Warm temps equal big bass

Published 2:17 pm Thursday, February 6, 2025

East Texas weather is typically unsettled.

We always joke about our weather being unstable or having multiple personalities but certain conditions are perfect. The past few days have been what could be described as a bass anglers dream. Afternoon high temperatures in the high 70’s warm the shallows of area lakes.

This warming action triggers bass to respond and begin the annual spawning cycle. In short “bass fishing should be spectacular for the next few days.” The long range forecast has some chilly temperatures returning the middle of next week so make plans now.

The spawn is best described as a three-phase event, pre-spawn, spawn and post-spawn.

Pre spawners will be feeding heavily and extremely active in the newly warmed waters. Of course, the actual spawn will find the bass laying eggs, guarding nests and/or fry. The post-spawn fish will be transitioning back to their normal activities and leaving the shallows. Keep in mind not all bass do the same thing at the same time.

As some are spawning others will just be moving in while others are finished and in the post mode. Valentines Day is the official kick off for the prespawn but the number one absolute rule of bass fishing remains…there are no rules.

Water temperature is crucial this time of year. If I can find mid 50’s surface temperature, I feel like there is a good chance of encountering fish. If you find 60 degree water, chances are good spawning will be underway. Of course the well timed Canadian Clipper cold front can stop everything overnight. Watch the weather and fish accordingly.

A day at the lake may look something like the following: Start near a historic spawning area or shallow flat with deeper water nearby. We will be fishing in 10 feet of water to the bank. Pay attention to the 5-10 depths and focus your efforts here. This deeper water should be loading up with staging fish. Males will be shallow first finding suitable nest building areas. Once the male is satisfied with his spot, he will head out to find a female to escort to his bed. She will accompany him, spawn and then head back to the 5-10 depths. She may hang around a day or two and she may leave immediately after spawning. She stays in the staging areas waiting for another male.

This is natures way of ensuring a successful spawn if the first or second one fails. You can see where the 5-10 depths would be attractive to fish, the percentages of an encounter are greater.

There are too many baits to recommend for pre-spawn bass but here are a few “must haves” Red Rattletrap, half once. A Carolina or Texas rigged soft plastic lizard. A Texas rigged Senko type bait and finally a whacky rigged, Zoom Trick Worm. Color is your choice. I have a few colors that I use year round and I use water clarity as my guide. Muddy-stained water use a darker color like black/blue or green pumpkin. For tannic or “tea” colored water I use red bug, Junebug or watermelon candy.

For clear water, try something like firecracker or cotton candy.

Just remember what Denny Brauer told me years ago “Any color is fine, as long as its black and blue”