How to Fish B Everett Jordan Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

B Everett Jordan Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 23, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on B Everett Jordan Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-62	Pre-spawn largemouth bass are staging near spawning areas and actively feeding to build energy reserves Fish are relating to transition areas between deeper water and spawning flats, particularly using points and rip rap as migration routes	Points with quick depth changes, especially those adjacent to spawning flats Rip rap banks along creek channels and main lake areas Submerged vegetation on original water level drop	Bladed Jigs worked from deep to shallow along points Hard Jerkbaits worked around rip rap banks Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') near submerged vegetation Tubes worked slowly around rip rap and rocky areas	Shad schooling in pre-spawn staging areas Crawfish becoming active in rocky areas and rip rap	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	Fish are transitioning from winter deep water patterns to staging areas near spawning locations, becoming more active with warming water Crappie are gathering in pre-spawn staging areas near brush piles and creek channel transitions, feeding more aggressively as water warms	Secondary points and creek channel bends with brush piles in 8-15 feet of water Protected coves with staging areas near spawning flats Bridge pilings and dock areas adjacent to deeper water	Crappie Spider Rigging along creek channel edges and through brush pile areas Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) through staging areas Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around brush piles and bridge pilings	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn staging areas Small minnows in and around brush piles and structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	52-65	Pre-spawn spotted bass are actively staging near spawning areas while feeding heavily to build energy reserves Fish are moving from winter deep water patterns to transitional areas, following warming trends and baitfish movements Aggressive feeding periods during stable weather, particularly during warming trends	Secondary points with transition to spawning pockets, especially those with rock structure Steep rocky banks near spawning flats Brush piles and standing timber in 8-15 foot depth range near spawning areas	Lipless Crankbaits worked with yo-yo retrieve along transitional areas Bladed Jigs slow-rolled near cover and along points Shakey Heads worked methodically around brush and rock structure	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn staging areas Crawfish becoming more active with warming water Small bluegill in shallow brush areas	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	52-65	Pre-spawn stripers are actively feeding and staging near spawning tributaries, following large schools of shad while transitioning from winter to spring patterns Fish are becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise, moving from deeper winter haunts to intermediate depths, especially during morning and evening feeding periods	Main lake points and channel swings adjacent to spawning tributaries Secondary points in major creek arms with bait presence Suspended areas over channel edges where bait schools are present	Umbrella Rigs worked through suspended bait schools and along channel edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked parallel to points and channel swings Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are spotted on electronics	Large schools of threadfin and gizzard shad Blueback herring in deeper water near points	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	45-58	Smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter deep water haunts to pre-spawn staging areas, following the warming trend and becoming more active as temperatures rise Fish are actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, with increased activity during warmer portions of the day	Rocky points adjacent to deeper water, especially those with transition to 30-foot depths Secondary points in major creek arms with rock or riprap Steep rocky banks with access to deeper water	Blade Baits worked slowly along depth transitions Tubes dragged on rocky points Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses near point transitions	Shad schools suspending near points Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy in rocky areas Small baitfish relating to warming shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	52-65	Moving from deep winter holes to staging areas near spawning flats, particularly along channel edges and creek mouths Increasing feeding activity as water warms, with periods of aggressive feeding during warm fronts	Creek mouths and channel swings where staging areas meet spawning flats Secondary points with access to deeper water Areas with standing timber near channel edges	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live shad positioned near channel edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around timber and structure Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly through staging areas	Shad schools congregating near channel edges and points Small sunfish and bream near shallow timber	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-70	Bass are in various spawning phases (pre-spawn, spawning, and post-spawn) with water temperatures in mid-60s. Fish are moving between staging areas and shallow spawning flats, particularly active during shad spawn periods in early morning. Fish are relating heavily to shallow cover, especially flooded brush and laydowns, with increased activity during sunny periods. Multiple patterns exist as fish transition through spawn phases.	