Spring is in the air and all across the states anglers have geared up for the pre-spawn and post-spawn bass fishing. Although some areas spawn a lot earlier—like Florida—other areas spawn later in the year. In NY, the spawn is closer to May/June, depending on the body of water.

I am not a fan of "spawn" fishing, so this article will focus on good lures for the pre-spawn and the post-spawn. To me, fishing on beds should be avoided, as there have been countless studies showing that pulling a female off the bed definitely hurts that year's spawn.

Key Spring Bass Fishing Tips

Color Selection for Pre-Spawn and Post-Spawn Bass

I live in Florida, so crawfish are not that popular, but most other areas have them. In the pre-spawn, a good color option is crawfish patterns. As the waters warm—and especially in Florida—shad or bluegill patterns are best.

Retrieve Speed for Spring Bass Fishing

Colder water means slow it down, warmer water means speed it up. Basically, slow it early during pre-spawn and gradually increase speed as the post-spawn period progresses.

Best Locations for Spring Bass Fishing

Location for bass does not change year-to-year. In the pre-spawn, bass will be near shallow flats, especially ones close to channel cuts or deeper water. In the post-spawn phase, secondary points and shallow pockets will be the go-to areas.

Best Swimbaits and Jigs for Pre-Spawn Bass

For covering docks and shallow structure where bass will feed during the pre-spawn, a swim jig and trailer or small ball-head jig and Keitech swimbait are great options.

I prefer the swim jig or skipping jig to slide under docks, while I use the standard ball-head jig to move over structure and through grass.

Spinnerbaits, Chatterbaits, and Reaction Baits for Post-Spawn Bass

Moving to spinner-style baits, these include anything with a blade—Chatterbait, underspin, or spinnerbait.

These baits are excellent for post-spawn bass fishing. All three allow anglers to cover water efficiently. Fish them fast for reaction strikes.

Post-spawn fish often school—I call them "water wolves" as they move in packs, waiting to rush the meal before others.

Jerkbaits, Crankbaits, and Topwater Bass Fishing Techniques

Jerkbait for Pre-Spawn Bass

The jerkbait is deadly on pre-spawn bass. Water is cold during pre-spawn, so bass and baitfish are more lethargic. A well-placed jerkbait, slightly twitched and held over a staging point, will induce vicious strikes.

Crankbait for Pre-Spawn Bass

Crankbaits work best during pre-spawn but should not be overlooked post-spawn.

There are two main types:
1. Lipless crankbaits
2. Crankbaits with lips
Crankbaits, Jerkbaits, Lipless Crankbaits, What's The Difference?

Flat-sided crankbaits work well in colder water due to their tighter wobble. Squarebills are great for banging structure near spawning areas. Lipless crankbaits are best for flats and ripping through grass to trigger reaction bites.

Topwater Bass Fishing After Spawn

That massive explosion we all love comes from topwater baits. There is nothing like a bass erupting from the depths to annihilate a bait.

Topwater includes poppers and buzzbaits. These poppers allow anglers to make very long casts, virtually sneaking up on bass looking to feed heavily post spawn. These bass are usually in the shallows, so a stealth approach is needed.

Best Finesse Lures for Spring Bass Fishing

The last two for pre and post are stick baits and tubes. Stick baits are the most versatile baits of all in my opinion. They can be slow dropped, skipped under docks and into cover, fished in open water and even used on a drop-shot rig.
I feel stick baits work best to get a bass to bite in the pre-spawn period. Bass do not want anything invading the bed, so even before they are on it, a stick worm jiggling anywhere near will get action.

As for tubes, nothing imitates more prey than a tube. Depending on size and rigging it could resemble early season fry, small baitfish, crawfish and insects.
I will make long casts with tubes to shallow flats and gently hop it across the bottom. If I am sight fishing, I drop it into holes in pads and grass as well.

Why Spring Bass Fishing Produces Trophy Fish

Fishing for bass in the pre-spawn and post spawn time frames is the best chance at a trophy fish. The pre-spawn period will have the bass fattening up, getting ready for egg laying, while the post spawn will have them fattening back up after laying eggs and the process taken. Don't be surprised to catch a trophy "length" bass in the post spawn. In the pre-spawn, big fat females will be the trophy. 

Best Rod and Reel Setup for Spring Bass Fishing

As far as tackle, the Kestrel BFS, the MgTi Elite, and the Royal Legend Pro are all setups you will want to have on the boat or in the car.

Recommended Rod and Reel：

1. Kestrel BFS rod and reel combo
2. MgTi Elite baitcaster
3. Royal Legend Pro rod and reel combo

The lighter Kestrel is best for more of a finesse setup, while the MgTi and Royal Legend Pro can be used for finesse and light jigs, spinners, and more.

Line Setup Recommendations

Kestrel BFS Setup:
I'll spool up the Kestrel with 8-pound Hammer braid. After the braid, top off the reel with Kovert fluorocarbon in 6 to 8-pound test.

MgTi / Royal Legend Pro Setup:
On the slightly larger and heavier MgTi/Royal, I'll up the ante to allow jigs and slightly heavier baits, and the ability to work them in and around heavier cover. On this rod and reel, I will up the ante to 10 to 15-pound Hammer braid with 12 to 15-pound Kovert fluorcarbon.

Final Thoughts on Spring Bass Fishing Success

Spring bass fishing is one of the most productive times of the year. Understanding fish movement, adjusting lure selection, and fine-tuning retrieve speed will dramatically increase your success.

Until next time—tight lines and screaming drags.

FAQ: - When is the best time for spring bass fishing in the U.S.?

Spring bass fishing is most productive during the pre-spawn and post-spawn periods, which vary by region. In southern states like Florida, spawning can begin as early as late winter, while in northern states such as New York, spawning typically occurs from May to June depending on water temperature.

According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, largemouth bass activity is strongly influenced by water temperature, with peak spawning occurring between 55°F and 65°F.

Source: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), Bass Biology Overview

- What water temperature triggers bass spawning behavior?

Bass generally begin spawning when water temperatures stabilize between 55°F and 65°F. Below this range, fish remain in pre-spawn staging areas, and above it, they transition into post-spawn recovery behavior.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) notes that temperature is the primary driver of spawning cycles in largemouth bass across North America.

Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

About the Author: 

Tom Melton is an outdoor writer and lifelong angler with over 40 years of fishing experience. In 1994, he served as Editor of The Fisherman Magazine on Long Island. He has written more than 5,000 fishing articles and columns and is the author of Fishing the Long Island Coast. Now based in Florida, Tom focuses on freshwater bass fishing as well as saltwater species, sharing practical techniques and gear insights for anglers of all levels.