Smallmouth Bass Pre-Spawn: How Lakes and Rivers Differ?
Examining the Basic Differences Between Targeting Smallies in Lakes & Rivers
Smallmouth Bass Pre-Spawn: Differences Between Lakes & Rivers
The temps are warming up out there for most parts of the region and we are seeing our river systems begin to enter spring form. We are headed to the New River Valley this weekend coming up for some quality Smallie Chasing and with two six pound river smallies taken just within the last week it is clear that the Smallies are feeding up a bit after one of the more intense winters over the last decade.
There are some basic differences between targeting lake smallies and river smallies in the spring time so lets cast in here and break it down:
Understanding Behavior, Conditions, and Effective Bait Presentations
The pre-spawn period is one of the most active and predictable times to target Smallmouth Bass.
Smallmouth migrate from wintering areas to spawning locations as water temperatures rise.
Key differences between lakes and rivers in terms of temperature trends, water movement, and forage influence their behavior.
Smallmouth Pre-Spawn in Lakes vs. Rivers
Water Temperature & Behavior
Lakes:
Smallmouth begin transitioning to pre-spawn areas when water temperatures reach 45–50°F, becoming more active as it warms toward 55–60°F.
Movement is gradual from deeper wintering locations to shallower flats, secondary points, and staging areas near spawning sites.
Fish hold near structure such as rocky points, gravel flats, and transition areas.
Rivers:
Current influences water temperature; fish move earlier in warming trends.
Smallmouth often shift toward staging areas as early as 40–45°F, becoming aggressive by 50–55°F.
Migration is more direct, as river bass move from deeper holes or slow-current areas toward spawning zones in eddies, backwaters, and protected shorelines.
Rivers with dams and the influence of streamflows from release of water can influence the timing of river Smallies transitioning as well.
Water Clarity & Influence on Movement
Lakes: Typically clearer, so fish are more sight-oriented.
Fish stay deeper in bright conditions but move shallower on overcast days.
Migrations are structured, following depth contours and cover.
Rivers: Water clarity varies with rain, snowmelt, and runoff.
Stained or muddy water accelerates movement, making bass push shallower sooner.
Rivers in the Spring tend to be overly influenced by rising water conditions coming out of winter which can wreak havoc on patterns or typcial behaviors by Smallies.
Smallmouth relate to eddy currents, boulders, log jams, and current breaks rather than depth changes alone.
Forage Species & Impact on Feeding Behavior
Lakes: Primary pre-spawn forage includes:
Crawfish (key in rocky environments)
Baitfish such as shad, perch, and smelt
Gobies (Great Lakes)
Tactics: Slow-moving bottom baits (jigs, tubes) early, transitioning to moving baits as water warms.
Rivers: Main pre-spawn forage consists of:
Crawfish (dominant in rocky, gravel-bottomed rivers) which begin to show up as the water temps begin to climb in most river systems
Baitfish like minnows, shiners, and sculpins become more active
Aquatic insects in slower-current areas will intensify—— 2025 Cicada broods as well may make their presence known in many areas as well.
SEE here:
The Cicadas Are Coming; Again!
·As crazy as it sounds the Cicadas are coming out once again in some parts of the country. Last year we saw some cicadas in some states and now we anticipate the emergence of the Brood XIV Cicadas in Pennsylvania ,Maryland and some areas in Virginia.
Tactics: Reaction baits (lipless cranks, jerkbaits) to cover water, then finesse plastics when staging fish settle.
Optimum Conditions for Smallmouth to Move Toward Spawning Areas
Lakes:
50–55°F: Staging areas become primary focus.
55–60°F: Migrations intensify, and fish push toward shallower flats.
Ideal structure: Gravel/sand flats near deep water, adjacent to points or drop-offs.
Rivers:
48–52°F: Fish leave wintering areas and begin staging.
52–58°F: Smallmouth actively feed in backwaters, slack water, and near current seams.
Ideal structure: Eddies, current breaks, log jams, and riprap shorelines.
Effective Bait Presentations for Pre-Spawn Smallmouth
Lakes – Staging & Transition Areas
Jerkbaits (48–55°F) – Suspending models mimic dying baitfish, effective in clear water.
Lipless Crankbaits (50–55°F) – Covering water around rocky flats and transition zones.
Swimbaits (50–60°F) – Slow-rolled along deeper edges near spawning sites.
Tube Jigs & Craw Imitations (55–60°F) – Dragging along bottom to trigger feeding.
Jika Rig/Ned Rig (55–60°F) – Targeting lethargic fish in deeper staging zones.
Rivers – Current Breaks & Staging Zones
Lipless Crankbaits (45–55°F) – Burned or yo-yo'd through current seams.
Jerkbaits (48–55°F) – Dead-sticked in eddies and slack water.
Hair Jigs (40–50°F) – Imitates baitfish in slow-moving pools.
Crawfish Jigs (50–58°F) – Bounced near rocks, eddies, and laydowns.
Jika Rig/Neko Rig (55–60°F) – Fished near spawning transitions in softer bottom areas.
Humble Hook is now available to Smallouth Army Subscribers. Very limited hand tied jigs from Virginia that catch Smallies coming in various formats from finesse, dry/wet flies, bladed and bait modifications!!
One I will be using on the New River this week is the Humble Hook Tackle Co. “Shiner Shock” hybrid which is a hand tied variation of the 1st Gen Fishing Jawdropper shown here:
Message direct for Humble Hook Tackle specs or additional pics and availability here:
smalliechaserriverbassin@gmail.com
Some of these will be featured in the upcoming Spring Bait Box available for subscribers. Message direct as well if you want on the early release list or information!!
Key Takeaways for Targeting Pre-Spawn Smallmouth
Lakes:
More gradual migration, deeper staging spots.
Clearer water = sight-based approach.
Focus on slow to moderate presentations.
Rivers:
Faster migrations, influenced by current and clarity.
Stained/muddy water = more reaction strikes.
Cover-oriented presentations around current breaks.
Resources:
You Tube:
Smallie Chaser River Bassin:
You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallieChaserChannel
J.L. Scott Fishing
You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@J.L.ScottFishing
TourneyX: Clubs Tab (Virginia) Tournament Fishing App
https://tourneyx.com/app/category/va---smallie-chaser-river-bassin
Community DISCORD: Free To Join (Smallmouth)
https://discord.gg/KtpkAJchUP