Bass Fishing in the Spring: A Comprehensive Guide - Next Adventure

November 5, 2026 William Eschliman

Spring Bass Fishing: From Pre-Spawn to Spawning Success

Quick answer: In spring, follow the bass as they move shallow. Early spring, fish primary points with crankbaits, jerkbaits, and jigs. Mid-spring, work secondary points and cover in coves (submerged trees, rocks, grass) by flipping and pitching soft plastics or running spinnerbaits. Late spring, target the backs of protected coves where bass guard nests, using swimbaits and creature baits that mimic baitfish and crawfish.

Spring is a prime season for bass fishing, but success depends on understanding how bass move as they transition from deep winter haunts to shallow spawning water. Here's how to read each phase and adjust your spots and lures to match.

Early spring: target primary points

As water starts to warm, bass begin moving from deeper water toward shallower areas. Primary points, the major points that extend into the main body of water, become gathering spots where bass feed and prepare for the spawn. Good pre-spawn lures include:

Crankbaits: cover lots of water and trigger reaction strikes.
Jerkbaits: imitate injured baitfish to draw strikes.
Jigs: versatile and effective for bass holding near structure.

Bass caught on a fishing lure during spring

Mid-spring: move to secondary points and cover

As spring progresses, bass push farther back into coves and toward secondary points. Look for structure and cover that attract fish scouting spawning sites:

Submerged trees
Rocks
Grass beds

This is the time to switch to flipping and pitching soft plastics, or to run spinnerbaits. These techniques work well for bass tucked into tighter spots.

Late spring: peak spawning season

Near the peak of spring, bass move to the backs of coves and other protected areas to build nests and spawn. Fish become aggressive and actively defend their beds. Use lures that mimic small baitfish or crawfish:

Swimbaits: imitate larger prey and draw aggressive strikes.
Creature baits: resemble crawfish and other bottom-dwelling prey.

Fishing rod and hooks ready for spring bass fishing

Key tips for spring bass success

Understand seasonal movement. Knowing where bass are in their spring transition is the foundation of everything else.
Adapt your tactics. Shift from primary points to secondary points to spawning areas as the season moves along.
Match your lures to the phase. Reaction baits early, flipping and pitching in the middle, baitfish and crawfish imitations on the beds.
Fish responsibly. Check current state fishing regulations before you go, and consider catch-and-release, especially with spawning fish, to keep bass populations healthy.

Gear up for spring on the water

Fishing tackle isn't sold online, but you can find it at our Grand Avenue store in Portland's Central Eastside, where our staff can help you dial in a spring setup. Spring weather in the Pacific Northwest can turn fast, so pack rain gear and a first aid kit.

Patagonia Men's Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket Packable protection from spring showers
Patagonia Women's Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket Packable protection from spring showers
Patagonia Women's Torrentshell 3L Rain Pants Stay dry on a wet bank or boat seat
Showers Pass Waterproof Rain Hood Extra coverage in a downpour
Surviveware Small Premium First Aid Kit For hook pokes and scrapes

Spring Bass Fishing FAQ

Where do bass go in early spring?

Bass start leaving deep winter water and gather on primary points, where they feed and prepare for the spawn.

What are the best lures for pre-spawn bass?

Crankbaits, jerkbaits, and jigs are reliable pre-spawn choices. Crankbaits cover water, jerkbaits imitate injured baitfish, and jigs work well around structure.

Where do bass spawn?

In late spring, bass move to the backs of coves and other protected areas to build nests, often near cover like submerged trees, rocks, and grass.

What lures work for bedding bass?

Swimbaits and creature baits that mimic small baitfish and crawfish work well, since spawning bass aggressively defend their nests.