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There are a number of things to consider when answering the question, “When do bass spawn?” But the shortest answer has to do with water temperature. Most black bass species spawn when water temps are between 55 and 70 degrees. However, the duration of these optimal temperatures also plays a role in spawning periods, as do the moon phase and the water’s depth.
Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass spawn throughout different times of the year, depending on geographical location. For example, a largemouth bass in Southern Florida may spawn in December in water as shallow as 6 inches. But Great Lakes smallmouth might not start spawning until July, and do so in 20 feet of water. Of course, you need to know exactly when bass spawn in your neck of the woods, and the best places to fish. Here’s a general overview of the spawning process, when it happens, and how to catch lunkers during this time of year.
Table of Contents
- Nationwide Peak Spawning Dates
- Water Temperature
- Moon Phase
- Time of Year
- Water Depth
- Best Baits
Projected Peak Spawning Dates Nationwide
Only a few years ago, Field & Stream interviewed biologists, guides, and bass pros to estimate peak spawning dates across the country, resulting in the map below. This makes for a great general guideline for figuring out when the bass spawn will be going strong in your neck of the woods. It is important to keep in mind, however, that this is just a starting point. Some of the very best fishing will take place before and after these dates, and, as noted above, the exact timing on your lake depends on a number of other factors, so let’s break it down.
When Do Bass Spawn? Water Temperature
The key to determining when bass are on their beds, no matter where you live, is the water temperature. As the water temps rise into the 50s, pre-spawn bass begin making their way into the spawning grounds as they feed and look for a good place to bed. Once temps climb into the high 50s, many bass will create beds with their tails, begin laying eggs, and guard the nests. This whole process typically takes anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
Large numbers of bass will move up to spawn until water temperatures reach the 70-degree mark, and then the bedding activity will wind down for the year. But it’s important to understand a few caveats regarding water temperatures. Most of the time, anglers gauge water temps using the transducer on their electronics. However, the transducer sits only a few inches below the water’s surface, so it’s really only gauging the water’s surface temperature, which can spike and drop daily. You need to know the temp deeper in the water column. It takes consecutive days of warming weather for the water temp to consistently be in the mid-50s—and that’s when bass will really begin to spawn.
Moon Phase and Time of Year
Bass spawn best across much of North America on a full or new moon. Provided these lunar phases occur when the water temperatures are in the optimal range, you’ll see an increase in bedding activity among the bass in the area. The bass spawn is most commonly associated with springtime, but in places like South Florida, Texas, California, and Mexico, bass also spawn in fall and winter. And they’ll spawn well into the summer up North. Another reason why water temperatures should be your guide.
When Do Bass Spawn? Water Depth
It’s important to remember that the depths at which bass spawn vary widely. Some bass may spawn in less than a foot of water, and other spawn 25 feet down. The range of depths listed by species below is a good, general guide.
- Largemouth Bass: 2 to 8 feet deep
- Spotted Bass: 8 to 12 feet deep
- Smallmouth Bass: 3 to 20 feet deep
In fisheries with multiple species of black bass, largemouth usually spawn first, followed by the spotted bass, and then the smallmouths. This is because largemouths typically stage and spawn shallower, and the water at these depths warms up to the optimal 55-degree mark faster than the deeper water.
Best Baits for Spawning Bass
A list of the best lures for spawning bass would be too long to put here, but here are a few baits and rigs you want to have in your arsenal for the three main species of black bass.
Tops Baits and Rigs for Spawning Largemouths
Tops Baits and Rigs for Spawning Smallmouths
Tops Baits and Rigs for Spawning Largemouths
- Finesse jig
- Shaky Head
- Ned rig
Catch Your Personal Best Bass During the Spawn
The most important thing to remember is that bass begin to spawn when water temperatures rise to 55 degrees. And bass will continue breeding until the water temps top the 70-degree mark. The number of bedding bass typically increases when this window coincides with a full or new moon. And you should look for bass to spawn at varying depths based on their species, from as shallow as 1 foot of water out to as much as 25 feet deep. Put that all together and you’ll figure out when your best chance at a lunker is.
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