Spawn Wrapping Up on Rough River - Fish Starting to Move

With water temperatures now in the upper 60s to low 70s, Rough River is right in that late spring transition.

Crappie have mostly finished spawning and are pulling off the banks. You’ll find them relating to brush and woody cover in 6–12 feet, and they’ve been biting consistently on both minnows and jigs.

Bass are nearing the end of the spawn, with some still shallow, but many already shifting into post-spawn patterns. Moving baits like spinnerbaits and crankbaits are still producing, while wacky rigs and soft plastics are picking up fish that are starting to ease off the beds.

As water temps stabilize in the 70s, bluegill are moving shallow to spawn, and you’ll start seeing those muddy bed areas along the banks. These are easy fish to target with crickets, worms, or small jigs under a bobber.

Overall, fishing has been very consistent, but expect fish to start spreading out as they transition away from the spawn. Focus on that first break or nearby structure just off the banks.