Fishing success drops quickly in the spawning season. Largemouth bass are the most sought after game fish in oklahoma. Florida largemouth bass spawn in shallow bays in spring when the water temperatures reach 60f. With the exception of spawning season, rarely do we find trophy bass hiding under lily pads in two feet of water. In illinois stud ies, largemouth bass spawning generally began around the first of may and ended by midjune, a period of about 45 days. Early spring is one of the easiest times to catch largemouth bass. If you cant catch bass during the spawn in florida, dont waste your money fishing bass tournaments here. In florida, the spawn typically begins in january and lasts through may. March harris chain fishing report for trophy largemouth bass. Angler success for landing largemouth bass can be greatly affected by spawning activity.
The season is right around the corner and the bass are biting. As the water warms above 50 degrees, bass change their primary forage to a highprotein diet. Pre spawn florida largemouth brett hite, flw pro, winner of the flw tours 2008 season opener on lake toho in march 2008. Fish spawning times will vary for different species and can also vary depending on the size and depth of a waterway. The process is dependent on the water temperature being a consistent 60f15. Compelling reasons to bass fish in florida this time of year and ways to. Largemouth bass usually reach sexual maturity and begin spawning when they are about a year old.
In this, the first documentary in a series on largemouth bass behavior, see the spawn like youve never seen it before. Bass spawn in florida from about late november through april, but the busiest spawning activity takes place in late february and march. Slow roll a spinnerbait over structure and flip and pitch. May 25, 2016 on july 1, 2016, the new largemouth black bass regulations as established by the florida fish and wildlife conservation commission fwc will take effect. The spawning period provides one of the years best opportunities to catch big bass in florida, particularly for anglers who enjoy sightfishing for bass in shallow water. If you are planning a trip to florida to target the largemouth bass spawn, consider the conclusion of our study. The time of year can vary from location to location with northern populations spawning later in the spring. Understanding when bass will spawn in your area can help you key in on their patterns for months. What is the best time of year to fish for largemouth bass. The largemouth can easily be distinguished from other basses because its. Largemouth bass spring spawning season fishanywhere. Florida largemouth bass reproduction bass fishing gurus.
Largemouth like backwater areas with some depth to them, like close to a marina. He has over 40 years experience fishing the legendary northern waters of lake champlain, and nearly 35 years fishing the most productive inland bass waters of central florida. The ultimate guide to largemouth bass fishing in florida. Awesome rodman reservoir fishing for florida largemouth bass. In florida, bass spawn between january and march, with the southernmost lakes beginning the earliest. The spawn bass usually spawn at the end continue reading 15 facts about largemouth bass spawning. Note, however, that the key trigger for spawning is length of day and temperature together. Often confused with smallmouth and spotted bass, it is easily distinguishable because the upper jaw extends beyond. Largemouth bass aggressively feed well into the fall months. Keep in mind that the water temperature that sends the bass to the beds is the temperature where the prespawn bass hang out, not the temperature in a shallow, darkbottom. Why the florida spawn should be on your bass fishing bucket list.
Nov 26, 2017 a big hole in the river bottom, where current washes overhead, is a good spot for smallmouth. Because they help control smaller sunfish populations, the overharvest of bass removing too many, especially on small lakes and ponds, should be avoided. The underside of the fish can range from white to a light green. When it comes to catching bass, every season has its opportunities and challenges. The largemouth bass micropterus salmoides is a member of the sunfish family. The behavior and activity of the fish vary depending on the season and the phase of the spawn.
Bass feeding is greatly reduced below 50 degrees as they become tired. Most largemouth bass begin spawning as early as year 2 when they weigh as little as 1lb 454 grams. As an example, largemouth bass prefer water temperatures between 6075 degrees for spawning, while bluegill spawn when water temperatures are in the 7585degree range. It generally has light greenish to brownish sides with a dark lateral line which tends to break into blotches towards the tail. Spawning season occurs in spring when water temperatures reach 63 degrees. Largemouth bass are distinguished from other black bass by means of the lower jaw, which is longer than those of other bass. We discuss common movement patterns, the factors that contribute to.
Spawning takes place in the spring season when the water temperature first holds steady above 60. Aug 07, 2012 hatchery managers who make a living spawning bass report bass spawning on all moon phases. The largemouth bass is also a bigger species than the smallmouth or spotted bass. Largemouth bass will often breach the surface of the water and become airborne when hooked in an effort to break free. There are 4 main criteria that i use to figure this puzzle out. The rodman reservoir drawdown is currently happening. Apr 28, 2009 seasonal bass fishing here we will touch base on the different seasonal patterns of bass fishing in central florida. In spring, bass are not picky eaters and devour anything available.
