Spring bass fishing can be both exciting and challenging, especially when water temperatures are still cold. As bass transition from their winter haunts to pre-spawn staging areas, their feeding habits change. Cold water means slower metabolism, and bass won’t aggressively chase fast-moving lures. Instead, success comes from choosing the right lures and presenting them properly to trigger strikes.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best lures for spring bass fishing, focusing on techniques that work when the water is still cold. Whether you’re fishing reservoirs, rivers, or natural lakes, these lures will help you put more bass in the boat.
1. Jerkbaits – The Cold Water Killer
Why They Work
Suspending jerkbaits are one of the best lures for early spring because they mimic struggling baitfish. When the water is cold, bass are lethargic and won’t chase down fast-moving prey. A jerkbait, when fished with long pauses, stays in the strike zone longer, tempting bass into biting.
How to Fish It
- Twitch, twitch… pause! The key is to let the bait suspend motionless for 5–10 seconds (sometimes even longer).
- Use light fluorocarbon line (8-12 lb test) to get the best action and depth control.
- Best colors: Shad, silver, ghost minnow, or chartreuse for stained water.
Top Picks
✔ Megabass Vision 110 – Known for its erratic darting action.
✔ Rapala X-Rap – Affordable and deadly with a sharp wobble.
✔ Lucky Craft Pointer 78 – Great for long suspensions.
2. Lipless Crankbaits – Covering Water Efficiently
Why They Work
Lipless crankbaits are fantastic for covering water and triggering reaction bites. The vibration and rattling sound help bass locate them even in murky conditions. Since bass are still somewhat inactive, a yo-yo retrieve (letting the bait fall and rise) mimics dying baitfish, making it irresistible.
How to Fish It
- Slow, steady retrieves work best when water is cold (avoid burning it too fast).
- Try a lift-and-fall technique—cast out, let it sink, then pop it up and let it flutter back down.
- Use fluorocarbon or monofilament to control the depth better (12-17 lb test).
Top Picks
✔ Strike King Red Eye Shad – Great action and tons of color choices.
✔ Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap – A proven fish catcher for decades.
✔ Yo-Zuri Rattl’N Vibe – Excellent in both clear and stained water.
3. Finesse Jigs – Small Profile, Big Results
Why They Work
Bass in early spring aren’t always looking for big meals. Finesse jigs offer a compact, natural presentation that imitates crawfish—one of the bass’s favorite meals when the water is still cold.
How to Fish It
- Drag it slowly along the bottom, mimicking a crawfish.
- Pair it with a small chunk trailer (like a NetBait Paca Chunk or a Z-Man TRD CrawZ).
- Use a lightweight setup (1/4 oz to 3/8 oz) in colder water for a more natural fall.
Top Picks
✔ Strike King Bitsy Bug Jig – Compact and effective for cold-water bass.
✔ Z-Man CrossEyeZ Finesse Jig – Great for pressured fish.
✔ Booyah Baby Boo Jig – Versatile and can be fished in multiple conditions.
4. Blade Baits – The Ultimate Cold Water Reaction Lure
Why They Work
Blade baits are deadly in frigid water because they perfectly mimic struggling baitfish. They provide a subtle vibration that draws in bass without overwhelming them.
How to Fish It
- Hop it off the bottom with slow, gentle lifts of the rod tip.
- Let it sink on a semi-slack line so it flutters naturally.
- Focus on deeper drop-offs and transition areas where bass are staging.
Top Picks
✔ Silver Buddy Blade Bait – Simple but effective.
✔ Damiki Vault – Great for finicky fish.
✔ Binsky Blade Bait – Has a realistic profile and vibration.
5. Soft Plastic Stick Baits – A Finesse Option for Cold Bass
Why They Work
When nothing else seems to be working, a weightless or wacky-rigged soft plastic stick bait can be a game-changer. These baits have a subtle, enticing fall that cold-water bass can’t resist.
How to Fish It
- Fish it weightless and let it slowly sink naturally.
- Use a wacky rig for a fluttering motion in deeper water.
- Deadsticking works wonders—just let it sit and barely twitch it.
Top Picks
✔ Yamamoto Senko – The original and still one of the best.
✔ Strike King Ocho – A great alternative with unique action.
✔ Z-Man ZinkerZ – Super durable and great in a Neko rig.
6. Small Swimbaits – Mimicking Cold Water Baitfish
Why They Work
Soft plastic swimbaits on a jighead are an excellent way to catch early spring bass because they look exactly like small, slow-moving baitfish.
How to Fish It
- Use a slow, steady retrieve to keep it in the strike zone longer.
- Fish them near rocky points, deep channels, and around submerged timber.
- Match the hatch—use natural colors like shad, bluegill, or silver.
Top Picks
✔ Keitech Swing Impact Fat – A go-to swimbait with a killer tail action.
✔ Bass Pro Shops Speed Shad – Affordable and effective.
✔ Megabass Spark Shad – Ultra-realistic and deadly in clear water.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Lure for Spring Bass Fishing
Early spring bass fishing requires patience, precision, and the right lure selection. Since bass are still sluggish due to cold water, slow and subtle presentations work best. If you’re struggling to get bites, experiment with different retrieve speeds and depths until you find what works.
Quick Recap – Best Lures for Cold Spring Bass Fishing:
✔ Jerkbaits – Best for suspended bass, mimics struggling baitfish.
✔ Lipless Crankbaits – Covers water quickly, great for reaction bites.
✔ Finesse Jigs – Natural crawfish imitators, perfect for slow-moving fish.
✔ Blade Baits – Excellent for deep, cold-water bass.
✔ Soft Plastics (Stick Baits) – Slow-falling, finesse-style bait.
✔ Small Swimbaits – Realistic and effective in clear water.
By selecting the right lures and adjusting your presentation to match the cold-water conditions, you’ll improve your success and land more bass this spring. Get out there, be patient, and enjoy the challenge! 🎣
