![]() The male aggressively defends his home against intruders, no matter their size.Īfter the spawn, fishing becomes gender-specific. The female moves any foreign object from the nest. The nests, typically 2 to 10-feet deep, are visible to the wading and floating angler. Water temperature also determines when smallies actually spawn typically between 60 and 63 degrees. The numbers of fish and timing of the upstream migration into tributaries change from year to year, but savvy fishermen who understand the role of water temperature, reap huge rewards in the number and size of fish caught. Small fish will be pushed to the edges where habitat becomes marginal, while the biggest fish are stationed in front of and behind the best rock structure. ![]() These will hold amazing numbers of smallmouth bass of several sizes. Look for those with a mixture of rock sizes ranging from cobble to small car-sized boulders. Not all cobble bottoms are created equal. In moving waters, focus on slack water, back eddies and cobble bottoms. In lakes, the fish will be spread across all available cover, such as rockpiles, weedlines, large woody debris, and man-made structure. Some males will check out potential nesting sites between eating sessions. Males and females energetically feed in preparation of the spawn. The entire mature population points toward the shallows. When the water temperature rises, topping 50 degrees, smallies are on the move. When the mercury drops back down on a cold or windy day, spend the next few days checking your gear or getting the boat rigged, because the fish will have turned off. If it shows an upward trend, even a degree or two for a few days, then it's time to fish. Those anglers aching to get on the water during this phase need to pay attention to the water temperature. Cold-fronts during the early part of the season will effect smallmouth bass more than later in the year.
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