Pre-Spawn Bass Fishing on Lake Guntersville

Pre-Spawn Bass Fishing on Lake Guntersville

Pre-spawn bass fishing occurs when the bass begin their movement from the deep water where they have been holding for the winter and then moving toward the shallow spawning zones. Their bodies are not fully ready for the spawn; they have not fully committed to the beds but movement toward the bedding areas has begun. On Lake Guntersville this usually begins in early to mid-February depending on the water temperature created by the weather patterns and trends.

Typical pre-spawn conditions can be seen when the water temperature reaches the 48-56 degrees range; in Alabama with a typical weather month, we will see this easily by the 15^th of the month. This year might push this some as we have had an extremely cold late January. There are other factors that drive the water temperature up, the increase daylight helps; sunny days even though cold help keep the water temperature up enough to help us reach these temperatures. Even though we get a lot of rain and clouds in February the sunny days produce radiant heat and raise the water temperature regardless of the outside temperatures. It is also true that the grassy areas hold the heat produced during the sunny days; the green grass areas are always the warmest areas during the month of February if you find the green grass you will find the warmest water and the pre-spawn bass! My target areas as a bass guide service focuses on these pre-spawn bass warmer water areas every February and we will show you where to find the right areas for pre-spawn bass.

The typical pre-spawn areas on Lake Guntersville that you should focus on include areas like main river ledges that have proximity toward the spawning creeks, contours changes or swings that make sharp turns with submerged green grass in the 6 to 8 ft. depth range. Also, secondary points inside creeks that run toward the spawning ground areas where the bass can utilize the creek to travel easily toward the backs of the creeks. Look for roadbeds as they also help you find pathways for the fish to travel toward the spawning areas. Lastly look for hard bottom areas near hydrilla flats these areas hold the bass, the hydrilla gives the area warmth and the proximity to the spawning flats make for ideal holding areas as they progress toward the spawn!