At what water temperature do the Smallmouth head for the spawning beds? We usually plan our trip for the first week of June and in 08 that was really early. In 06 or 07 we hit it right on the button caught alot of smallies. Thanks, Dodger.

I don't know the answer exactly, but I do know that spring 2008 was one of the latest and coldest springs in recent history. Let's hope 2009 isn't a repeat!

We went up in 08 the first week of June and some of the trees had not even began to blossom , yes it was late. This year we will wait till the second week to enter at EP 24 Fall Lake. Thanks for the reply. Dodger.

I think smallies like to spawn when water temp hits 65 degrees. The fish make the movement to spawning beds when water temp is 60. Smaller bass make their beds in shallower water, while bigger, older bass tend to make their beds in deeper water- 7 to 15 feet. These are under ideal conditions, many times the weather around the BWCA tends to throw a wrench into the works- like 2008. My group caught smallies over the 4th of July week that had yet to spawn. 1992 was another year of below average temps that really threw the spawn totally off. Crappie spawn at 62, smallie and bluegills at 65, and largemouth at 68. Dave

dodger plan on making arrangments on your trip ,with so many bodies of water all warming at different rates look for smaller lakes if its a colder spriong and larger deeper bodies of water if its warmer than normal.we go the 1st week of june every year and in 08 had some of the best smallie fishing despite the cooler weather by finding the small lakes and shallow bays on larger lakes.if the fish arent on where your at get out the map look for more promising water and pack it up and go.

OK........I'm no EXPERT on smallies or smallie spawns, but I do know if you wait until the water is 68........they will be DONE.

Most of the bigger smallies will spawn around 55-60.....and the rest will be RIGHT behind them.

But the spawn is really based on the amount of light penetrating the water, and not the temps.......I've seen the on the beds in 50 degrees, in CLEAR deep lakes........

If there are enough warm spring days, and the weather is STABLE, the fish will go on the beds.

I've also caught fish in Late JUNE, and even caught some in September that were full of eggs........meaning they NEVER spawned......

BTW........last year on Basswood, we were there the first week of June and the smallies were DONE.......the week before most were done.......they probably went on the best the week before that.

I hope this helps.

Later,

Geo

With all said lets hope for a warmer spring than last year. Thanks, Dodger.