In this action-packed spring fishing session, professional bass angler Casey Scanlon takes advantage of muddy, post-frontal conditions to target spawning bass in stained water. Following a heavy rain and cold front, Scanlon hits some backwater pockets in search of prespawn and spawning bass setting up near shallow cover.
Featured Product
- JIG – Bass Pro Shops XPS Cover Jig (Black & Blue): Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- TRAILER – Bass Pro Shops Swim-N-Elite Chunk (Okeechobee Craw): Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- ROD – Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris CarbonLite Technique Casting Rod (7’4″ Heavy): Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- REEL – Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris CarbonLite Baitcast Reel (8:3.1): Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- LINE – Bass Pro Shops XPS KVD Signature Series Fluorocarbon (20 lb. Test): Buy at Bass Pro Shops
Spring Transition
This time of year brings a mix of pre-spawn and spawning activity, making it one of the most productive—yet challenging—times to fish. Weather changes like cold fronts and heavy rain can shift fish positioning overnight, but they rarely stop the process entirely.
Finding Bass in Dirty, Rising Water
Conditions can shift quickly in spring. After an overnight rain raised water levels by over a foot, the fish pulled off the bank. Scanlon adjusted accordingly, targeting mid-range depths where bedding bass were pushed to. Even without seeing the beds, he “blind-bed-fishes” by pitching into likely areas and working his bait slowly. When he catches a male, he casts back in the same spot, anticipating a nearby female might have moved up.
Stained Water Strategies
In muddy spring water, bait choice is everything. Scanlon sticks with a black and blue flipping jig paired with a green pumpkin trailer for maximum visibility and action. This combo stands out in stained water and triggers aggressive strikes from spawning bass. Slow presentation is key. Scanlon works the jig methodically, letting it sit longer in high-percentage spots. Short, subtle movements mimic a threat to nearby beds and often draw reaction bites.
Boat Setup
- BOAT – Nitro Z21 XL PRO: Check out at Nitro
- MOTOR – Mercury Pro XS 250 hp: Check out at Mercury
- TROLLING MOTOR – Garmin Force Trolling Motor: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
