Some tips I picked up off the net. If you have any to add please add them here so we can all learn.
Pre-Spawn
This season usually begins after the first warming trend near the end of winter and lasts until the water temperature climbs into the mid 50's. Smallmouth fishing is generally better in the early spring than largemouth fishing might be, since smallmouths tend to be more active in cold water. Begin looking for them when the water temperature is in the mid-40s. Fish the first deep water associated with a large gravel or mud
flat. The smallmouths might be 20 or 30 feet deep or more on this deep
drop-off, waiting for the temperature to rise slightly so they can move up and spawn. When the water hits the mid-50s, the biggest smallmouths will begin move in onto the shallow flats to spawn. The flats you should look for have a very low taper and extend a long way out into the lake, then eventually drop off deep. They will generally be found in the 10-25 foot range. Bushes, stumps and other
cover are not necessary, but may add to the attraction of the flat.
Pre-Spawn Baits
- Fish jigs, grubs and split-shot worms on breaklines off flats and points for smallmouths.
- Use big crankbaits and spinnerbaits in crawdad patterns.
- 3/8 ounce frog hair jigs (has thin, living rubber), grubs, split-shot worms and bucktail jigs with a 4 inch worm trailer are good second choices. 1/8 to 1/4 ounce weights are best on the grubs, worms and bucktail jigs.
- A feather tailed grub rigged on a flat head jig head so that spirals on the fall is also a good choice.
- On river systems, a 3/8 frog hair jig in black or brown works best. Pinch off a 4 inch worm at the egg sack and thread it on as a trailer, or use a #101 Uncle Josh pork rind. To keep the pork rind in the best position, put a small piece of plastic worm on the hook shank before the pork rind.
- When fishing pre-spawn smallies in 6-15 feet of clear water key in on small almost unnoticeable points. These points, especially the ones out from small mud/gravel bays, will act as holding areas for both male and female bass on spring days when the water temp is creeping towards 50 degrees. Use topwater baits on overcast days, use a 1/32oz jighead with a #4 hook(if you can't find them use a plain hook with a small splitshot) tip the jig head with plastics, a 3" craw is tough to beat. My second choice is a 4" black or purple worm. Keep an eye on your line. On those super bright sunny days look for the shaded areas, they don't have to be very big, I have seen huge smallies hold in a 1'x1' shaded area with just their back half sticking out. Casting frequently and accurately is critical. -- Mike Sjoberg
- When searching for spawning smallies in northern shield lakes, start with the north shore of the biggest part of the lake. Channels and narrows will hold less fish than big open areas. -- Mike Sjoberg
- On a windy cold spring day try a floating Rapala in the shallow waters. It works best near an area where the water goes from calm to choppy. -- Colin Brown
Smallmouth Pre-spawn Tips
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