Along with water temperature, spring largemouth location is driven by spawning behavior, so fishin… Pond King's products are built with expert craftsmanship and the highest quality materials. Within Texas, post Fall and early Winter, once water temperature increases above approximately 60 ° F, spawning typically occurs and continues throughout a range between 60-75 ° F (give or take some variability). Water temperatures that have been downright icy for much of the past few months soon will start to rise, setting the stage for the spawn and making anglers giddy with thoughts of big fish … After the female has laid her eggs in the nest, the male will guard over them until the fry hatch. Tags: The weather is usually nice, the flowers and trees are blooming, the wildlife is coming out of hibernation, and the bass are on the beds. What Is The Bass Spawn? The spawn will usually last for a couple months on a typical Texas reservoir like Lake Fork, Toledo Bend, Sam Rayburn or Falcon. The Nueces River is a South Texas water that’s full of spawning white bass right now. Sweeping with fins aids in water circulation and helps the eggs to stay exposed in order to avoid siltation—which could potentially smother the egg. Travis Moore boated a 13.44-pound Legacy Class ShareLunker during the Bass Champs East Texas division season opener on Sam Rayburn on Jan. 9. However, within most pond and small lake environments, spawning normally commences within the temperature range corresponding to late Winter or early Spring season. These systems typically do not induce typical spawning cycles among fishes. Male White Bass Move into Creeks. During the first three months of the season (Jan. 1 through March 31), anglers who reel in a 13-pound bass can loan it to the TPWD for the ShareLunker selective breeding and stocking program. Male Bass will guard the nest from predators and sweep the eggs with their fins. Captain David Vance. On an outing to Alan Henry in early May, I once saw a 3- to 4-pound bass continually knock away a bright green salamander flipped near a nest by a fishing buddy without getting hooked. What does Moore's early season big bass catch mean for other Texas anglers this spring? The big bass is Sam Rayburn’s 27th ShareLunker entry over 13 pound since spawning and genetics research program launched in 1986. The magic water temperature for bass to spawn is about 65 degrees, but some fish will spawn before or after that number is reached. In East Texas rivers such as the Neches, Sabine and Trinity, the white bass spawning kicked into high gear this week. Certain areas may be temporarily closed to fishing when optimum spawning conditions occur. Males will then attract females to the nest, where, upon successful mating, adhesive eggs are deposited by a female and fertilized concurrently by a male within the nest. Some systems within Texas are less variable and warmer due to anthropogenic influences such as hot water discharge from electrical plant operations. We've been making high quality marine products in the United States since 1995. During the first three months of the season (Jan. 1 through March 31), anglers who reel in a 13+ pound bass can loan it to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for the ShareLunker selective breeding and stocking program. As a member of the Pond King Rewards program you’ll earn rewards every time you make a purchase. Post Spawn. Now, to get a little more scientific and explain. Their beds are typically small and don’t draw in any female bass. “Buck Bass” are juvenile males that start making beds very early in the season. Because the larger females don’t normally spend time on the nest other than to carry out the reproductive process, expect to catch mostly smaller males in the shallows as they will attack any intruder whether live or manmade. “It was a great day on the water at Sam Rayburn,” said Moore. SUBSCRIBE TO THE TEXAS OUTDOOR DIGEST … FREE! Download our catalog to look at our latest products for 2020. When Do Bass Spawn? This aspect can be good for anglers since it opens up their options. If the beds are empty, fish points and drop-offs near flats and search for suspended bass. One of the best pre spawn bass fishing tips is to find gathering points. Pond owners looking to increase the amount of spawning within their pond have several management options to consider. You can usually find bass in all phases of the spawn in the month of March. Though backwater creek and cove areas generally are the first places to look for spawning fish in the shallows, bass also could be using underwater highways such as channels to access these spots. There’s almost no limit to the type of lure an ornery bass will hit during the pre-spawn, spawn and post-spawn, especially if they’re on a bed or are looking for a hearty meal in a staging area. For those of you that are looking for the opportunity to catch a Bass of a lifetime, this is the time of year to do it. Cold fronts can wreak havoc with the spawning process, fooling fish into changing up their plans, especially after periods of warmth. Small, medium-running crank baits also work well. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Signing up is fast and easy and you’ll get Five Pond Bucks just for signing up. 2009-03-24 21:50:30. He is a regular contributor to the Journal of the Texas Trophy Hunters, in addition to writing for plenty of now-defunct publications. Enjoy more time down at your pond for free. However, early spring weather is unpredictable, and as the water temperature in the shallows fluctuates from day to day, bass will move back and forth between shallow and deep water. © 2021, The Texas Outdoor Digest. Almost two years out from a major white bass dieoff on Lake Palestine, fishermen are again starting to watch the Neches River for signs this year’s spawning run is beginning. The first main time period for the Largemouth Bass is what I call the Pre Pre-Spawn. They spend the first two weeks after the spawn recooperating. Critter-type baits, such as salamanders and crawfish – even live ones – surely will tempt any size