The key to pre-spawn smallies is to pay attention to the water temperature. Smallmouth bass will start their transition from their deep wintering holes when the water temperature reaches approximately 45 degrees, give or take a degree or two. In river systems and in lakes they will being to stage around the first areas of major cover, like an edge off a point.  If the river system, lake or reservoir has a tapering bottom then the smallmouth will migrate up the tapering bottom to certain depths.  As the water temperature rises move from deeper water to shallower water.

So now you know what their movements are going to be, next you just have to find them.  This may be one of the best times to fish for smallies because you have the opportunity of locating a large group or school. Your fish finder now becomes your road map and it is important to take a little extra time before you drop your line. The prime depths for the really active pre-spawn smallies is going to be 2 - 8 feet of water, this is where they are going to be most aggressive. 

Look for wood and rock, as these retain heat more, as well as dingy water. That early spring mud line in key areas may be really productive. A good spot to find staging or holding smallies may be some wood and rock on the downstream edge of a point, again in the 2 - 8 foot range.

Some great lures for this time of year are really the "go-to" lures for smallmouth - the tube and the grub. You basically want to use just enough weight to get down to the bottom and hold it there so you can drag the bait and feel the bottom. Try both a popping presentation - as the bass may be looking to hit the bait on the initial jerk or the fall. Then try the slow drag and pause presentation. Experiment with a carolina rig style presentation as well, where the weight is 2 - 3 feet from the tube or grub.  Remember, since these big smallies may be suspended in their transition stage, have a suspending jerkbait ready to go on one of your rods and use this as both a search bait and one that will haul in a monster! 

Never rule out the old drop-shot. This can be a deadly way to haul in some lunker smallies at this time of year when they are all bunched up.

JD's Smallie Rig:
Rod: 6 1/2 ft St Croix Med. Action
Reel: Shimano Stradic Spinning Reel
Line: 8 - 10lb Berkley Vanish
Bait: Smoke or Green Pumpkin Grub

By: JD
January 2006
Lunker USA
http://www.lunkerusa.com

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