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

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

Jason

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.

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.

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

Thanks again.

J

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.

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.

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

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*

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!