Spawning Questions

[delyakguy]

When do Largemouth usually start to spawn? I always believed it happens when water reaches a certain temperature. What temp. is that? Also, what about Smallmouth? Do they spawn at the same time? I live in Central Washington(Yakima) and have a local lake that has both LM & SM. In years past it seemed to be Late May/Early June when I would see the LM along the shores, in groups and spawning. W/O seeing them spawning, is there anything I can look for to determine when the spawn is about to start? I want to get a jump on them this year to hook into some FAT females. No worries, I do practice Catch & Release.


Thanks

[Trent Hale]

LMB bed in the spring at 62* steady temp. The pre spawn is on right now:-$ !!!! Your missing it.

[Amx]

It can be said that every lake can have a different spawning time/ water temperature. That can depend on water clarity, what types of particals are suspending in the water, how thick those particle 'cloudyness is' , water depth/how much of the lake is shallow/how deep the fish acually have to spawn, size of females that are spawning, direction the sun hits the water and how much of the day the sun is acually on the water-ie tall trees or hills all around the lake, direction the wind mostly blows across the lake. Too many variables for me to guess. But Largemouth can spawn in the low 50s, and Smallmouth can spawn in colder water then that. They both can spawn on into June and July. There also can be 2 distinct spawn cycles in any given lake - spring and late summer.

[delyakguy]

I've been out several times since posting this and have not had any luck or seen any caught. I am going to stick with it, but I think its too soon here.

[basspro]

delyakuy,

Have you fished the Potholes lately? Lots of fish are being caught there in the last 3 weeks.

Russ

[bassmasterderek]

The majority of fish in most lakes here will spawn towards the end of may. I always seemed to be surprised when I find some early spawners though. I got one locked on a bed last week that went 3.7 in 54 degree water. I plan on doing most of my sight fishing near the next full moon at the end of the month. But I am willing to bet quite a few fish have been caught off beds already in eastern washington.
BMD

[2000subaru]

Good to hear from you BMD!

[BassinBomber]

The majority of fish in most lakes here will spawn towards the end of may. I always seemed to be surprised when I find some early spawners though. I got one locked on a bed last week that went 3.7 in 54 degree water. I plan on doing most of my sight fishing near the next full moon at the end of the month. But I am willing to bet quite a few fish have been caught off beds already in eastern washington.
BMD

Sounds like a plan 2 me "D"! Keep me posted.

BB