Flooded brush and trees near original waterline, particularly with the reported 10-foot water level rise Marina docks and rip rap areas during early morning shad spawn Points near spawning pocket entrances Steeper banks with wood cover	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around flooded cover and laydowns Bladed Jigs during shad spawn and around cover Spinnerbaits on sunny days around wood cover Wacky Rigs for spawning fish in clearer pockets	Shad (actively spawning in early mornings on hard surfaces) Crawfish (active in flooded cover areas) Bluegill (beginning to move shallow)	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappie are transitioning into spawning behavior, moving into shallow protected areas with brush piles and other cover in coves and pockets Fish are actively feeding during pre-spawn and spawn periods, particularly around shallow cover where they stage and nest	Shallow brush piles in protected coves and pockets (0-9 feet) Secondary points leading into spawning coves Fallen timber and laydowns near shoreline transitions	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Crappie Dock Shooting Bobbers	Minnows Shad	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	58-68	Spotted bass are transitioning from pre-spawn to spawn, with males preparing and guarding nests while females stage nearby. Fish are more aggressive and territorial during this period. Fish are moving from deeper winter areas to shallower spawning zones, typically holding in 2-12 foot depths depending on water temperature and available cover.	Protected pockets and coves with rock or gravel bottom, especially near points that provide quick access to deeper water Rock structure and rip rap areas in 2-8 foot depths, particularly where brush or timber is present Secondary points inside major coves where spawning activity is concentrated	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around visible cover and potential spawning areas Shakey Heads worked slowly along rocky areas and near spawning zones Spinnerbaits worked parallel to banks when fish are actively feeding	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Shad schools in spawning pockets Small bluegill near shallow cover	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	58-68	Striped bass are moving into tributary arms and upper sections of the reservoir for spawning, congregating in pre-spawn staging areas near channel swings and points adjacent to spawning flats Fish are becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise, actively feeding on shad schools during early morning and late evening periods	Main lake points and channel swings adjacent to spawning tributaries Secondary points in major creek arms with access to deeper water Shallow flats (5-15 feet) near deep water access in tributary arms	Umbrella Rigs worked along point transitions and channel swings Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled through suspended bait schools Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with artificial lures matching shad profile	Large schools of threadfin and gizzard shad Blueback herring in tributary areas	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	52-65	Smallmouth bass staging in pre-spawn areas, moving from deeper wintering areas to shallow spawning flats with adjacent deep water access Males actively searching for and preparing nesting sites in protected areas with firm bottom composition, particularly near rock structure Feeding activity increases as water warms, with aggressive strikes during pre-spawn period	Rocky points with transition to spawning flats in 5-15 foot depth range Protected pockets and coves with rock or gravel bottom Secondary points with access to deeper water	Tubes worked slowly along rocky transitions Ned Rigs presented on spawning flats Soft Jerkbaits for aggressive pre-spawn fish	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Shad schools in transition areas Small bluegill near spawning areas	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	58-70	Moving into shallower pre-spawn staging areas near creek channels and river channel edges, becoming more active with warming water Males beginning to search for and prepare spawning cavities near woody structure and undercut banks	Creek mouths and channel swings with nearby timber or brush piles in 8-15 foot depths Shallow flats adjacent to river channels with abundant wood cover Protected coves with standing timber and laydowns	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live offerings positioned near structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') working baits slowly near cover Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting visible wood cover in shallow areas	Shad schools concentrating near channel edges and points Various sunfish species around shallow wood cover	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-72	Post-spawn largemouth bass are actively feeding to recover energy, focusing on primary forage including shad and bluegill as evidenced in recent reports Fish are utilizing transitional depths (6-10 feet) and relating strongly to cover, showing a pattern of moving between points and shallow structure	Points with rock piles in 6-8 feet of water, particularly secondary points as noted in recent successful reports Laydowns in shallow water, which multiple recent reports indicate are producing fish Rock piles off secondary points, especially those adjacent to deeper water	Carolina Rigs worked across points, as specifically detailed in recent successful reports Finesse Jigs around laydowns and cover, which has proven effective in current conditions Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow cover and points, supported by recent