bass, and jerkbaits, spinnerbaits and crankbaits also will come in handy in the next couple of months in almost any situation. All rights reserved. The south is heaven for those who love to fish the bass spawn. Nevertheless, the guides have seen some success in a strange spring season. In turbid water, a bass will construct a nest shallower than in clear conditions in most circumstances. It is during this time that the bigger females will move to “staging” areas between their winter grounds and the actual spawning areas. At least until a strong norther messes things up. Between February and May, White Bass migrate up rivers and streams seeking gravel or rocky bottom areas to begin spawning activity. White Bass Fishing Texas Lakes. Lake Alan Henry and some other big-bass factories are notorious for having a late spawn, though in some years bass will be on beds in March. April and May c… In Central and North Texas, the Colorado, Guadalupe, Brazos and Trinity river drainages see significant spawning runs, usually getting underway in February or March … Monitoring moon phases also is advantageous as many bass, though not all, will lock onto their beds when they’re ready in and around periods of full moon. During the first three months of the season (January-March) anglers who reel in a 13-plus pound bass can loan it to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for the … The male bass of all varieties (largemouth, smallmouth, spotted, Guadalupe) is the construction worker, building a nest in any type of substrate they find suitable, normally in rocky or gravelly areas, though they also will take to submerged logs and trees. Fish and Fishing, Topics: Use a 5 inch reaper when bluegill are spawning (usually during and just after bass spawn). Material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without express permission, Bass fishing in Texas best during the spring spawn. A variety of artificial lures will work, but this is a good time for small jig fishing. In this, the first documentary in a series on Largemouth Bass behavior, see the spawn like you've never seen it before. The anticipation of countless little boys and girls at heart soon will come to fruition as they look under their favorite tree for a shiny present, faithfully hoping this is the year they get what they want. It’s Christmas time again, but with a bass fishing twist. There already have been multiple fish entered into the ShareLunker program in the new year, which begs the question: Why are you reading this when you could be on the lake? Within Texas, post Fall and early Winter, once water temperature increases above approximately 60 ° F, spawning typically occurs and continues throughout a range between 60-75 ° F … Will Leschper is founder of The Texas Outdoor Digest. In Texas, spawning season for crappie usually happens somewhere between March and the middle of May. Prime spawning temperatures for bass are 55-65 degrees. Soft plastics — worms and swimming jigs — are the baits of choice for many anglers. Bass feed heavily prior to the spawning ritual because they know that during the 10 to 14 days of spawning they will not feed at all. The following article will discuss spawning period, reproductive strategies, and management options to increase reproductive activity in Largemouth Bass, a popular species in Texas. Bass … After ice-out in late winter or early spring, bass begin moving from deeper areas where they spent the winter toward rapidly warming shallow waters. Lavon Lake is a freshwater reservoir located in southeast Collin County, Texas on the East Fork of the Trinity River near Wylie! White bass will be in the rivers or major creek tributaries. Fishing early in the spring can be inconsistent, but if the bite is on you can have the day of a lifetime. Trolling the river or creek channel with small crank baits is a good technique. A bed is a cleared-out area that is mostly protected from the wind that a male bass can guard once a female lays her eggs. Bass Spawning On Lake Fork. Angler Travis Moore reeled in the 13.44-pounder using a Carolina rig during the Bass Champs tournament Saturday January 9. The 2021 Toyota ShareLunker season began on Jan. 1 and already, there’s a Legacy Class largemouth bass in the books of the long running Texas Parks and Wildlife Department program. However, when stocked with bass and bluegill, spawning cavities can be added to the pond to increase catfish reproduction. Since the incubation of bass eggs is aided by sunlight, that too should be something to consider. As long as water temperatures reach 60 degrees Fahrenheit with its peak at 72 degrees, spawning season starts. Even when you can see them, there’s still no guarantee they’ll inhale a barb. Here’s a look at some of those. Among fishes, initiation and termination of seasonal reproductive development is usually controlled by two environmental variables: photoperiod and water temperature. If some fish are holding in staging areas while others have moved up shallow, you can target more water and expect to find fish, including larger females that are looking for a big meal before they spawn. With the end of March being the “Peak Time”, in Central Texas bodies of water. Pre-Spawn: As spring advances, bass start preparing for the spawning season. Photoperiod is thought of as initiating a reproductive period and water temperature typically provides terminating cues. 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What exactly is the bass spawn, … From egg to larval fish, time to hatch varies and is dependent on water temperature. Our two most popular white bass lakes are very metropolitan! For more information about artificial fish habitats, or to speak with a biologist, call or email Pond King today. Alan Henry and some other lakes are well-known for their clarity, meaning anglers could find nests in up to 8 or 9 feet of water during the spawn, rather than 2 or 3 feet in murkier locales. Tip 4 Gathering points. Of these options, increasing available spawning habitat can promote efficient reproductive patterns. In some cases, it just depends on the temperature of the water. This time of year I catch more giant females than all the other months combined. Spring is a magical season when it comes to bass fishing, and for good reason — there’s no better time to catch the bass of a lifetime than in the next couple of months on most reservoirs and river systems. 2. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The optimal temperature will be reached first in the southern parts of the country in early February and then work north throughout the spring months. Two … Weather certainly plays a large role in how bass act this time of year. This helps egg development in females. Lake Fork, Texas - Freshwater Fishing Report. Pond King’s fish attractors are the perfect addition to any artificial habitat, promoting effective spawning within silt laden ponds and lakes. Fish and Fishing. Water temperatures that have been downright icy for much of the past few months soon will start to rise, setting the stage for the spawn and making anglers giddy with thoughts of big fish moving up shallower. Spring is a magical season when it comes to bass fishing, and for good reason — there’s no better time to catch the bass of a lifetime than in the next couple of months on most reservoirs and river systems. We won't compromise your quality for our bottom line. SPAWNING – Catfish stocked alone should not be encouraged to reproduce by adding spawning habitat. Bass initiate spawning in March (February in southern portions of Texas), It begins once the water temperatures reach about 60 degrees F, peaking between 60-72 degrees F. Temperature, location and moon phase are the most important factors that affect bass spawning season. Once air and water temperatures stabilize, that’s normally the cue to be on the water in search of a lunker. Post spawn bass typically are tough to catch. Many old timers say “when the redbuds (or dogwoods) are blooming the white bass are running.” This old saying usually holds true. Largemouth Bass are a nest constructing species, meaning that males sweep substrate on the bottom of ponds with their fins to create a circular, semi-hollowed area. Well, after several years of above normal precipitation, good spawns and excellent habitat in the state's hallowed bass waters, the guess here is that the 2021 big bass season will be a top-notch one between the Red River and the Rio Grande. As with most species of fish, reproduction is influenced by environmental variables such as photoperiod and water temperature. The spawning season depends on the state and its weather. Spring is a magical season when it comes to bass fishing and there’s no better time to catch the largemouth of a lifetime than during the next couple of months on most reservoirs and river systems. These anglers can call the ShareLunker hotline at (903) 681-0550 to report their catch 24/7 until April 1, 2021. Texas bass spawning, not spawning on Sam Rayburn. During this time period, I concentrate on points that are close to both the winter areas and the spawning areas. You’ll find anglers fishing prespawn tactics as early as Valentine’s Day some years! Lake Lavon is packed with White Bass and Crappie! And while Santa may not always come through, Mother Nature certainly doesn’t disappoint in gift-wrapping opportunities for anglers across the state when it comes to the ultimate prize — a lunker bass. The spawn is in full swing here at Lake Fork! After that, they start feeding again. His work has been recognized by the Outdoor Writers Association of America and the Texas Outdoor Writers Association with multiple first-place Excellence In Craft finishes. The water temperature will be in the 45-52 degree range and the afternoon air temperatures will begin to warm t… Tweet. You have entered an incorrect email address! Male bass start making beds around December and January in Central Texas. They provide excellent angling opportunities, grow to relatively large sizes, and spawn readily when environmental conditions are favorable. Largemouth Bass or Micropterus salmoides are perhaps the most sought-after fish to stock in ponds. In Texas, spawning seasons would take place between mid-March to mid-May. Just like clockwork, every spring the white bass in Belton and in Stillhouse Hollow lakes ascend these reservoirs’ tributaries to spawn, creating the next generation of white bass. Creeks and Flats. You don’t hear a lot about this river — actually 315 miles long — but at this time, the boat ramp parking lot in George West will be loaded with trucks and boat trailers for the next few weekends, and it’s all about the white bass. As the water warms above 50 degrees, bass change their primary forage to a high-protein diet. At Pond King, we are committed to providing the best management advice, services, and products to augment your aquatic resource. The further south you go, the warmer the water will be so the bass will be further along in the spawning cycle. AUSTIN, TX – The second weekend of the 2021 Toyota ShareLunker season produced the first Legacy Class largemouth bass at Sam Rayburn Reservoir. With the 2021 Texas big bass season already off and running with a red-hot January start, I’ll offer my opinions about what might be ahead for anglers as winter turns to spring. A male will guard the nest for several weeks. Though it’s not an exact science, there are a number of facets of the spawn that anglers can bank on when heading out to their favorite bass fishing locale in coming weeks. The bass spawn is my favorite time of the year. Look for it to continue through March. By Steve Schwartz on April 11, 2014 in Texas Fishing. As you can see here, the early spawners are the furthest south, with most northern states not seeing spawn activity until the summer months. The toughest thing to do is to find a pattern that works, but if you do, you’ll catch fish. Spawn ) peak time ”, in addition to any artificial habitat, promoting effective spawning within silt ponds. River is a good technique nest for several weeks spawning cycle spawning areas ”, in Central bodies! 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