11-06-2007, 07:59 PM
[cool][#0000ff]Just for future reference, there is a fairly predictable cycle of bass movements through the year. In the early spring, when sunshine starts to warm the shallower waters, look for bass to come into very shallow water on south-facing banks (north side of lake). You can often see them basking just under the surface. They are usually not too active, feedingwise, but may move to take a slow plastic if the sunshine has warmed them a bit.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Once daytime water temps warm past 55 the bass will both move shallower and become more active. Good time for jig and trailer and large worms or lizards. Fished slow on the bottom. By the time the water hits 60 you can get some spinnerbait and crankbait action. Topwater stuff usually works best as the temps reach about 65. That is also the general temp for bass to be making nests and spawning.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]A big part of bass moving shallower is again dependent upon their food supply. Crawdads crawl up from the depths and out from under rocks where they have been wintering when the water warms and the bass are right behind them. The fry (and small yearlings) of early spawning species...like perch and walleyes...are starting to swarm in the shallows by April or May too. And, sunfish spawn just before or at the same time as bass, so they are shallow then too. In lakes where there are crappies, they usually spawn between perch and bluegills. Their fry are highly targeted by just about all species.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]In lakes with muddy bottoms, like Utah Lake, the largemouth feed upon leeches, crawdads and other creepy crawlies in the early part of the year. Fish jigs and worms slowly around structure.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Obviously, there are a lot of variations in the cycles between different bass ponds...depending upon elevation, depth and food sources. But, the single common denominator is find the food and you will find the fish.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Okay to shop at Smiths, but you will find more "bass chow" at Sportsmans...or Cabelas...or Wallyworld...etc.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Once daytime water temps warm past 55 the bass will both move shallower and become more active. Good time for jig and trailer and large worms or lizards. Fished slow on the bottom. By the time the water hits 60 you can get some spinnerbait and crankbait action. Topwater stuff usually works best as the temps reach about 65. That is also the general temp for bass to be making nests and spawning.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]A big part of bass moving shallower is again dependent upon their food supply. Crawdads crawl up from the depths and out from under rocks where they have been wintering when the water warms and the bass are right behind them. The fry (and small yearlings) of early spawning species...like perch and walleyes...are starting to swarm in the shallows by April or May too. And, sunfish spawn just before or at the same time as bass, so they are shallow then too. In lakes where there are crappies, they usually spawn between perch and bluegills. Their fry are highly targeted by just about all species.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]In lakes with muddy bottoms, like Utah Lake, the largemouth feed upon leeches, crawdads and other creepy crawlies in the early part of the year. Fish jigs and worms slowly around structure.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Obviously, there are a lot of variations in the cycles between different bass ponds...depending upon elevation, depth and food sources. But, the single common denominator is find the food and you will find the fish.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Okay to shop at Smiths, but you will find more "bass chow" at Sportsmans...or Cabelas...or Wallyworld...etc.[/#0000ff]
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