catch data Football Jigs worked along rock piles and points in the 6-8 foot range	Shad, which multiple recent reports identify as a primary forage Bluegill, specifically mentioned in reports as an effective pattern Crawfish, indicated by the success of crawdad-colored baits in recent reports	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	65-75	Moving from shallow spawning areas to nearby deeper water, staging on secondary points and brush piles Actively feeding to recover energy after spawn, focusing on abundant shad populations Forming loose schools around structure in 8-15 foot depth range	Secondary points with brush piles near spawning coves Bridge pilings with nearby brush in 8-15 foot range Creek channel intersections with abundant cover	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Crappie Spider Rigging Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Shad schools in post-spawn recovery phase Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish near brush piles Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	62-72	Spotted bass are actively feeding in post-spawn recovery, targeting shad and crawfish in transition areas between spawning flats and summer haunts Fish are moving from shallow spawning areas to deeper structure, often staging at intermediary points throughout the day	Main lake points with rock structure, especially where they transition from spawning pockets to deeper water Brush piles and standing timber in 8-15 foot depth range along channel edges Secondary points with rip rap or rock structure in major creek arms	Shakey Heads worked slowly along rocky points and transitions Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') parallel to points and over brush Spinnerbaits around timber and near shad schools	Shad schools gathering in creek arms and around points Crawfish active on rocky structure and rip rap Small bluegill near shallow brush and timber	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	62-72	Post-spawn striped bass are actively feeding to recover energy, following large schools of shad in main lake areas Fish transition between shallow and deep water throughout the day, suspending near bait schools	Main lake points adjacent to deep water Channel swings with suspended bait schools Secondary points in major creek arms	Umbrella Rigs worked through suspended bait schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) for actively feeding fish Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are holding tight to structure	Shad schools recovering from winter patterns Herring moving into spawning areas	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-67	Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding to recover energy, targeting shad and crawfish around rocky structure Fish are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, moving along depth changes and points	Main lake points with rock structure and access to deep water Rocky shorelines near spawning flats in 8-15 foot depth range Transition areas where rock structure meets depth changes around 15-30 foot breaks	Drop Shot with finesse presentations along depth changes Tubes worked along rocky structure Ned Rigs dragged slowly on points Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for actively feeding fish	Shad schools moving along points and channel edges Crawfish emerging from rocky structure Small baitfish relating to post-spawn areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	58-71	Post-spawn catfish are actively feeding to recover energy, moving from spawning areas to feeding locations along channel edges and deeper structure Fish are following shad schools and becoming more active with warming water temperatures, particularly during dawn and dusk periods	Channel edges and creek mouth intersections where current creates feeding opportunities Submerged timber and brush piles near drop-offs in 8-15 foot depth range Secondary points and flats adjacent to deeper water where baitfish schools concentrate	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live shad positioned near structure Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') along channel edges and near brush piles Texas Rigs (Worming) dragged through timber-laden areas	Shad schools beginning to concentrate in post-spawn feeding areas Small sunfish and bream near shallow structure Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas and around timber	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	78-85	Largemouth bass are schooling in deeper water, primarily following shad schools around offshore structure and channel swings Fish are establishing both deep and shallow patterns, with some fish remaining shallow near laydowns and points during low-light periods	Deep river channel swings and dropoffs adjacent to main lake structure Rock piles and humps in offshore areas Points with mixed grass and rock, especially during morning/evening periods	Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked along channel edges and over rock piles Shakey Heads dragged slowly through deeper structure and along points Texas Rigs (Worming) worked through laydowns and deeper structure	Shad schools in deeper water around channel edges and structure Crawfish in rocky areas and around deeper structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Crappie	72-85	Moving to deeper, cooler water during peak daytime temperatures while suspending near brush piles and bridge pilings Actively feeding during early morning and evening periods, following shad schools in the water column	Deep brush piles near creek channel bends (15-25 feet) Bridge pilings and dock areas with shade Main lake points with submerged timber near deep water access	Crappie Spider Rigging Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')	Shad schools in