Ice Out Fishing

Ice Out Fishing

Well, it's official, the days are now getting longer! Soon enough the water will be thawing out and we can get after some bass! 

Early Spring Bass Fishing Tips: How to Catch Bass Just After Ice-Out

Early spring bass fishing, especially just after ice-out ,  can be challenging, but it’s also one of the best times of year to catch quality fish. Water temperatures are cold, bass are transitioning out of winter patterns, and bites are often subtle. Knowing where bass go and how to fish for them during this window is the key to success.

This guide breaks down how to target bass in early spring using proven techniques and soft plastic baits that excel in cold water.

Where Bass Are Located After Ice-Out

Just after ice-out, bass remain influenced by winter conditions. Their metabolism is slow, and they won’t travel far to feed. Instead of roaming, they position near areas that offer quick access to deeper water and slightly warmer temperatures.

Focus your efforts on:

  • North shorelines that receive the most sunlight

  • Shallow flats adjacent to deeper basins

  • Hard-bottom transition areas

  • Wood cover, isolated weeds, and remaining vegetation

Bass often slide shallow during warm afternoons and move back toward deeper water overnight.

Why Slow Presentations Work Best in Early Spring

One of the most common mistakes anglers make in early spring is fishing too fast. Bass are willing to eat, but only when the meal is easy.

Key early spring bass fishing tips:

  • Slow retrieves

  • Bottom oriented presentations

  • Long pauses between movements

  • Subtle bait action

This is where soft plastic fishing baits shine. They allow you to keep your bait in the strike zone longer — critical when bass are cold and lethargic.

Best Soft Plastic Baits for Early Spring Bass

Soft plastics imitate natural prey that bass feed on during early spring, such as salamanders, small baitfish, and bottom-dwelling forage.

Some of the most effective early spring soft plastics include:

  • Lizards

  • Stick baits

  • Grubs

A standout option during this time is the Lacerta Lizard – Soft Plastic Lizard Bait (Multi-Species). Its subtle movement and natural profile make it ideal for slow presentations around shallow cover and transition zones.

👉 Check out the Lacerta Lizard soft plastic bait here:
https://peakperformancetackle.com/products/lacerta-lizard

Rig it on a Texas rig or Carolina rig and focus on slow drags with frequent pauses.

Another excellent cold-water option is The Swamp Stick – Soft Plastic Stick Bait, which excels when bass want a simple, non-threatening presentation.

👉 View The Swamp Stick soft plastic here:
https://peakperformancetackle.com/products/the-swamp-stick

Understanding Water Temperature in Early Spring

When it comes to early spring bass fishing, water temperature matters more than the calendar.

Use these temperature ranges as a guide:

  • Below 45°F: Focus on deeper transitions and fish extremely slow

  • 45–50°F: Bass begin moving shallow during warm afternoons

  • Above 50°F: Bass become more active and start staging for the spawn

Even a small increase in water temperature can trigger feeding activity.

Choosing the Right Soft Plastic Colors After Ice-Out

Cold, clear water makes bass more cautious, so natural colors are usually the best choice early in the season.

Effective early spring soft plastic colors include:

  • Green pumpkin

  • Watermelon

  • Natural craw and forage tones

  • Subtle laminates

Avoid overly bright or flashy colors unless fishing heavily stained water.

Final Thoughts on Early Spring Bass Fishing

Early spring bass fishing rewards anglers who slow down and fish with purpose. By targeting the right areas, paying attention to water temperature, and using soft plastic baits that perform well at low speeds, you can consistently catch bass just after ice-out.

If you’re looking for soft plastics designed to work when conditions are tough, explore our soft plastic fishing baitsand find the right option for your early spring approach.

👉 Browse all soft plastics here:
https://peakperformancetackle.com/collections/soft-plastic-bait

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