Im guessing (and reading a few posts on here) that the smallies should be on their beds NOW in smaller lakes and soon for larger lakes.

Is this correct?

I will be heading into the granite river on Thurs early morning and wonder where we are for the smallmouth spawn? Usually we are a week or two late but sounds like the spring was a week or two behind.

Any up to date info would be great.

thanks

With water temps close to 70 degrees they should be on everywhere and within a week off in some places.

Spawning kicks in like 60 degrees.

quote Pinetree: "With water temps close to 70 degrees they should be on everywhere and within a week off in some places.

Spawning kicks in like 60 degrees."

We are also heading up to Crooked Lake on Friday through next week. I've never fished early enough to have the smallmouth on the beds. We have typically been a couple of week later. If they are still on the beds, what should we expect? Is this more or less desirable than the weeks after they are done spawning? Do I understand that the males will be guarding the nests during this time? What the the appropriate way to handle this situation. I think I have heard some people say that they don't like to target bass when they are on the beds due tot eh stress? Is that the case? Advice?

I was in north bay over the weekend. Bass are staging their and should be on beds shortly. As for 'bed' fishing, I personally enjoy it. It's sight fishing and almost like hunting. I have some Canadian friends and let's just say they think I'm exhibiting bad form.....

Butch

I try not to catch fish off the nests. Not much of a sport and I don't think it is good on the fish. Just my 2 cents.

I would think spawning will be moving into post spawn period soon.

quote QueticoMike: "I try not to catch fish off the nests. Not much of a sport and I don't think it is good on the fish. Just my 2 cents.


I would think spawning will be moving into post spawn period soon."

So for post spawn, are the bass just going out a little deeper? 8-10 feet off the spawning areas? Where do you look post spawn?

We base camped on Insula June 2-June 9 and saw very few nests. The ones we saw were in the Kawishiwi river warmer shallower sections.

quote QueticoMike: "I try not to catch fish off the nests. Not much of a sport and I don't think it is good on the fish. Just my 2 cents.


I would think spawning will be moving into post spawn period soon."

Agreed. Similar to shooting at ducks that land in your decoys. Just isn't really even fun so don't do it.

quote PGHPaddler: "

quote QueticoMike: "I try not to catch fish off the nests. Not much of a sport and I don't think it is good on the fish. Just my 2 cents.



I would think spawning will be moving into post spawn period soon."

So for post spawn, are the bass just going out a little deeper? 8-10 feet off the spawning areas? Where do you look post spawn?"

That sounds about right. Start further out and if their isn't much action, continue to work inward when working shore lines. You will still find fish in moving water, points, deeper flats, mid lake humps, current between islands on windy days, downed timber, etc......