Spawning fishing Pros: Question(s)

[BD]

I just started fishing a local lake by my house. It's probably 7-8 acres, very clear, and appears to be deep. LOTS of structure (rock piles, lay-downs etc) It's kind of set down in a big hill, so wind stays down for the most part. There are several places of flats with deep access around them, and the majority of these flats, have structure close or ON them. It's strictly bank fishing, as it's the local towns water supply. Forage is crawfish, shad, and bluegills out the ying yang. Any other actual lake questions, please ask me, if you think it will help.

So today has been the best day weather wise in I can't remember when. Winds 6-7mph S, sunny all day, high 80. Water temp was probably (in the NW side) 63-64. I go fishing today and one other guy is out there. For almost 4 hours collectively we catch ONE fish. Now I have caught a chunk in winter on a jig and she was eating good. (only caught one so far, just started fishing this lake a month ago or so)

I think the bass are shallow because their bodies are triggering them to get ready for spawn. I fished one whole side of the bank, and saw probably 15 : 1-3lb bass, 10-15 feet off the bank. Water depth where they were was maybe 3ft. The other guy walked that whole side and said he saw probably 50 5lb'ers, and 2-3 over 10lbs. On his side it's very structure related, and snaky too lol.

To my actual question(s)....since we both saw these fish sort of staying close to each other, and swimming in big big circles, have most noticed (who ACTUALLY fish spawn ALOT) when you're fishing before spawn, them to do this? I know once they ARE spawning food is not on the bass' minds, but I was thinking this is RIGHT before spawn time. I have seen fish spawn several times, but we've also caught fish when the fish (at other lakes) were acting like they were at this new lake.

I am confused as to why bluegill, shad, crawfish all could be swimming by these bass, and nothing happen........nothing! So I thought they were like days from spawning and this is a) why I was seeing such weird behavior, and why we couldn't buy a bite. Heck even the bluegills were calm today-tonight.

My second question I guess is, if they are indeed about to spawn, I can check the progress of the bass this weekend more in depth (more time basically lol), and see if anything changes...but should I wait to fish this place like a month later? Are some fish in some bodies of water, not "eaters?" This really to me wouldn't make sense that they are 'different' in feeding way, because that one I got was FULL from something....I am also thinking more and more, they ARE about to spawn, and that one I caught was feeding for this purpose.

Any scientific articles/thoughts are also very much welcomed!

I am probably overthinking this ;D , and they are about to spawn, but I've not seen spawn a 100 times (for example.)

Thanks.

[Randall]

Sounds like those fish are spawning to me. Only way to catch them is to watch each individual fish and figure out which area he is trying to protect. It is usually where he stops and keeps coming back to when he circles. Once you find what you think is the spot then cast past the fish and bring the worm, lizard, tube etc to the spot and see what the fish does. Do not cast at the fish if it leaves the spot you will only delay it coming back to the spot where it will strike. If the lure isn't in just the right area the fish will not strike anyway and your cast will only chase the fish away. Also look for cleared areas on the bottom which may give you a clue to where a bed may be.

[mattj06]

If they are doing their "spawning ritual" then they will not even consider your lure.  I once was in your position at a clear lake and saw many male and female bass swimming on their sides, and turning upside down next to one another (i guess it has to do with courtship or something).  Any ways i presented to that pair of fish over 30 times, they completely ignored my lures.