Well, if you’re out here wonderin’ when them bass start their business in Ohio, you’re in luck, ’cause I’m gonna tell ya all about it. You see, bass in Ohio, them largemouth and smallmouth types, they ain’t like them other fish you see swimmin’ around all year long. No, no, they got a special time when they do their thing, and you best be ready if you wanna catch ’em.
Largemouth Bass Spawn Time
Now, the largemouth bass, that’s the one most folks go after in the spring. Their spawn usually starts up ’round the middle of April and can go all the way till mid-June. So, don’t go thinkin’ they spawn in the winter when it’s cold; that ain’t the case at all. They like the warm weather to get things started. The males are the ones who build the nests, diggin’ ’em out in shallow water, usually somewhere between one and six feet deep. Once they got a nice little hole in the ground, the females come around and lay their eggs. A good female can lay anywhere from 2,000 to 20,000 eggs, I hear. And sometimes, a bunch of females will lay eggs in the same nest, makin’ it a bit crowded in there. Those little eggs are what’s gonna turn into your bass, but it takes a little time, so you gotta be patient.
Smallmouth Bass Spawn Time
Now, smallmouth bass, they ain’t as lazy as largemouths, no sir. They like the spring too, but their spawn usually happens a bit later, more around May and early June. The water’s gotta be between 55 and 65°F for ’em to get in the mood, and they like to do their business in gravel or hard-bottomed areas, anywhere from 2 to 20 feet deep. These smallmouths, they don’t lay as many eggs as the largemouths, usually around 2,000 to 15,000 eggs, but they’re just as feisty. And, just like them largemouths, they ain’t gonna be too far from the nest once they’ve got their eggs set down.
What Happens After the Spawn?
After the spawn, well, the bass kinda disappear for a bit. See, them little bass babies gotta hatch and grow up some before they can swim around and get big enough to catch. During the summertime, when it starts heatin’ up, bass usually move deeper into the water. Some of ’em still hang around the shallow spots, but most of ’em find themselves deeper down, especially when the water hits them high temperatures, somewhere in the 80s°F. So, if you’re lookin’ to catch bass after the spawn, you might wanna head out to those deeper spots, though you might still find a few out in the shallows.
Where to Fish for Bass
Now, if you’re wonderin’ where to find them bass while they’re spawnin’, well, I’ll tell ya right now. You wanna look around them places where the water’s a little warmer and the currents aren’t too strong. The bass like to swim into shallow coves and creek mouths, and they’ll stick around those areas, especially when they’re gettin’ ready to spawn. As for the lures and bait, it don’t hurt to try a few different things. Use imitation minnows, crankbaits, or jigs. If you’re fishin’ in some strong current, like in the Ohio River, use them heavy spoons or jigs that can handle the flow.
Fishing Tips for the Spawn
- Wait for that water to warm up, around 55-65°F for smallmouths and a bit warmer for largemouths.
- Look for shallow spots with gravel or hard-bottoms for smallmouths, and sandy or muddy bottoms for largemouths.
- If you’re fishin’ in a river or strong current, use heavy spoons and jigs to get through the flow.
- In creeks or lakes, you can try imitation minnows, crankbaits, or even spinnerbaits to catch them bass.
- Be patient, ’cause once them bass spawn, they’re a little more cautious, and it might take a few tries to catch ’em.
Wrapping Up
So there you have it. If you want to catch yourself some bass in Ohio, you gotta time it right. Them largemouth bass start spawnin’ in April and go into June, and the smallmouths do their thing a little later, in May and June. It’s all about the warm water, shallow spots, and them right lures. If you keep your eye on the water temperature and know where to look, you’ll be pullin’ bass out in no time. Just remember to respect the fish and the water, and good luck out there!
Tags：[bass spawn ohio, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, fishing ohio, when do bass spawn, bass fishing tips, best fishing spots ohio, spring fishing, bass fishing season, ohio river fishing]
