Water Temperatures Are Important

But wait; have you factored water temperature into your fishing repertoire?

It has been emphasized that the key to fishing success in the spring is a rise in water temperature, even as slight as four or five degrees. This change causes the fish to become more active and they start moving toward more shallow water.

There are two factors that cause a change in water temperature.

They are of course sunshine, due to its warmth, and rain (I know hard to believe). Even harder to believe is that of these two factors, rain affects bass fishing much more. Rain water is several degrees warmer than lake water, so you may want to fish in spots where there is runoff from the rain such as smaller tributaries, creeks, and even ditches.

Bass fish will gravitate to these smaller runoff areas within hours, you may even see them chasing minnows and small baitfish. Use the water temperature to your advantage, combined with the right lures. Small crankbaits and spinnerbaits fished near the surface are more effective due to the fact that heat rises and the water near the surface is warmer, which is where you will find the bass.

Even though it takes several days of warming sunshine to cause changes in bass activity, watch for this, as it will prove beneficial. Again it only takes a change of four or five degrees to make a difference.

After a few days of continuous sunshine, bass will begin moving to creeks, bays and smaller coves and pockets.

So when you find yourself out bass fishing, remember that even though the right lures and speed of retrieve are very important, water temperature plays a huge role. In the end it is all about catching fish.