As winter loosens its grip and temperatures begin to rise, anglers at Lake Purdy can expect one of the most exciting times of the year—the pre-spawn to spawn transition.
During this period, bass become more active, moving from their deep winter haunts toward shallower staging areas before eventually heading to their spawning beds.
Understanding these movement patterns and adjusting your bait selection accordingly can make all the difference in landing quality fish.
Where the Fish and Bait Move
Throughout the colder months, Pre Spawn bass at Lake Purdy typically hold in deeper water, often near submerged structures such as creek channels, ledges, and points. As water temperatures begin creeping toward the mid-50s, bass begin their transition to shallower areas. During this time, they follow baitfish into secondary points, creek mouths, and shallow flats adjacent to deeper water.
Key areas to target during the pre-spawn transition include:
Creek Channels & Secondary Points:Â Bass will stage along these areas before committing to the shallows.
Rocky Banks & Riprap:Â These spots retain heat, making them attractive staging grounds.
Shallow Flats Near Spawning Coves:Â As temperatures rise, bass will push further into protected coves, looking for suitable spawning areas.
Best Baits To Use For Pre Spawn Bass Transition At Lake Purdy
Matching your bait choice to the conditions and the bass’s behavior is critical for success. Here are some of the top lures to use at Lake Purdy during this Pre Spawn Bass transition:
Jerkbaits – A suspending jerkbait worked around points and drop-offs can be deadly, mimicking dying baitfish and enticing strikes from bass that are still sluggish from winter.
The Rapala Maverick, Berkley Stunna Shad, and the 6th Sense are some of our favorite picks. These are sure to get you some bites even when the conditions are tough.
Lipless Crankbaits – These baits excel in covering water and drawing reaction strikes from aggressive bass moving into staging areas. Try Jigging and letting the bait fall back down for a big strike on the fall that is sure to be a giant pre-spawn bass at Lake Purdy
Jigs – A football jig worked along rocky banks or a flipping jig pitched into shallow cover can be a great option for bass looking for an easy meal. The Nako Tungsten Football Jig works wonders around rocks and brush piles.
Spinnerbaits – On windy days, a spinnerbait retrieved around secondary points and transition areas can trigger bites. When the water is up in the fresh grass there is no better time than spinnerbait fishing!
Swimbaits – Slow-rolling a swimbait along creek channels and deeper points can entice bigger bass feeding up before spawning. We have seen some HUGE Bass eat some big swimbaits. The 6th Sense Whale, Bass Mafia Daingerous, and the Jenko Booty Shaker are great choices for a new PB fish!
Soft Plastic Craws and Creature Baits – Once bass get closer to their beds, pitching soft plastics into likely spawning areas can lead to big bites. Nako Tungsten skirted weight with a Texas-rigged Strike King Scounbug is amazing for flippin brush or dragging along the bottom!
Its caught a ton of pre spawn bass out of brush and rock piles while also working during the spawn for bedding fish. Its ability to stay in the bed to entice fish is what a texas-rig is known for, and Nako Tungsten Skirted Weight gives you the slim profile you need to get those tricky bass.
The pre-spawn to spawn transition at Lake Purdy is one of the best opportunities for anglers to catch big pre spawn bass. By focusing on the key staging areas and adjusting your bait selection to match the conditions, you can maximize your success and eliminate the areas you know are not holding fish.
The Lake Purdy Bait Shop has tons of new gear & baits at the best price so everyone can make the most of their time on the water. Ask our team where the pre spawn bass are and we can point you in the right direction.
.Keep an eye on water temperature, be patient, and enjoy one of the most exciting fishing periods of the year!
Keep up with our Bass and Crappie Contest each month for cash prizes and giveaways!
