March bass fishing can present anglers with exciting opportunities as fish begin awakening from their winter slumber. Your location and weather outlook will help determine your most effective techniques and strategies for fishing from the banks of ponds and small lakes during this transitional month.
Last updated on March 8th, 2025 at 07:49 am
SUMMARY: March bass fishing varies across the country. Fishing in the North demands patience with sluggish bass; the middle of the country can dive into the spring transition period heading into the prespawn in April; and Southern areas may already be in pre-spawn mode. Tailor your techniques to regional conditions for success.
March is the month of expectation.
— Emily Dickinson
March bass fishing presents unique challenges and rewards for each region of the country. For some in the South, bass may in pre-spawn mode. While in the North, bass may still be shaking off their winter sluggishness.
Keep in mind that bass behavior is less about the calendar and more about water temperatures, as we discuss in our breakdown of the fishing “seasons.” So a blanket statement about how to fish in March is unlikely to serve you well. Understanding bass will behave in your region, with your current climate conditions, and adapting your tactics accordingly is essential for a successful outing.
March Bass Fishing in Your Region
Northern United States
With prespawn still likely a month or so away, you’re likely still in a winter pattern. That means bass may still be sluggish, especially in early March. Focus on slow presentations and target deeper waters where bass may be seeking warmer temperatures. This calls for small lure profiles and subtle action. Keep it simple and lean into the slower techniques associated with finesse fishing. Jigs (dragged along the bottom), soft plastic worms, and realistic-looking lures that mimic natural prey are your best options.
READ MORE ABOUT WINTER FISHING.
Keep an eye out for a possible late-month shift where fish are moderately active and increasingly hungry. Bass are starting to head into shallower water, but they aren’t quite there yet. You still want to use lures that get down deeper in the water column, as well as such search baits as lipless crankbaits and chatterbaits that can help you locate fish. Impressive catches can be had when you find groups of bass aggregating around cover.
Central United States
Winter patterns soon will mostly be in your rear-view mirror, and you can dive into that transition period heading into the prespawn in April. Bass activity should be on the rise throughout March. Look for warmer water: Rocky shorelines, creeks flowing into your lake, and banks that get the most sun.
A front passing through the central U.S. will more than likely bring a warming rain, which can turn the bite on like a light switch. Moving water will also attract baitfish, and therefore bass. The water staining likely to occur in clear-water area can be to the fisherman’s advantage. But beware of too much run-off, which can trend toward muddy.
Late-winter bass are feeding on baitfish, and nothing replicates a school of baitfish better than an umbrella rig. Fan-casting lipless crankbaits, blade baits, and spoons can also help you find bass.
Southern United States
In warmer southern regions, bass may already be in pre-spawn mode by March. That means you’re about to enter the best time of the year to be a bass angler. As spring unfolds, bass embark on a pre-spawn journey, actively seeking suitable nesting sites. These newly shallow bass will be looking to feed before they begin spawning, often voraciously as the build energy for the upcoming spawn.
READ MORE ABOUT PRESPAWN FISHING.
A front passing through the southern U.S. will more than likely bring a warming rain, which can boost water temperatures just enough to turn the bite on like a light switch. It’s a good time to fish more aggressively with a spinner bait or other attention-grabbing lure, to match the aggressively feeding fish. Moving water will also attract baitfish, and therefore bass.
Otherwise, watch for bass cruising in shallow areas, especially in sandy or other hard-bottom areas that make good nesting grounds. Or find them with lures that cover large areas of water and with lots of movement that make bass eager to strike them, such as crankbaits (square-bill and lipless) and spinnerbaits. Follow up with slower presentations once you have fish in your sights.
March Bass Fishing Weather Trends for March 2025
Conclusion
March bass fishing presents an exciting opportunity to reconnect with nature and reel in some impressive catches. By employing a variety of techniques, understanding regional variations, and selecting the right lures, you can enhance your chances of landing the bass of a lifetime from the banks of ponds and small lakes. So, grab your gear, embrace the challenge, and embark on a memorable March bass fishing adventure!
Sources
- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center
- Late Winter Early Spring Bass Fishing — barbcatchfishing.com
- Late Winter / Early Spring Shore Bass Fishing — fishermenssource.com/
