The Spawning Cycle – Before, During & After

Spawning is the most dramatic behavioral shift carp experience each year. From pre-spawn feeding frenzies to post-spawn recovery binges, understanding this cycle gives you some of the best fishing windows of the season.

In Michigan, spawning typically occurs between late May and mid-June, depending on weather.

Pre-Spawn – The Build-Up

Timing: Water temperatures rising through low 50s°F until spawning trigger.

Duration usually 2–4 weeks.

Carp feed aggressively to build energy reserves.

Behavior changes:

• Heavy feeding
• Increased movement toward shallow areas
• Fish grouping up
• Predictable staging zones

This is often the best fishing of the entire year.

Where to Find Pre-Spawn Carp

Look for:

• Deep channels near shallow bays
• Harbor mouths close to marsh areas
• Points adjacent to protected coves
• River mouths

Carp stage nearby before moving shallow.

Pre-Spawn Tactics

• Bait heavily
• Fish multiple depths
• Use high-protein boilies
• Large PVA bags work well
• Cover water with several rods

Fish are hungry and competitive.

Identifying Spawn Timing

Spawning begins when water temperature holds between 62–68°F for several days.

Sustained temperature matters more than calendar date.

Visible signs:

• Splashing in shallow water
• Groups of fish rolling
• Males chasing females

During the Spawn

Carp move into extremely shallow, vegetated water.

Behavior:

• Chaotic surface activity
• Fish ignore bait
• Highly visible

Fishing is usually poor.

Ethical Note

I personally avoid targeting actively spawning carp. A short break during spawning protects future fishing and lets fish recover.

Post-Spawn – The Second Prime

Starts about 7–10 days after spawning ends.

Fish are depleted and ravenous.

This is another outstanding feeding window.

Post-Spawn Behavior

• Aggressive feeding
• Less selective
• Extended feeding periods
• Fish spread back across the lake

They’re rebuilding lost energy.

Where to Find Post-Spawn Carp

• Weed edges
• Silt bays
• River mouths
• Deeper adjacent water (6–15 ft)

Post-Spawn Tactics

• Heavy baiting works
• Particles and boilies both shine
• Dawn/dusk less critical — fish feed all day
• Use quality protein

Handle fish gently — they’re worn down.

Year-to-Year Variation

• Early springs = early spawn
• Cold springs = delayed spawn
• Some waters spawn in waves

Always follow temperature, not dates.

Key Takeaways

• Pre-spawn is prime
• Spawn triggers at sustained 62–68°F
• Fishing during spawn is poor
• Post-spawn produces aggressive feeding
• Follow temperature, not calendar
• Staging areas concentrate fish
• Handle post-spawn carp carefully