As spring temperatures rise across Ohio, bass anglers are finding ideal conditions in Knox County, where rivers and reservoirs are beginning to teem with bass.
The bass spawn season varies by water body and weather, with recent angler accounts suggesting spawning can begin as early as March and stretch into July. One angler even reported spotting bass on beds in 50-degree water in mid-March.
According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, bass spawn when water temperatures reach 54–68°F, migrating from lakes into streams.
The ODNR suggests that flashy lures, jigs and live minnows prove especially effective during this time. While the spawning run peaks in May, summer and fall offer continued opportunities, particularly at night using submerged lights or targeting surface-feeding schools.
Top local fishing spots like the Kokosing River, Kokosing Lake, Knox Lake and Pleasant Hill Reservoir are drawing increased attention for their bass action this May.
With bass biting on the Kokosing River – which stands out locally as a prime destination for smallmouth bass and white bass entering their spawning peak – central Ohio anglers are entering one of the best fishing windows of the year.
Rock bass and largemouth bass also fill the waters of the Kokosing River.
The Hope Fishing Access, located off Pipesville Road in Howard, is a noted hotspot for white bass during their spawning run. Known for its clean, shallow stretches and rocky bottom, the Kokosing provides the perfect habitat for smallmouth bass, which become more active as water temperatures rise above 60°F.
Anglers report that current conditions on the Kokosing are already favorable.
Fishing Points recently gave the river a fish activity score of 93, indicating excellent chances of landing a catch. The best fishing windows are early morning, midday and late evening, with peak activity between 12:17–2:47 a.m. and 12:53–3:23 p.m.
Water temperature on May 27 in the Kokosing River near Mount Vernon was 53°F, just below peak spawning conditions, but rising steadily with high humidity and falling pressure further stimulating feeding activity.Pleasant Hill Reservoir offers solid fishing opportunities for both white and smallmouth bass.
Knox Lake is another prime spot, known especially for largemouth bass and white bass.
Knox Lake stands out as a premier destination for largemouth bass, featuring a diverse underwater landscape of stumps and fallen trees. It also supports trophy-sized flathead catfish, and a no-wake boating policy helps maintain a calm fishing environment.
