From very early on in my quest to figure out the in, and out's of Bass fishing, I always wondered what influenced the seasonal movements of Bass, and I realized if I was going to every be able to compete in tournaments, and have a chance at winning I would have to figure this out. So I began my study! I read articles about the seasonal movements of Bass, and took notes from every trip I took to the lake, and logged the results, good or bad.

My findings have been that water temperature is the main factor that influences fish movements. I will start with the Pre-Spawn period! The spawn for bass varies depending on what geographical area you are located, but no matter what your location is, water temperature will be the most important factor. There has been tons of research on how the moon phase influences fish movement, and for sure I believe to some extent does, but you can been dead in a full moon phase, and if the water temperature is not right, the bass will not spawn aggressively. Bass will begin there pre-spawn period when the water warms into the low 50's in most parts of the country, with the exception begin the warmer states, like Florida, Southern Alabama, and Texas the water temperature may never drop this low, and the bass in these warmer bodies of water will lay out away from there spawning areas and begin feeding in preparation for the spawn.

Once the water temperature starts increasing, the bass will begin migrating shallower into the creeks, pockets, and secondary points. Once the water temperature reaches the mid sixties to around 70 degrees the bass will be locked on a strong spawn pattern, with the exceptions being rising or falling water, and strong cold fronts, that can cause a change in water temperatures.

Once the female has deposited her eggs, the male bass will stay behind guarding the nest from predators for 5 to 14 days, during this time the female will move out to deeper water, usually being the first drop off adjacent to the spawning area, she will lay out in deeper water for several days to recuperate from the rigors of the spawn. Once the water temperatures start climbing into the mid to upper 70's the bass will begin there migration out to the main lake to spend the summer on the drops, and main lake points, and flats. They will continue to stay on the main lake, feeding on shad, and other baitfish, and spending a lot of there time suspended in open water.

When the cool air of Autumn begins to take hold, the bass will once again start moving back into the creeks to feed on baitfish that are flocking to the shallow creek arms, and this migration usually begins when the water temperature cools 5 to 10 degrees, and this change in temperature seems to be a staple to most movements! So pay attention to your temperature gauge, once you notice a drop in temperature to this degree, it should set off a alarm to you, and let you know there should be a major movement of bass depending on the season.

And for everyone who knows me, I can not leave out winter! Cause this is one of my favorite times of the year to fish. The winter movement seems to begin when the water temperature starts falling back into the low sixties to upper 50's, at this time bass will start moving back out of the creeks, and drop off to the main lake ledges, bluffs, and main lake points. They will spend most of the winter months in there winter time haunts, and feed occasionally on baitfish, and mainly capitalizing on winter killed baitfish due to low water temperatures.

Remember these water temperatures are only a guide, and by no means are set in stone! Your lake and area may, and most likely will be different from mine, and I encourage everyone to pay attention to there body of water, and take notes on your findings while out on the water! These notes will help you time, and time again.