I live by lake whatcom in bellingham washington. Does anybody know when the bass will start making there beds and i can start fishing my local hot spots?

For you I'm guessing April-May but a stretch of warm weather and/or a full moon may be all it takes from this point forward.

Just watch for upper 50 to lower 60 degree water temps

Smallies will typically spawn when the water temps are from the mid 50s all the way into the 60s. One thing to look for is if you have a few really warm days when the water is in the 50s can trigger them to spawn but what I found almost a guarantee is the first full moon during the period when the water is in that mid 50 to 60 degree range. It is like clock work when that moon arrives.