How soon before I should start creek smallmouth fishing?

[Ohioguy25]

I’ve heard everything from March to May. When is the spawn, and how does it work? What is the best way to fish this, and does it last long or is just one short burst? 

 

If it’s only a day or two I may wait until the bite is here to stay as I have all of my gear put up. Thanks!

[TnRiver46]

Spawn lasts for a full month about anywhere, maybe more. They most certainly don’t all do it in a day or two (or three). Best way to fish the spawn for me is just fish like normal. I don’t like trying to pick single fish off a nest, unless it happens quickly. I usually don’t see them anyway 

[FishinBuck07]

If I lived that close to a river I most likely wouldn't have put my gear away!  Up here I have too far to drive to get to a river to make it worth it to me!

[Ohioguy25]

11 minutes ago, TnRiver46 said:

Spawn lasts for a full month about anywhere, maybe more. They most certainly don’t all do it in a day or two (or three). Best way to fish the spawn for me is just fish like normal. I don’t like trying to pick single fish off a nest, unless it happens quickly. I usually don’t see them anyway 

Any idea when it starts in southern Ohio?

[TnRiver46]

It varies, probably late April until late may. Some Waters warm faster than others. Small shallow streams warm faster than the Ohio river. They will start thinking about it around 55 degree water temps, should make nests at 60 degree water 

I should add: I see a lot of fisherman that can’t stop thinking about fish spawning. They use the word spawn in every single conversation about bass. I would warn against this thought pattern! An individual bass will spawn for like a day, maybe 2. That leaves us with 363-364 days out of the year when they are doing something else (eating and hiding). Fish with things fish like to eat, in areaS where they like to eat them. Don’t even worry about the spawn and you will still catch “spawning” fish 

[Finessegenics]

I wouldn’t even worry about the spawn. Spawning is relative to bodies of water, so it’s not something you can set a date on. It’s also relative to individual fish, some may spawn a month before others. TnRiver took the words right out of mouth.
 

Forget the spawn and get out there and catch some fish as soon as you can, weather permitting. The good thing about creek/ small river fishing is that small bodies of water can warm up incredibly fast. After a few days in a row of warm weather and sunshine I think you can get on some fish. 

 

 

[Spankey]

4 hours ago, Ohioguy25 said:

Any idea when it starts in southern Ohio?

Dude, how are you? Where have you been? 
 

I’d keep checking water temps. Creek Smallies split from where they have been all summer. If you get out days now find some deep wintering holes and fish the norm for you, it is live bait anyway. You might make out well. Maybe you can find a dam spillway and fish that. It is generally deeper. 
 

Maybe a hair jig with a pork trailer. Go small size on the jig and pork. Others will probably say bigger. I think smaller. But we both might be right. Pop and hop a grub or tube around in those holes. Something 2 3/4” - 3”. 
 

Just be careful in that water. Very dang cold right now. 

[Fallser]

Here in SE PA, I usually see the guys fishing for trout in the local stocked creek with minnows catching smallmouth instead of trout.  I know you use live bait, I would say early to mid-April they should begin getting more active and start feeding up before the spawn.

Since I fly fish I don't usually start fishing for them till May, they start hitting top water about then and the weather is warmer and the water not so cold if I do slip and fall.