Pre-spawn vs. Spawn vs. Post-spawn????

[bassackwards]

I've grown up bass fishing and to this day I haven't figured out what the hell pre-spawning vs. spawning vs. post-spawning bass is....

Sounds pretty stupid I know. I'm relatively new to the NW and grew up in year round warm weather. Bass fishing meant pitching and flipping topwater crankbaits, spinners, poppers, etc. around structures, docks, etc....that was pretty much how we fished from March to October. Oct. - March was soft plastics, senkos, worms, lizards, etc. deeper stuff for obvious reasons.

NOW...I need to know water temp....pre-spawn characteristics??? "How did the spawn go"....??? I don't freakin know all that stuff.

I've been using my "warm weather" bass tactics up here in the NW and have been blanked every time out. Granted, I'm currently "boat challenged" (as previously posted) so I'm limited to small ponds and docks / shore fishing, which is still fishing, just not what I'm used to.

Help me out guys...I'm throwing everything at them at all hours of the day in all kinds of weather and NOTHING. The good news is...I've gotten in valuable pitching and flipping practice.

I would sure love to learn more about the spawning thing. My kids are still young...I've got time to learn before I'm required to produce fish.

Thanks everyone!!!

[kzoo]

Bassackwards, I've bass fished in the south, midwest and now here in the northwest, and pretty much bass follow the same behavior. The frustrating part is where and when do the bass spawn. During the Prespawn, bass will be coming out of their winter homes and heading to some sort of structure near their spawning grounds. It's usually the first drop off or point next to their spawning grounds. They'll feed during this time, this is the time to get your trophy fish. The spawn, they'll come up shallow in a protective area, and when the water reaches 55-60 degrees. This is my favorite time, because the fish are bedding and are aggresive. The post spawn is my least favorite time, bass will leave the spawning grounds and will move to the next drop off or point, and they usually are suspended and can be lethargic. However, I noticed Lake Washingtons smallies like to hangout by docks during the postspawn and are pretty hungry. After the post spawn they'll spread out all over the lake to their summer holes. If you're fishing small lakes right now and LMB is the only thing available, they can be a pain during the postspawn. Try using senkos and some sort of topwater that matches the hatch. Being limited to shore fishing can be a big disadvantage, try picking up a float tube or small boat. Eventually they'll be in their summer pattern, and will be easier to catch during the mornings, evenings, or before/during rain events. Hope this helps. Keep on trying!

[bassackwards]

I appreciate the info kzoo...I picked up some grubs, worms (watermelon flake) and an assortment of senkos. I'll give them a try in tomorrow morning.

Thanks again!!