Newly fertilized Smallmouth bass eggs in cobble bottom nest. The eggs that are white have failed and will not become young fish. The small bubbles are actually deposits of oil naturally found in newly fertilized bass eggs. Vertical. The eggs will hatch in about 7-10 days dependent upon the water temperature. In warmer water they will hatch sooner, while in colder waters it may take over 2 weeks for them to hatch.