The pre-spawn period can be shorter than a month in some areas. In others it could last two or more months, which has as much to do with night temperatures as anything.
Normally during the pre-spawn period you will have more dark hours than bright hours, meaning the nights are colder. Colder water is more dense than warm water.
So what the warm spring sun does to the water during the shorter day periods, the darkness chills back down.
Once the nights warm into the high 40- to 50-degree range, day temps will normally average 20-25 degrees warmer and that is what triggers bass to start moving shallower.
The timing and length of this period depends upon geographic location and other natural influences that affect bass behavior. Remember, fish movement and feeding patterns may not always be predictable, especially during this period.
But the more you go, the more you will learn about the pre-spawn stage and what triggers bass to respond to location patterns, temperature, certain lures and presentations.
Without question water temperature is the number one key to the pre-spawn period. Look for areas that are protected from strong cold winds and that receive lots of sunshine.
Can you tell me anything about the pre-spawn period? How long does it last?
