So it’s probably a dumb question but do bass hit topwater during the spawn? I know pre or post they can but when they are actuslly on beds would they hit a topwater early in the morning? The smallmouth are in full spawn in Lake Erie where I’m at and I never caught smallies on top before so wanted to try. They are pretty much all on beds at this time and I hAve been catching them with senkos and such throwing in the beds but would they leave if a walking bait was overhead to strike it? Or any topwater. 

Heck yeah, got some on popmax this AM

Yes.

 

Remember, the "spawn" is not for one specific week. It is a series of weeks with bass hitting the beds at different times.

 

So while some bass are guarding their beds, others are moving up while others are finished and are looking to rest and feed.

 

The bass you catch on any baits before, during or after the "spawn" may be those that are on the way to the spawning areas that want to "fatten up" or have completed their task and are now ready to hit your topwaters as they are hungry.

 

Go for it!

I had a good day fishing the Pop R during spawn this year. I usually don't even try it until the water is a little warmer, but glad I did.

11 minutes ago, the reel ess said:

I had a good day fishing the Pop R during spawn this year. I usually don't even try it until the water is a little warmer, but glad I did.

Thank you @Sam and @NHBull for the help. I can’t wait to get out. And the reel ess, the water temps today were 64 -65 degrees and getting warmer so I’m hoping it’s good fishing. Probably going to head out around 5 am so pics will be posted! Me do you guys recommend like a walking bait or popper? Or I have whopper plopper and buzz baits. 

8 minutes ago, Ksam1234 said:

Thank you @Sam and @NHBull for the help. I can’t wait to get out. And the reel ess, the water temps today were 64 -65 degrees and getting warmer so I’m hoping it’s good fishing. Probably going to head out around 5 am so pics will be posted! Me do you guys recommend like a walking bait or popper? Or I have whopper plopper and buzz baits. 

All until you find out the pattern.

between the two I'd start with the popper because it moves slower. You can pop it at greater intervals and it won'tmove far. I tend to feel that's a little cool for fish to chase far and fast. I could be wrong though. That's why I use a high quality snap on my lipless crank/topwater rod.

A popper is a great pre-spawn and spawn presentation. A steady rhythm will often get blasted during pre-spawm and letting a popper sit motionless above a bed can tempt even the most reluctant fish to remove it from the area.  I recommend using one with a feathered tail treble hook for bed fishing.