Feb 20, 2018 bass spawn in florida from about late november through april, but the busiest spawning activity takes place in late february and march. The process of building a nest, finding a mate, hatching and protecting the eggs only takes up to 3 weeks. Prespawn bass fishing is electric, one of the most fun times to be on the water all year long. As mentioned above, the largemouth bass is actually a. The article provides on the florida bass spawn, where the bass bed, gear for spawn fishing, and bass considerations. The bass spawn is one of the pillars of bass fishing. The stage of the spawning season will depend on when you visit and the loca tion of the lake you choose. Warm rain warms up a lake faster than air temperature. Largemouth spawning facts spawning manipulation a new study about largemouth bass spawning contains some novel ideas and a wealth of information that you should know. The behavior of largemouth bass during the stages of spawn is a very defined bass fishing pattern. One of the most incredible places to fish in florida is lake okeechobee. Fishing during the spawn is its own world, pulling bass from beds or using the seasonal aggression. Bass begin moving from their deep winter haunts toward their eventual spawning areas. If you are not sure what stage of the spawn the largemouth bass is in, you need to eliminate water while you determine where the fish are at.
If you are planning a trip, spring is the best time to hunt a trophy bass. Tips from the pros for largemouth bass florida fish and. The goal of these new regulations is to simplify existing rules in the harvesting of florida largemouth black bass throughout the state and to im. Female largemouth bass are usually larger than male largemouth bass of the same age. Presenting larger baits better mimics the available forage size. Fishing during the spawn is its own world, pulling. The phases of the spawning process include prespawn, spawn, and postspawn. Fishing for bass during the spawn bass spawn in relatively shallow water often only a few feet and typically build nests or beds near structures like rocks, logs, reeds, brush or weed beds. Here in central florida, bass fishing is a yearround event. This stage can last anywhere from 1 or 2 days to 1 to 2 weeks depending on the water and the area you are in. The harris chain of lakes is one of the most productive fisheries to land trophy largemouth bass. Bass feed heavily prior to the spawning ritual because they know that during the 10 to 14 days of spawning they will not feed at all.
Peak spawning occurs when water temperature is 64 to 68 degrees fahrenheit. Fish the first emerging weeds and grasses with large spinnerbaits and jigs. Largemouth spawning facts spawning manipulation the. May 16, 2011 florida largemouth bass fishing lets be honest. Freshwater fishing regulations fwc florida fish and.
Whether you are looking for that trophy or you are looking for quality, this is the place to visit. During the pre spawn in florida, water temperature will be the first factor in successful fishing. The largemouth bass is usually green in color with dark blotches down the sides of its body. As spring advances, bass start preparing for the spawning season. Across the country in lakes, ponds and rivers bass will start pairing up, males with females, creating the shallow spawning beds that will be their home throughout the process. Florida large mouth bass description the largemouth is the largest member of the sunfish family. Bass fishing in florida tips travel tips usa today.
The florida largemouth bass has a reputation as a tackle buster. In florida, the spawn typically begins in january and lasts through may, with the best. However, if water conditions are unsuitable and disrupt the planned spawning season, the fish can wait for as long as sixty days to resume spawning. Seasonal habits of the largemouth bass learn how the seasons affect the largemouth bass in order to catch them on a consistent basis. Bass, largemouth oklahoma department of wildlife conservation.
Largemouth bass in florida are about to enter spawning season, and the fishing will be off the hook. A highly predatory fish, they will strike an assortment of artificial lures as well as natural bait. It plays a starring role in many fishing tournaments, both amateur and professional. Bass start spawning once the water reaches a temperature in the mid 60s and is consistent for about a week. The goal of these new regulations is to simplify existing rules in the harvesting of florida largemouth black bass. Interestingly, a trip to florida any time between march and may will overlap with some portion of the bass. Largemouth bass micropterus salmoides is one of the black. As fall approaches us, water temperatures will start to. This family of fish contains many species, including smallmouth bass micropterus dolomieu, bluegill lepomis macrochirus and crappie pomoxis spp.
Floridas more liberal spawning season presents a lower learning curve that gives the serious tournament angler lots of practice time, while providing the weekend fishermen plenty of opportunity for bass fishing fun. The spring brings with it the time for the bass spawn. As spring moves on, largemouth bass begin preparation for the spawning season. The big largemouth and spotted bass in florida are most aggressive during the spawn. Florida s fabled bucketmouth will attack just about anything minnows, frogs, even baby ducks. As a result, you can experience some awesome rodman reservoir fishing for numbers of florida largemouth bass. The rodman reservoir is one of the best fisheries to catch big bass. I will start with what i consider the best season for bass fishing in florida, fallwinter season.
