The calendar says it’s spring but I don’t think the fish know it yet! Fishing in April on the Shenandoah River and our local lakes, such as Lake Laura and Lake Frederick was a challenge. A challenge to get a pattern and a good bite going. And it’s all due to weather!
April was a mostly cool and very windy month. As a matter of fact, as I am writing this article on April 18th, it is snowing and cold outside. Weather plays a big role in the life of fish. Water temperatures fluctuated a lot in April. One week it was near 60 degrees and the next week back down to 50 degrees, and this has really slowed the spawn down.
As we go into May we can hope for consistently warmer days and a lot less wind. With this being said, you can expect bass to be spawning the first couple weeks of May. Remember all bass don’t spawn at the same time. You will have some spawning which are harder to catch, and you will have some in pre-spawn which will hit your reaction lures, such as spinnerbaits and square bill crankbaits.
In clearer water use willow leaf blades on your spinnerbaits, and Colorado blades in stained water. I prefer white/chartreuse colored skirts. And a Rat-L-trap can be very effective this time of year for locating bass.
Once you have located the fish and are catching the active ones, try switching over to a jig or craw imitation and fish slowly. This is when you may land a big one.
Remember, if you catch a bass during the spawn, release it quickly as possible, these fish need to guard their fry from predators. This will ensure great fishing for years to come.
Towards the end of May, after the spawn (referred to as the post-spawn), bass can be finicky and you may want to downsize your offering and slow down your retrieve.
Good luck fishing in May! Be safe and take a kid fishing!
Do you have the assurance that when you die or if Jesus returned today that you would go to heaven? Jesus says, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again you cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:3”.
If you have never accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of your life, I would like to encourage you to start thinking about this decision today. It’s an eternal decision! Realize that God loves you and has a plan for your life!
To all you mothers – Happy Mother’s Day!
Mike
