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I live in Louisville but never really got the feeling when the bass would start nesting. For the past 5 years i've been in Alabama running around the lakes daily peeking in the water. It was a no-brainer. I don't have that luxury and want to know a general set of conditions to look for. Plus i need to get the boat ready. I will mainly fish McNeely or Guist Creek and a couple neighborhood ponds.
I cant speak for your specific area, but I can speak for Kentucky Lake. I would assume the conditions would be similar since it is not that much farther north.
Early Pre-Spawn for Largemouth 50d water temp. 45d for Smallmouth
This is when they will start feeding to support their eggs.
Spawn for Largemouth 65-70d water temp. 60-62d for Smallmouth.
Largemouth will generally spawn in the 2'-6' range and smallmouth in the 9'+ range.
I can speak for McNealy. In the spring, this lake is usually gin clear and choked with grass. The fish can be seen on beds ininches of water and in 5 feet of water. Easier to get to fish from boat by a long shot. The temperature range mentioned for Ky Lake is right on the money, but happens a little sooner at McNealy lake thanks to its tiny size. I woudl look for em to hit the beds mid april