How Water Temp Affects Spring Bank Fishing

As the weather warms up and we transition from winter to spring, the water temperature in ponds starts to rise. For bank anglers targeting bass, this change in water temp can have a big impact on where the fish are holding and what lures or baits work best. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you hit the banks this spring in search of lunker bass:

Early Spring (Water Temp 45-55°F)

In the early spring when water temps are still on the cooler side, bass will be very lethargic and sluggish. They'll be hanging out in the deepest, coldest parts of the lake or river, often in schools. Your best bet is to fish slow-moving lures like jigs, texas-rigged plastics, or lipless crankbaits that dive to those deeper zones. Live bait like minnows or crawfish can also be productive. Focus on areas with deep water close to the bank.

Mid-Spring (Water Temp 55-65°F) 

As the water warms up into the 55-65°F range, bass will start to get more active and move up onto flats, points, and shallow cover like docks and vegetation. They'll be feeding more aggressively as they prepare to spawn. This is when reaction baits like spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, chatterbaits and topwaters can really shine from the bank. You'll also want to try carolina-rigged plastics and square-billed crankbaits that can cover water effectively.

Late Spring (Water Temp 65-75°F)

In the late spring, bass will be in full-on spawn mode with water temps in the 65-75°F range. They'll be up shallow, guarding their nests. This is when you'll want to target areas with dark-bottomed coves, pockets, and other isolated spawning areas. Wacky rigs, small finesse worms, and creature baits can be deadly. You may even spot some beds and be able to target them directly.

Take a few moments and watch as the folks from W2F provide some great insight into simple ways to check pond temps as well as other considerations when bank fishing in the spring...

Paying close attention to the current water temperature and how it influences bass behavior is key to bank fishing success in the spring. Adjust your lure selection, fishing location plus bait presentation and you'll be well on your way to catching more and bigger bass from the bank this spring.