Fish get hungry before they spawn. Real hungry. Most species of fish are readily caught just prior to embarking on their annual spawning runs, and smallmouth bass are no exception. Fishing for early-spring smallmouth bass has become somewhat controversial because this species is especially vulnerable to popular fishing tactics. This is especially true for the trophy-sized fish anglers rarely catch other times of year.

To maximize fishing opportunities and minimize mortality, many states have established special catch-and-release seasons. These bonus fishing seasons pose no serious threat to smallmouth populations, but provide anglers opportunities to catch bragging-size bronzebacks. My advice is to keep your camera handy.

Depending on the latitude where they live, smallmouths can be in pre-spawn mode from April into late June. Across the north, the peak of pre-spawn activity takes place in May and early June.

Part of what makes the pre-spawn fishing period so productive is the fish are shallow and readily accessible. In some cases, the fish, or potential fish cover, can be spotted before the cast is even made.

Last year while filming a segment for a television program, I was treated to the rare luxury of calling my shots on camera. I was fishing in a Great Lakes bay with 3 to 5 feet of water. The bottom contained a lot of gravel and scattered rocks. The bigger boulders were providing more shade and attracting most fish. I simply spotted boulders and cast to the shady side. Nearly every cast produced a scrappy smallmouth, making me look like an expert on camera.

In truth, my fishing skills didn’t deserve as much credit as the knowledge that pre-spawn smallmouths favor shallow water and any cover they can find. This is especially true in clear-water lakes and rivers where sun energy warms the shallow water more quickly and attracts key forage species such as shiner minnows and crawfish.

During the pre-spawn period, the water temperatures range from the high 40s to the low 60s. Most anglers would expect water this cool might make fishing tough, but in reality, the fish are so hungry the action can be red hot.

Keep in mind the fish will be concentrated in shallow areas where a sunny day can quickly warm the water several degrees.  A cold snap can kill the fishing, however, and push pre-spawn smallmouths temporarily into deeper water. When the weather stabilizes, the fish return and action resumes.

In spring, the best fishing action of the day rarely takes place at first light. Normally it takes a little time for the sun to warm the water a few degrees before the bass feeding frenzy kicks in. Late morning through late afternoon are more productive times to be on the water.

Use the extra time to scout for cover that may attract fish later in the day. Make a mental or, better yet, GPS log of these spots and return to them when conditions are ideal.

Pre-spawn smallmouths can be caught a number of ways, but one of the most productive choices centers on pitching plastic grubs and tube baits. These classic smallmouth lures are ideally suited to casting in shallow-water situations. A standard 3-inch tube or 4-inch action-tail grub matched with a one-eighth- or one-quarter-ounce head is ideal. Another great option are the new swimming minnow grubs like the Yum Money Minnow or the Berkley Hollow Belly Minnow that usually are rigged on a weighted, wide-gap hook.

The most productive soft baits almost always have factory flavor and scent enhancements. These baits work better because of the scent and taste they provide, but they also tend to be softer and more natural to the touch.

The job of pitching grubs, tubes and soft minnow baits calls for spinning gear. My favorite are rods in the 71/2-foot range. This slightly longer than normal rod yields longer casts and helps pick up slack line while working the bait, and also during the hookset.

Load the spinning reel with 8-pound-test monofilament or, if you prefer, a 15-pound-test super braid. The super-braid line will allow for somewhat longer casts and a little more sensitivity for detecting strikes.

In either case, I recommend using an 18-inch section of 8- to 10-pound-test fluorocarbon line as a terminal leader. Fluorocarbon leaders are especially helpful when fishing in clear water.

Jerkbaits are another option for targeting pre-spawn smallmouths. Shallow-diving jerkbaits have the advantage of working over the top of rocks and other potential snags. Active fish will blow these baits out of the water with explosive strikes. Less active fish are more likely to make a swirl at the lure and not strike. If this occurs, have a rod rigged with a soft-plastic baithandy to provide the fish a second option.

Some of my favorite smallmouth jerkbaits include the Salmo Sting, Rapala Husky Jerk, Bomber Long A and Smithwick Rattlin’ Rogue. The 4- to 5-inch models are ideal for pre-spawn fishing conditions. These baits are usually cast on bait-casting gear, but I favor spinning equipment that allows for longer casts and lighter line.

Wrapping It Up

The important thing to keep in mind with pre-spawn smallmouth bass is the action can be fantastic if the conditions are right. Calm conditions with a warming front in the forecast add up to prime fishing times.

Remember, these fish are being caught during the pre-spawn period, and good sportsmanship dictates all fish should be released. Anglers who head to the water with these tips and catch-and-release ethics will be rewarded with amazing fishing action season after season.