spawn sequence

[seminole]

I remember a post from last year that briefly discussed the spawning sequence at Table Rock.  Can anyone shed some light on the hierarchy of bass as they move up to spawn?  In other words, do Kentuckys move up before, after, or at the same time as Large Mouth?  Where do Smallies fit in? 

 

Any info would be appreciated. 

[Fish24/7]

as far as WHO goes first, then second, and third. I never believed much of it.  Always thought some of that depends on what sections of the lake warmed up the quickest.

 

 

  

[seminole]

I guess then a follow up question would be how does the spawn progress across the lake.  Does the water warm up faster on the far end and work down toward the dam area?

[Fish24/7]

i think depth has a lot to do with it, so does water color.

 I've seen gin clear 53 degrees main lake where it's 100+fow, then I'd go all the way to the back of a cove in the same area and find 60 degrees in the shallows.

Also the dirtier water warms up quicker in the sun. Those fairly shallow darker bottom mud/gravel flats are full of ditches that attract lm bass, and are usually several degrees warmer than surrounding areas. There you might find 65 degrees up shallow while a hundred yards away from that flat where its deeper it's only 60.  A temp gauge is your best friend right now if you're searching for the warm water areas.

Depending on nature, WT, location etc. I've seen post spawn smallies, largemouth and spots in mid April where it warmed up fast., and other bass still on the beds in mid May in other sections of the lake where it was cooler.

(there's other guys on here who can explain these things much better. lol)

[marcus]

this next couple weeks theres going to be alot of changes just keep in mind anything you have in the takle box is gonna work for the next month or 2  the lakes about to go nuts i think april is the best time to be fishing the rock

 

[Fish24/7]

I see/hear a lot of similar reports from Table Rock and Bull Shoals.This may work on TR right now too. My last trip to Bull (yesterday) , found the largemouth and spotted bass in the warmest water I could find. 57 degrees, late afternoon/early eve, in the back of a cove with wood and a soft dark bottom. Pre spawn females were eating a buzzbait in  2- 5 fow. caught 8, had a 5 fish 14lb sac in about 30 minutes.

See that full moon ,, better get out there!

[dtrs5kprs]

4 hours ago, seminole said:

I remember a post from last year that briefly discussed the spawning sequence at Table Rock.  Can anyone shed some light on the hierarchy of bass as they move up to spawn?  In other words, do Kentuckys move up before, after, or at the same time as Large Mouth?  Where do Smallies fit in? 

 

Any info would be appreciated. 

Generally, think rivers to pockets to Big creeks, in terms of timing. Then big rock to chunk to gravel, in those places. 

Like Fish said, the species will get all mixed up together, especially in April. That's part of the charm of Ozarks lakes. You can hit the full 4 species slam on the same point.

You can hedge your bets towards spots and LM by focusing on bigger rock, steeper banks, docks. More gravel and mixed rock for the brown fish.

[seminole]

Thanks for all the comments. 

I've been fishing Table Rock for 30 years with my old man.  We fish out of Kimberling and spend 95% of our lake time between Cow Creek on one end and Big Bay on the other and everything in between.  Love to throw soft plastics and will default to the Zoom centipede but love to try new options that I pick up off the forum.

Unfortunately, I only get a couple serious fishing trips in a year but I really look forward to April fishing on the big lake.  This time of year I love to read all the reports and posts from all the regulars and I appreciate the time taken to make these posts.   

You all share great information and you help wet the appetite of all of us who are not fortunate enough to be on the lake more. 

[dtrs5kprs]

2 hours ago, seminole said:

Thanks for all the comments. 

I've been fishing Table Rock for 30 years with my old man.  We fish out of Kimberling and spend 95% of our lake time between Cow Creek on one end and Big Bay on the other and everything in between.  Love to throw soft plastics and will default to the Zoom centipede but love to try new options that I pick up off the forum.

Unfortunately, I only get a couple serious fishing trips in a year but I really look forward to April fishing on the big lake.  This time of year I love to read all the reports and posts from all the regulars and I appreciate the time taken to make these posts.   

You all share great information and you help wet the appetite of all of us who are not fortunate enough to be on the lake more. 

That is a big stretch of lake to pin down. The west part of it is usually earlier than the east, but with the warm spring and color it may not matter this year.

[moguy1973]

Is it true that the northern arms/coves tend to warm up faster since they are sheltered from colder northerly winds and they allow warmer southerly breezes to blow into them?