Spend 20 minutes on a fishing lesson with KVD as he profiles the jerkbait, and what makes it a great winter/pre-spawn bait to fish! Kevin VanDam shares his fishing knowledge with you, and how to fish it right in any conditions, even when cold and weather most people may not fish in.
Early pre-spawn fishing when the bass are at rest and inherently they still want to move up. Slow down, and give yourself time to pick the area apart to get bass.
The Red Eye Shad, Rage Swimmer, and jerkbaits tried out by Kevin VanDam. Know when to switch to your moving baits. Spend the day fishing with KVD on the cold water here.
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Lake St. Clair is often referred to as the best lake in the country for catching both quality and quantity of smallmouth bass. From early pre-spawn through the end of the season, this lake provides consistent action. Its unique ecosystem, enhanced by the presence of zebra mussels and abundant forage, has transformed it into a world-class fishery.
- Growth Rates: The lake’s smallmouth bass grow almost twice as fast as in other Great Lakes systems, thanks to the abundance of forage like gobies and shad.
- Clear Waters: Zebra mussels have improved water clarity, making sight fishing and bait presentation more effective.
- Abundance of Structure: Natural rock formations and aquatic vegetation provide prime habitats for bass.
Seasonal Fishing Tips
- Spring (Pre-Spawn): Early in the season, when water temperatures hover around 40-42°F, bass are less aggressive. A finesse approach is key. Tungsten football heads paired with swimbaits like the Rage Swimmer can yield great results. Focus on maintaining contact with the bottom, especially in rocky areas.
- Summer: Clearer waters and increased vegetation growth make this the prime season for sight fishing. Spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, and crankbaits work exceptionally well.
- Fall: As water temperatures drop, smallmouth bass become more active. Jerkbaits in natural colors like Pro Oyster mimic dying shad and can be deadly.
Recommended Techniques and Gear
- Tungsten Football Heads with Swimbaits: These setups allow anglers to cover water while feeling the structure beneath efficiently. The tungsten’s sensitivity makes detecting subtle bites easier.
- Tip: Use heavier fluorocarbon lines (20 lb test) to navigate rocky terrain without compromising strength.
- Jerkbaits: Perfect for spring and fall, jerk baits like the 300 series KVD in Pro Oyster color replicate natural forage. Rigging with 12 lb line ensures optimal depth and movement.
- Mega 360 Imaging: Advanced sonar technology like Mega 360 helps identify underwater rock clusters and boulders where smallmouth bass often congregate.
Safety Tips for Lake St. Clair
While Lake St. Clair is an angler’s paradise, it can also be challenging due to unpredictable weather conditions.
- Watch the Forecast: High winds can make the lake rough and even dangerous. Always check conditions before heading out.
- Be Prepared: Carry safety gear and have a backup plan for fishing inland lakes if the weather turns.
Why Anglers Love Lake St. Clair
From family fishing trips to competitive tournaments, Lake St. Clair holds a special place in every angler’s heart. Its consistently high catch rates, breathtaking scenery, and unmatched opportunities for landing trophy smallmouth make it a must-visit destination.
Start planning your Lake St. Clair adventure today and experience firsthand why it’s considered the greatest smallmouth fishery on the planet.
