Smallmouth spawn

[zelmo]

I realize the timing will be different depending on where you are but what is the best way to figure out when the spawn is over?  There is a spot that I like but the guides have been hammering the bedding fish there and I didn't want to participate so I have stayed away.  I figure once the easy pickins are over the guides will move on.

[Chris Catignani]

I hate to break it to ya like this...A smallmouth can spawn several times till early summer.

They will move out to deeper water once the temps get into the 60's.

The good news is that bass will do their thing at different intervals. So while some are starting to spawn...some are finishing.

[zelmo]

I realize that.  My question was how do you know when they are done for the year?

[Dwight Hottle]

Water temps or time of the year. In PA the smallies are done spawning by the end of June or when water temps hit 65-70. 

[zelmo]

21 minutes ago, Dwight Hottle said:

Water temps or time of the year. In PA the smallies are done spawning by the end of June or when water temps hit 65-70. 

 

They used to close the main stem of the Susquehanna to bass fishing from 4/15 to 6/15 to protect the spawn.  The water temp has been over 70 for a couple of weeks even though we are still in May.

 

That is why I was wondering if they may be done already.

[Dwight Hottle]

I would think so.

[Kev-mo]

Illinois started an inland stream immediate release season of smallie 4/1 -6/15 some years ago. I was out yesterday and had a few half hearted topwater hits and when I walked up to spot there were beds and guarding fish. With that said it's mostly done. You're probably mostly done too