Post Spawn Bass Fishing Tips

Fishing for post spawn bass can be fun and exciting (if you catch some of course). But it can also be tricky, with bass sometimes being difficult to locate during this transition period. Yup, they’re all over the place at this time…

However, if you know where to look and what bait to use, the post spawn can be a fisherman’s dream. But because it might not be easy at first, we’ve knocked up this tips article with some helpful tips on how to catch bass during the post spawn.

Tight lines!

When And Where To Fish Post Spawn Bass

The post spawn is generally a transition period that takes place after bass have spawned. The spawn will usually happen during the spring, however the actual time of year can vary depending on your geographical location and the weather.

During this time you might find that bass will begin to move away from the shallows where they have been spawning in search of deeper water and closer to where they can often be found during the summer. This can often be the case for the female bass who will tend to move to deeper water to feed.

However, some male bass may continue to hold out in the shallows, defending their fry and/or feeding, if there is plenty of food around and lots of cover. Sometimes, the start of the shad spawn can happen soon after the bass spawn, which can mean bass will hang around cover to prey on them.

The females will also often feed on shad during this time, as they migrate to the deeper water while shad are making their way to the shallows.

Tips On How To Catch Post Spawn Bass

Topwater

Topwater lures can be an ideal choice for targeting male bass in the shallows, as they will often bite anything that appears as though it may pose a threat to their young. Because they haven’t eaten much throughout the spawning period, they will also likely be hungry and ready to strike.

Lures such as jerkbaits can be a good choice to use during the post spawn. The “walk the dog” technique can also be a great presentation for topwater lures, as this can attract bass that are protecting their young from intrusions from above.

Frog lures and other floating lures can also be ideal at this time of year, as it can also coincide with the beginning of frog and bug season in vegetation and close to the banks.

It can be a good idea to start in the spawning areas, such as flats and the backs of creeks, and work your way out towards the main body of water when you’re trying to locate the bass.

The depth of the water the bass might be in will often depend on the clarity and color of the water. For example, they will likely be deeper or in cover in very clear water.

Video: Topwater Baits For Post-Spawn Bass

Areas of cover, as well as baitfish spawning areas can be ideal areas to target when it comes to throwing your topwater lures. You can also use them in the migration channels close to shallows where bass might be beginning to move to deeper water.

If the shad spawn is happening, you might find bass in these channels or around structure near to the shad spawning areas where they prepare to strike a passing shad.

> Ultimate guide to bass fishing

Suspended

During the post spawn, a lot of the female bass will often start to move away from the spawning area to recover in deeper water while the males protect the fry. However, they usually won’t stray too far from the shallow spawning ground and can be found suspended off of nearby ledges and points.

The depth that they can be found will often depend on the overall depth of the lake, but generally they will often suspend around halfway between the surface and the bottom.

Deep diving crankbaits can be a good choice as these can let you get your lure closer to the depths where the bass are holding and can be particularly useful in more open water situations.

Worm lures can also be a great option, especially when fishing bass that are suspended near cover. No matter what type of lure you use, you may want to slow down your presentation a little when targeting these suspending females.

On The Bottom

Because the post spawn is generally a transition period, this means that bass can found at various depths, including close to the bottom. You may be able to find them along the bottom of ledges and points, close to deep water and the shallow area where they spawned.

Carolina rigs with soft plastic lures, including crawfish and creature baits, can be ideal for post spawn bass fishing along the bottom. This can allow you to get your bait close to the bottom and present it in a way that can be attractive to less active bass.

Video: Fishing 101 – How To Tie A Carolina Rig

Deep diving crankbaits can also be useful for targeting these bottom hugging bass and can be ideal when bass are feeding on shad.

You may also want to increase the size of your crankbait to be more similar to the size of the larger shad that might be found along the bottom.

In Conclusion

Fishing for post spawn bass is not always easy, as they can be difficult to locate. However, now that you know where they are likely to be and the types of lures to use, you may find it a little easier to catch them.

Remember, bass are in a transition period during the post spawn and can often be found at various depths and areas of a lake. But they will usually be found not far from the spawning areas, either on the bottom, suspended, or closer to the surface, so keep lures handy for every scenario.

Let us know about your post spawn fishing success down below and remember to share this with your fellow bass anglers.