Spring fishing presents a unique challenge as fish transition from their sluggish winter habits to more aggressive feeding patterns. As water temperatures rise and baitfish become more active, selecting the right lure—whether topwater or subsurface—can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll break down the advantages of each type, when to use them, and how to maximize your catch this spring.
Understanding Fish Behavior in Spring
Before choosing a lure, it’s essential to understand how fish behave during the early and mid-spring months. Many species, such as bass, pike, and trout, become more active as the water temperature creeps above 50°F. However, they don’t always strike aggressively at the surface right away. Instead, their feeding habits depend on water clarity, temperature, and available forage.
- Early Spring (Cold Water: 45–55°F) – Fish are sluggish, staying deeper where temperatures are more stable. They tend to feed on slow-moving baitfish or insects near the bottom.
- Mid to Late Spring (Warming Water: 55–70°F) – Fish become more active, moving into shallower areas and aggressively chasing prey near the surface, especially in the mornings and evenings.
With this knowledge, let’s explore when and how to use topwater and subsurface lures effectively.
Topwater Lures: When and Why to Use Them
Topwater lures excel in warmer spring conditions when fish are aggressive and willing to strike at the surface. These lures mimic wounded baitfish, frogs, or insects struggling on the water, triggering predatory instincts.
Best Conditions for Topwater Lures
✅ Warmer Water (Above 55°F) – Fish are more willing to strike near the surface.
✅ Low Light Conditions – Early mornings, late evenings, or overcast days provide prime topwater opportunities.
✅ Calm or Slightly Choppy Water – Too much disturbance can make topwater lures less effective.
Topwater Lure Types & How to Use Them
- Walk-the-Dog Baits (Zara Spook, Heddon Super Spook Jr.) – Best for covering open water with a side-to-side zigzag action.
- Poppers (Rebel Pop-R, Rapala Skitter Pop) – Ideal for creating noise and surface disturbance to attract bass in shallow cover.
- Frogs (Booyah Pad Crasher, Spro Bronzeye Frog) – Perfect for fishing in heavy vegetation like lily pads and grass beds.
- Buzzbaits (Strike King Buzzbait, Booyah Buzz) – Great for aggressive strikes in choppy or stained water.
💡 Pro Tip: Use topwater lures when you notice fish feeding on the surface or baitfish jumping. Pause between twitches to give fish time to strike!
Subsurface Lures: When and Why to Use Them
When fish aren’t actively feeding on the surface, subsurface lures are the best option. These lures imitate wounded baitfish, crayfish, or insects just below the surface or along the bottom.
Best Conditions for Subsurface Lures
✅ Cold to Cool Water (45–60°F) – Fish are more likely to strike below the surface.
✅ Bright, Clear Conditions – Fish tend to stay deeper in clearer water.
✅ Windy or Choppy Water – When topwater action is ineffective, subsurface lures excel.
Subsurface Lure Types & How to Use Them
- Jerkbaits (Rapala X-Rap, Megabass Vision 110) – Suspending jerkbaits work well in early spring when fish are still sluggish. Use a slow twitch-pause retrieve.
- Crankbaits (Strike King KVD 1.5, Rapala DT Series) – Great for covering water quickly and finding active fish at different depths.
- Spinnerbaits (War Eagle Spinnerbait, Booyah Blade) – A solid choice for murky water or when fish are holding near structure.
- Soft Plastics (Zoom Trick Worm, Gary Yamamoto Senko) – Wacky rigs, Texas rigs, and drop shots excel in slow-moving conditions when fish are finicky.
💡 Pro Tip: If you don’t see surface activity, start with a jerkbait or slow-rolling a spinnerbait near structure like docks, submerged trees, or rocky points.
Which One Should You Choose?
| Condition | Topwater Lures | Subsurface Lures |
|---|---|---|
| Early Spring (45–55°F) | ❌ Less Effective | ✅ Best Choice |
| Mid Spring (55–65°F) | ✅ Effective in Low Light | ✅ Great for Active Fish |
| Late Spring (65–75°F) | ✅ Excellent Choice | ✅ Works Well |
| Windy Conditions | ❌ Less Effective | ✅ Best Choice |
| Overcast Days | ✅ Great Option | ✅ Still Effective |
| Clear, Sunny Days | ❌ Limited Action | ✅ Best Below Surface |
Final Thoughts
If the water is still cold, start with a slow-moving jerkbait, spinnerbait, or soft plastic to coax sluggish fish into biting. As temperatures warm up, switch to poppers, frogs, and buzzbaits for aggressive topwater action. By understanding when to use each lure, you’ll increase your chances of a successful spring fishing trip.
So, next time you hit the water, bring both topwater and subsurface lures—because springtime fishing is all about adapting to the bite! 🎣