Largemouth bass spawn when a female lays eggs and a male secrets semen onto the eggs. When discussing lure patterns, bassmaster tournament anglers will explain bass behavior and location as either pre spawn, spawn, or post spawn. Bass spawning season is very predictable, because bass do the same thing every year in three basic stages. Freshwater fishing regulations harvest of shoal bass suspended the florida fish and wildlife conservation commission fwc has approved moving forward on a draft rule to suspend harvest and possession of shoal bass in the chipola river and its tributaries. Spawning season for the largemouth bass the best bass. Manipulation of fish spawning is an oftenused concept by pond owners from the hatcheries that produce advanced sized.
During this time, bass lurk in shallow water protected from. Most conservationminded anglers release large fish because of their future spawning potential. The type of water you are fishing, lake, river, pond, reservoir or stream. Save 30% on your tackle here follow alex peric here the. Multiple interconnected lakes make it something unique and a true. Spawning season for the largemouth bass best bass fishing info. A single female can release 2,000 to 7,000 eggs per pound in body weight. Two subspecies of largemouth bass lmb are typically recognized, florida and northern native to oklahoma and texas. It is found mostly in march and april when the fish move into shallow. Its not uncommon for them to begin spawning as early as. Jan 19, 2017 what makes largemouth bass fishing so challenging is the fact that these fish are constantly on the move. Largemouth bass spawning and fishing considerations.
In the northern region of the united states, this usually occurs anywhere from late april until early july. Bass spawning season presents great opportunities to catch trophysized bass with a particular emphasis on sight fishing. You may refer to them simply as bass or lunkers, or maybe even bucketmouth but whatever you call them, largemouth bass are a great species to fish. As they grow from 1 to 3 inches, largemouth bass are. The late, great pro bass angler and tv host jimmy rogers lands a spawning season largemouth enticed with a soft plastic worm fished in shallow water near vegetation. Each spawning season, this lake gets fired up with some incredible bass fishing action. Following spawning, females leave nests and males remain to guard eggs and fry. Found nearly everywhere in the state, this fighting fish lures resident anglers and visitors from across the united states. In the springtime, after the long winter season where bass live deep and feed sparingly, they make their yearly migration into shallow bays and calm pockets to spawn.
A great way to target trophycatchsized bass, heavier than eight pounds, or numerous smaller bass in florida is by casting to isolated cover. In florida, bass can be caught casting to isolated cover year round, but spring and summer are the best times to catch a trophy because of the spawn. Largemouth bass begin moving into shallow areas of water to spawn when the. The largemouth bass is by far the most soughtafter fish in texas. Its not uncommon for them to begin spawning as early as december, although january is most common. February through april are peak months in central florida. From day to day, week to week, and season to season, the movement of largemouth bass throughout a lake is dictated by water temperatures, spawning desires, and the need to find food while avoiding predators. On july 1, 2016, the new largemouth black bass regulations as established by the florida fish and wildlife conservation commission fwc will take effect. I fish the same type of vertical areas now as in winter, but they should be close to a flat area, because bass like to spawn on flat places in. The largemouth bass is the most popular species of the black bass family found in florida. The first stage is called the pre spawn stage, when bass move toward shallow flats from their deeper wintering areas. Males fan out a saucershaped nest along a protected shoreline area of gravel, sand or mud.
They also thrive in many different environments and can be found all across north america, mexico, japan, south africa, europe, guam, lebanon, new zealand, and the philippines. Largemouth bass spring spawning season fishing voice. Bass spawn in florida from about late november through april, but the busiest. Because they help control smaller sunfish populations, the overharvest of bass removing too many. This chain of lakes is located in leesburg, florida and offers some of the most beautiful scenery to fish in. The first stage is called the prespawn stage, when bass move toward shallow flats from their deeper wintering areas. Knowing when largemouth bass spawn is essential for success, but it can be a bit of a guessing game. The largest certified largemouth bass in florida was caught in. Largemouth bass have a highly attuned sense of smell, and can zero in on prey by following scent trails. Southfacing banks and protected areas will warm up first. At this time of year, the spawning fish can be seen in clear water around the circular, sandy patches of bottom they clear to lay eggs. Lake okeechobee spawning fishing charter for largemouth bass. Big spawning bass are starting to move in making for the perfect time to get out there and catch the fish of a lifetime. They will start to move up from deep water when the water temperature starts climbing above the 45 degree mark.
Seasonal habits of the largemouth bass the ultimate bass. Bass spawning season presents great opportunities to catch trophysized. The spawning season begins in early spring once ice is thawed. The water temperature will now be 58 degrees or higher and this is when the bigger females will move into the freshly built beds. Here we will touch base on the different seasonal patterns of bass fishing in central florida. Tips on largemouth bass fishing in small lakes in florida. They continue to spawn until the water reaches 80 degrees, with most spawning actually taking place between 65 and 70 degrees. When is the best time to go bass fishing in florida fyao. The next important time period for the largemouth bass is the actual spawn. Floridas new largemouth bass regulations coastal angler. Largemouth bass are a species of black bass, in the family centrarchidae, most commonly found in the united states.