Why Spring is King
The Best Season of the Year
Spring is when South Bay fishing comes alive. Water temperatures climb from winter lows into the 55–68°F range that triggers spawning activity across nearly every species. Bass move out of deep water and into the shallows. Crappie school near brush. Catfish begin feeding aggressively. Carp start cruising the flats. Everything is active and everything is catchable.
The bass spawn is the centerpiece of spring fishing. From mid-March through May, largemouth and smallmouth bass fan out beds in 1–5 feet of water in protected coves, near rocky banks, and around submerged structure. Spawning bass are territorial and aggressive — a well-presented bait will often draw a strike even from a fish that isn't hungry. This is the time to target big fish.
Water clarity is often at its best in spring before algae blooms cloud things up in summer. Clear water means you can see structure, spot fish, and sight-fish for carp and bedding bass — one of the most exciting forms of fishing you can do at a local reservoir.
Spring Tactics
What's Working Right Now
From dawn through mid-morning before the surface warms. Buzzbaits, poppers, and Whopper Ploppers in the shallows.
Texas-rigged Senkos, creature baits, and lizards dragged through spawning areas. Bass will pick them up and move them.
Shallow-running crankbaits parallel to rocky points and weed edges. Deflecting off structure triggers reaction strikes.
Small marabou and curly-tail jigs near brush piles at 4–8 ft. Crappie spawn April–May in the shallows.
Carp move into the shallows to spawn in April–May. Stalking and presenting bait to visible fish is incredibly rewarding.
Catfish become active in spring evenings as water warms. Cut bait and nightcrawlers near the dam from dusk onward.
Best Spots in Spring
Where to Go
Target Species
What to Fish For
