Strategy after a warming trend and rainy week

[jasone]

Guys

I am wondering what the prevailing opinion is about fishing for both LM and SM after a warming trend and wet week.  I suspect the water will be about 58-59 degrees.  Cloudy day afterward.  Surface temp of about 70-73.

I am thinking that the water will have a little murk to it.  I'm thinking rattletraps over stumps near shallow water using prespawn patterns?  I suspect the jerkbait bite will be over by then.  

Any opinions?

J

[NEBassMan]

Don't underestimate the jerkbait.  Worked fast and erratically, it could still be productive.

Jason

[mdangler]

Don't be surprised if you see a few bedding fish. Have a floating worm, senko, or tube ready. Also don't forget a spinnerbiat, can be very effective this time of year.

[Shakes]

A cloudy day? Stumps? Spinnerbait. Water should be dirty after that much rain. Throw a double gold bladed perch colored spinnerbait. It'll get killed.

[jasone]

Thanks for the help guys.  I was thinking SB in the back of my mind but wasn't really sure.

Thanks again.

J

[Jerkbate]

A shallow running crankbait like the Mann's 1-minus or Storm subwart are also very effective baits this time of year. I like to burn them with an occasional split second pause. It will also give the fish a presentation that they probably have seen that much.  The rain probably will not have that much affect on the fish unless it is accompanied by a cold front.  If a cold front comes through the fish will still be in the same areas, but you may have to go to a slower presentation.

[sal669]

If fast mooving baits don't work (that good), try a T-rigged or C-rigged lizard, in a bit of a deeper water, especialy if a cold front moves in.

[Guest avid]

Get out on the water and fish.

The conditions you describe are excellent for late prespawn/spawn.  

I would throw the power baits in the deeper water off of known bedding areas. find a few patterns and work it.

Keep an eye out for beds. Unless a cold front comes through,  I'll bet you will find them.

good luck and have fun,

avid

[Baconstrip]

Anyone else's lakes have that thin layer of ooze on top of the water, sort of looks like toxic waste.  I love this time a year.  Cleaning my reel and lures for a couple hours after every time I go out....*sigh*

[BassMaster_1]

Walked outside of my house this morning, temps in the low 40's.  Thats all I could smell was the smell of the thawing ground.  That mud smell, birds chirping, spring is here!!!  I give it no longer than 1 week and I will be able to bass fish again!