Big changes in the last week. Water temps are up and the bass are bedding down. Saw a variety of bedding pairs, thank goodness they are difficult to catch. I wish no one would try... I fished the morning from about 6:00 to 10:30 and shouldn't be surprised at how many folks joined me on the water by 9:00.

The hot, sunny weather has slowed the activity but not the curiosity. Saw more fish today, and large fish by the way, than I have seen all year. They are not afraid to cruise the flats but they are afraid of me and my lure. Saw thousands of crappie, pumpkinseed, and bluegill sunning just under the surface as well. Welcome to the first taste of summer. Still, not a bad morning when you can hook up with a personal best smallie, see picture.

As we get deeper into the spawn, please practice catch and release, and if you're a real steward, don't catch...

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