Spawning Smallmouth Bass

As soon as the water temperatures reach 60F, the bass and the bluegills start preparing their nests for spawning. The water around the dock is now 63F, and one bass is protecting a nest, but the bluegills are nowhere to be found. 

The fish clears a patch of sandy bottom by fanning its tail.

After the female lays eggs - up to 20,000 - 

the male stays behind to guard the nest from predators.