It seems the general consensus is that daylight hours guide their fall migration pattern and feeding patterns, is it possible it dictates their spawning behavior as well?
 

With these erratic weather patterns and yo-yo water temps, I find it a bit unusual that they consistently spawn in waves within the same 1-2 week window year after year regardless of the water temp. 

I am with you on this.

I think a number of factors dictate the spawn.

My experience is that the median spawning time changes every year 

7 hours ago, PaulVE64 said:

I am with you on this.

I think a number of factors dictate the spawn.

My experience is that the median spawning time changes every year 

Yeah man I think the whole water temperature thing may end up being a bit overstated when it’s all said and done.

I don't think this is new as I have seen studies stating that the amount of daylight is as much a factor as anything.  I don't really target smallies during the spawn though so I am speaking more on what I've read versus what I have experienced.  

On 4/23/2023 at 11:41 PM, PaulVE64 said:

I am with you on this.

I think a number of factors dictate the spawn.

My experience is that the median spawning time changes every year 

https://majorleaguefishing.com/angler-columns/kevin-vandam-the-truths-about-water-temperature/

 

Here’s a pretty good read on this from KVD.

I have talked heard a PA fish biologist day time of year is more important than water temp. When it’s time to spawn it’s time to spawn. Lower water temps can delay by a few weeks he said but not months if there is a colder then normal spring. 
 

I think water temp is has been the bench mark for the last 50 years because it’s all we related fishing to. I think with more studies and FFS we have been debunking a lot of “truths”.