I really wanted to get an early start this year...

[Lightningboy]

... but not in this miserable weather!

All the long term weather forecasts are calling for a slow temp increase this spring, kind of a "cool" spring.  How does everyone think this will effect the spawn?

Also, the May full moon falls on the season opener.  I'm thinking if the water temps come up in time for that, it should be a very intense spawn on some lakes.

Any thoughts?   

[Kal-Kevin]

Yes it is some miserable weather we are having this year, and I'm dieing for some warm weather so I can hit the water. I'm just not one to fish in this cold weather so it is stay in side and plan for the season opening week end.

Now this weather can do one of two things make them spawn later then last year and make opening week end great for us or make them spawn just before opening week end and be in a state of not wanting to feed at all. Now with what you saying about the full noon it is looking better for us then I thought before I read this posting.

[Lightningboy]

Just so everybody understands my logic:

I believe the spawn is driven by two major factors, the water temp, and the full/new moons.  Bass need a reliable water temp to ensure egg  development.  I'm sure that temp can vary slightly from lake to lake, and from season to season. 

But I also believe that a full/new moon that coincides with the correct water temp range are events that spur large numbers of bass to spawn.

So slowly rising temps that hit the correct range in time to a full moon should mean a maximum number of bass hitting the beds at once, right?

Of course, YMMV based on hitting correct water temps in time with the full/new moon.  A cold water environment like Saginaw bay could clue off the new moon two weeks later in early June.

Anybody...or am I just rehashing known stuff?

[Waterfoul]

Maiden voyage will happen Monday... no matter the weather!

[TheFishinPollock]

Ain't a lake open here that ya can get on. Plus I can'tget the boat out from behind
the plow pile yet

[Kal-Kevin]

Ain't a lake open here that ya can get on. Plus I can'tget the boat out from behind
the plow pile yet

now that does sucks!

[gr@ssmonkey]

   right on lightning boy.....well said......know where's my flippin stick and a jig

[fiker]

I think you're pretty much right on Lightening boy. 

I've always thought that I'd rather fish just before they lock onto beds.  When they first move up and in they roam more and feed more getting ready for the rigors of the spawn.  Faster moving baits covering lots of water seems to be the ticket then.

[BIGSHOW]

Lake erie's water temp was 64 degrees June 1,2012. And I believe St.clair and the river were probably even warmer. I thought i heard around 70 degrees for the start of the bass season. I don't see that happening this year...

[Rangerman]

Guys whats the water level on Lake St Clair?? Is it lower than last spring. Most likely coming up Mid May for the Catch and Release Season. Thanks

[djkimmel]

Someone said within the past 2 days that the water is 2 feet lower at Harley Ensign boat ramp than it was this time last year.

[bob o]

Someone said within the past 2 days that the water is 2 feet lower at Harley Ensign boat ramp than it was this time last year.

i read the same thing from the LSC web site

[bigmojet]

I have been doing my part in spending $ for the new year. Got some things I want to do to the boat but don't even want to be in the cold garage. Like FP said still ice in north country although my home lake in Bear Lake is showing a little open water around edges today, but more snow and cold predicted Friday.

My log book shows small mouth spawn was over by May20th last year. Probably won't start until end of May this year

[bigmojet]

The small mouth spawn I was referring to was bear lake. Crystal lake in benzie was good till mid 3rd week of June last year.

[Waterfoul]

Did my maiden voyage yesterday.  Found that both my trolling motor batteries were shot.  Kind of expected them to die soon but was hoping for a few trips out of them this spring.  Oh well, they were 4 years 3 months old and I use my boat A LOT so I don't feel they owed me anything at all.