The trees are budding flowers blooming, and the smallmouth bass are attempting to spawn. It’s April when the largemouth are moving shallow and getting ready to spawn. This is the time of year when most anglers will attempt to catch their P.B. because the fish are the most vulnerable. They want to eat and spawn and can be tempted by a variety of baits. Water temps were crazy in March with temps rising and dropping as much as 10 degrees in a weeks’ time. Now the temperatures will moderate in the high 50’s to mid-60’s. Look for smallmouth to be in a transition from pre spawn to spawn. They will be as shallow as 2 to 3 feet eating baitfish and craws as well as mayfly emergers and hatches. Lot of things happening Largemouth bass will be moving shallow to eat before their spawn. Jerkbaits and crankbaits are the tickets, but you can also throw big baits like glide baits and swimbaits this time of year as well. Squarebill crankbaits in craw patterns when the water is clear and jerkbaits that dive 3 to 5 feet and suspend in translucent colors like northern lights or Elegy bone are great pics. Crankbaits that work well for smallmouth in shallow water are Rock crawlers, Berkley Dime and Strike King KVD 1.5 all good pics. Now since the pollen is so heavy it does effect water clarity to a certain extent that’s when you can use brighter colors chartreuse, black back or root beer colors. Jerkbaits in colors of bone or prism colors with flash work well. There are many baits that will work right now chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, and other reaction baits. Remember a little wind will help your bite so fish the windy banks. Also remember Northwest banks are always shielded from fronts and that’s where the bass like to spawn so they gravitate to those banks in the spring. Lake Fredrick is starting to turn on anglers are catching them on shaking minnows, jerkbaits, big glide baits and swimbaits. They are on points and will be moving shallow getting ready to spawn. Follow the baitfish and you will find the bass. Whether you’re fishing the river or a lake now is the time to hit the water. Make sure to come to Jakes Bait and Tackle to get the latest tips and information on the body of water you’re wanting too fish as well as the baits to use and how to use them.

Can’t make it into the store??? Shop online! shop.jakesbaitandtackle.com