Early-season bass fishing is like trying to get a boy to come to supper when he's outside having a good time playing with friends. You can call him but he might not come. Largemouth bass are that way near the season opener. They might have other things on their mind, like spawning. Smallmouth bass, on the other hand, spawn a little later so they might be a bit more aggressive on opening day.
Climate leaves both species with a short window of time in which to re-produce in the north country.
They are persistent, staying on spawning beds even in relatively cold weather. Ron Lindner, Lindy Little Joe consultant, said largemouth bass spawning peaks by the first full moon in June, which this year falls on the 6th. Signs that the largemouth spawn is happening include dogwood fuzz on the line, active turtles and the scent of lilacs in the air. Male largemouths are extremely aggressive when they move into shallow, hard-bottom bays with warmer water. Emerging weeds may be present, but look for wood close by.