French River Bass Patterns in the spring. As the cold winter comes to an end the spring sun starts warming up the waters. Bass start heading to points, sharp breaks that lead to large flats, channels or depressions in spawning coves, or any type of in deeper water located near shallow spawning areas. These areas function as staging grounds for pre-spawn bass as they go on feeding binges getting ready for the spawning process. Because the water warms at different times from the back of the creek out to the main lake, the spring spawn can take place from March into late May or even June. Bass need the water to remain at, or above 60 degrees in order to spawn. Biologists agree that bass spawn at 65 degrees, they may make several attempts at spawning during this period. After the spawn, the larger female bass will move off to the outskirts of the spawning area to recuperate from the stresses of the spawn while the smaller male protects the eggs and fry.
French River Bass patterns in the summer. In the month of June, spawning usually comes to an end once waters reach the 80 degree mark. Bass won’t go as deep during early to mid summer as they do during winter months they hold in waters about 10 to 15 feet down adjacent to shallow water. this period of time will be when the greatest density of bass move in from deep to shallow water feeding at dusk, dawn and night time. During mid summer to later summer stratification process takes place a large number of the bass population will be relating to walls of weeds in the 15 to 25 foot range. In addition to sunken brush piles, fallen trees and channels or deep depressions in coves will also hold bass. As water temperatures approach the upper 80’s and low 90’s their metabolism slows down. However, unlike during winter when bass feeding all but shuts down, summertime bass will go on feeding binges for several days at a time.
French River Bass patterns in the fall. Once summer is over and the leaves begin to change signalling that fall is upon us. Bass will migrate from deeper water back into the same shallow waters where they were before spawning began. Feeding heavily on baitfish and crawfish trying to pack on the weight for the lean winter ahead of them. After turnover, when the lake has settled and cleared up again, bass will move to the steepest ledges leading to flats with the last remaining weeds on them. Bass pile up next to the last remaining green weeds. Dying brown weeds will deplete an area of oxygen, and bass will not linger in these places. As the water gets colder, bass will start ganging up on steep slopes, you can leave the flat shorelines alone once the water is in the 40’s and 50’s. Bass will find the sharpest drop-offs all around the lake.
French River Bass patterns in the winter. When water temperatures fall into the low 40’s – 30’s, it gets harder to catch bass – but not impossible. Their metabolism slows and they don’t need to feed as much, Most Bass will hunker down on the bottom in cover or suspend over points and humps in deep water.
