warm winter/early spawn?

VERY strong possibility of that happening.

 

More importantly, look at what the overnight low's are going to be. It's one thing to heat up the water surface during the day but if it's cold as ballz at night you lose all that surface warmth.

 

Past couple years they've been on beds towards the middle and end of February. I'd be shocked if that's not the case again this year.

 

I know water temp is important but I believe the length of daylight is a big effect

 

Ive caught post spawn fish in early feb and prespawn in june...(at perris) they spawn in waves spanning many months

 

When we launch and the graph temp say 60 degrees... its on. Right now its still in the high 50’s to mid 50’s depending on the lake. Of course they warm up by mid day. Its that early temp we need to see

 

Very good question and good answers, I've noticed a lot of small fish very shallow and have been wondering if the buck bass have moved up and ready to start bedding. I think if there is consistent sun shine and a lack of rain, a heavy rain can really cool a lake down fast, we will be in for an early spawn. Last night was a full moon and that will help move and stage some early birds. I am starting to fish prespawn patterns and staging spots, I think next full moon it will get very interesting.

 

It has been my experience when it comes to the spawn, stable water levels, consistent temps, and longer periods of daylight have more to do with the spawn then a specific water temp and moon phase. Not a lot of experience with the California spawn but I have been bass fishing in the Southern U.S. for over 40 years.

Given the consistent water levels, warm temps and longer days, I would think they would be well into the staging phase with some early females already looking at moving up.

 

I saw a big bass in the shallows yesterday,,,,

Edit: Actually saw a few bigger bass in the shallows today!

 

I've also seen a couple of big boys wandering around the shallows in the last couple days but thought they were trying to round up the last of the trout plants

 

Back when I lived in Central Texas, I'd always see fish on beds in a certain lake during the last week of January. There's a lot of differences between the weather and lakes here and there, but sure, it's very possible for some fish to be bedding right now around the full moon. Some people have even suggested that it's not necessarily related to the weather/temps but rather the days getting longer.