Just curious how you guys feel bass react to an overcast rainy day in early prespawn. Mainly on highland lake in Eastern Kentucky. The water is stained and we have been catching fish on rocky banks and laydowns. The water temps have been in the low 50s high 40s. The reason I ask is I hear different opinions. Some guys say that sun and warming water will make bass bite better early in the year but conventional wisdom says that they will bite better on an overcast rainy day. Air temps are expected to be around 50 so its not a massive cold front. My personal opinion is that with the warming trend we are having now the water temps will be up to the mid 50s by this weekend and the bass will be at a point where they don't need the warm sunny days and will feed better. We have been catching them on finesse crankbaits but I am thinking a jerkbait may be the trick on a cloudy rainy day assuming the water isn't too dirty. Its not a real good jig lake this time of year there isn't much cover so fish are very scattered.

Just wondering how you guys have seen bass respond when the water temps are in the low to mid 50s and a cool front hits with a little rain and clouds. Especially you guys on the Ozarks lakes which are similar.

Different opinions on when pre-spawn starts; I use 55 degree water temperature to define the start of pre-spawn. Water temps 45 to 50 degrees is winter cold water period for western highland reserviors.

Pre-spawn is, without a doubt, the best time period to catch big bass when they are eating to fatten up for the spawn period.

Spend a lot of time searching for consentrations of prey on deep breaks locating near entrances to spawing areas.

March is magic if the water temps are 55 to 60 degrees, especially in light rain.

Tom