to rig.

The females are generally more complicated to hook as they are less interested in food and are no longer guarding a nest or fry. But this does not mean it is impossible. One point in your favor is that many other species are spawning as the big females recover. Shad, bluegill, and baitfish will be highly active and thus become a prime food source. In these instances, a swimbait that imitates these species, a spinnerbait, or popping topwater will be an excellent choice. It may take a bit of coaxing, but work these baits in dark areas such as docks and cover; chances are good you will pull out an otherwise lethargic momma.

Like the spawn blitz, the post-spawn activity will soon end. Bass will move to deeper water, points, and ledges. Until then, take advantage of the opportunities that arise to keep pulling in big bass.