There is no better time than the spring to fish for the most iconic catch in the US, the Bass. When you are a seasoned fisherman, there is nothing more exciting than catching this largemouth fish that turn into aggressive lake monsters due to the warm spring waters.
Anglers love fishing for bass due to their fighting prowess, huge appetite, and airborne acrobatics when thrown off the hook. In this article, I will go through spring bass fishing locations in the U.S, to help you stay ahead of the competition. If you were planning to catch a bass this weekend then you have come to the right place.
1. Lake Seminole, Georgia
Right on the border of Florida and Alabama is Lake Seminole, home to bass fishing in Georgia. The 400-mile shoreline provides you with one of the best places to catch largemouth bass fish. Pick a spot anywhere on the shoreline and get casting immediately.
What makes it one of the best locations for bass fishing is the abundance of rocks, grass, sunken logs, and bushes. Bass are eager to spawn during spring after foraging deep waters during winter. They, therefore, look for these shallow areas especially spots that have some kind of structure.
2. Ross Barnett, Mississippi
Many outdoor enthusiasts love this man-made reservoir located a few miles out of Jackson. This reservoir (Ross Barnett) was the location for the Bassmaster Classic World Championship that was held back in 1978. It is also home to the popular Ross Barnett Open that attracts a lot of competitors.
It’s a nice spot with beautiful scenery that makes it ideal when you want to catch bass and relax at the same time. You probably know that bass move closer to the water surface during this period and it won’t be difficult to spot them. Consider looking at the rubble, rocks, and lily pads for a bigger catch.
3. Lake Okeechobee, Florida
Florida attracts anglers in search of Redfish and Tarpon from all over the US during the spring. However almost everyone gets turned around at one point or the other to Lake Okeechobee for bass fishing. This location hardly disappoints and you can also get a great catch.
At Lake Okeechobee, you could get a catch that weighs more than 7 lb while they are busy looking for a spawn. There is plenty of vegetation around the shallow waters with a lot of lily pads that make this a great location for bass fishing. Lake Okeechobee, referred to as the ‘Big O’ by local anglers, never disappoints and is worth the trip.
4. Lake Norman, North Carolina
You have probably heard of Lake Norman which is popular among anglers since you can land impressive bass catches any time of the year. The docks act as spectacular fishing spots for the bass that use them as hide-out locations.
However, make sure that you don’t limit your search to just the docks, move around. There are plenty of locations with amazing cover that you need to watch out for such as the creeks. Yes, the main lake has loads of bass but make sure that you take some time to enjoy the scenery.
5. Realfoot & Kentucky lakes, Tennessee
Realfoot offers a great location for bass fishing throughout the year but especially during spring. At this time the fish are moving all over trying to find an ideal location for a spawning bed. You will need to move around since there are several good spots all over including trees and island patches. The train is quite diverse and you can always make an adventure out of your fishing experience.
Kentucky lake gives you access to some premier spots for bass fishing due to their numerous chunk rock banks. Chances are that you could catch your next monster fish at the shores of Kentucky Lake. The secret is exploring the transitional waters that are near the shallows. Bass fishing in the Kentucky Lake is fun and you could always take advantage to make an outing of the whole experience.
6. Lake Fork, Texas
Lake Fork is known by many as the bass fishing capital of Texas where you can catch a 15-pounder with little effort. You, however, need to take advantage of the first warm days when not a lot of anglers have made their way to this location.
Make sure that you look at lake pockets, marshy inlets, and flat covers where bass could be hidden. Since there is a lot of cover at this location, you need to be systematic in your approach. At this time, the bass will be following the baitfish that are quickly moving towards warm waters. Try to search around all locations where there is a little bit of grass.
7. Guntersville Lake, Alabama
One of the locations that get most bass fishermen hyped during the spring is certainly Guntersville Lake. It provides easy access to fisheries, stable water levels, and several public boat ramps that make it an ideal location for bass fishing.
Guntersville Lake has a lot of patches of eelgrass and spring is the right time to start your exploring. What I found most interesting about this location is the abundance of area guides by acclaimed Bass Masters. You could always use this time to learn a few tricks from some of the best Bass fishermen in the U.S.
Conclusion
When bass fishing there are a lot of factors that you need to consider apart from location including the lures, and weather. Bass tend to be more aggressive when it is raining or cloudy since they are in pursuit of food. You also need to have several fishing lures including spinnerbaits, jigs, and jerk baits.
The above are the top 7 best locations for bass fishing but that does not mean that there are no other great locations in the U.S. Make sure that you carry out sufficient research and exercise patience when bass fishing. Hopefully you have learned the essentials when it comes to bass fishing and you can hit one of the locations this weekend.
P.S. Be sure to follow me on YouTube.