open water and around structure Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish near brush	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Spotted Bass	72-78	Spotted bass are actively feeding in early morning and late evening near points and rock structure, moving to deeper water during midday heat Fish are relating strongly to shad schools and using brush piles as ambush points, especially in 15-25 foot depth range	Main lake points with deep water access, especially those with rock structure Brush piles and standing timber in 15-25 foot range Shaded rocky banks and rip rap areas during early/late periods	Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked along points and rock transitions Drop Shot near brush piles and suspended fish Texas Rigs (Worming) through deeper structure Spinnerbaits during lowlight periods around shallow cover	Shad schools in open water and around points Crawfish in rocky areas Smaller sunfish around brush and timber	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Striped Bass	72-85	Striped bass are actively following large schools of shad in open water, primarily feeding during early morning and late evening. During midday, they typically suspend in deeper water near channel breaks Fish are schooling aggressively, but feeding windows can be short due to warm water temperatures. They often pin bait schools against structure or surface during feeding periods	Main lake points adjacent to deep water, especially those near channel swings Suspended over main lake channels where bait schools are present Creek mouth intersections with the main lake, particularly during early morning	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with large swimbaits and umbrella rigs along channel edges Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with spoons when fish are suspended with bait schools Hard Topwater (Walking) during early morning and late evening feeding periods	Threadfin and Gizzard Shad schooling in large concentrations Blueback Herring when present, especially during early morning surface feeding	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	65-82	Actively feeding on main forage (shad) during early morning and evening hours, with a shift to crawfish during midday Relating strongly to rock structure and moving between shallow and deep water depending on light conditions and temperature Suspending near deep structure during bright midday periods, moving shallow during low light conditions	Main lake points with rock structure and access to deep water Rocky areas near 15-foot depths adjacent to 30-foot dropoffs Rip rap areas and boulder fields in 5-15 foot range	Drop Shot worked along deep structure edges Tubes dragged through rocky areas Ned Rigs worked slowly on points Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) during shad activity	Shad schools suspending near points and channel edges Crawfish in rocky areas and riprap Small sunfish around shallow rock structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Catfish	68-85	Actively feeding on shad schools in main lake areas, particularly during early morning and evening hours Holding in deeper water during peak daytime temperatures, moving to feeding zones along channel edges and points during low light periods	Deep basin areas near channel swings and river channels (15-25 feet) Main lake points with access to deep water Submerged timber and brush piles along channel edges	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along channel edges and through bait schools Live Bait Rigs positioned near deep structure and channel edges Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) in basin areas during midday	Shad schools concentrated near depth changes Smaller panfish near brush piles and timber	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for B Everett Jordan Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	48-71	Bass are actively feeding on shad, with multiple reports showing schooling activity and baitfish chasing behavior in creek channels and on points Fish are transitioning between shallow and deep water, using points as staging areas and responding to water temperature changes (reported between 48-71°F)	Points with schooled up bait, particularly those near creek channels Standing timber and brush piles in areas affected by low water Wind-blown banks with rip rap	Spinnerbaits slow-rolled around standing timber and brush piles Hard Jerkbaits worked on points where bait is present Buzzbaits and Hard Topwater (Prop) for schooling fish in morning hours Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) around standing timber	Shad (primary forage based on multiple reports) Perch (mentioned in reports with success on perch-colored crankbaits) Crappie (noted in one report near reeds)	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	52-68	Transitioning from summer patterns, crappie begin moving to deeper structure while actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter Forming larger schools around key structure, particularly near creek channel intersections with brush piles	Deep brush piles adjacent to creek channels (15-25 feet) Bridge pilings near channel swings Deeper dock structures in main lake coves	Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling)	Shad schools concentrating in creek arms and coves Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Spotted Bass	58-72	Actively feeding on shad schools in main lake areas, following baitfish migrations to creek arms and coves Transitioning between summer deep water patterns and shallower feeding zones, becoming more aggressive as water cools	Main lake points intersecting with deep water, especially those with rock structure Shallow creek arms with abundant brush and timber where shad are migrating Secondary points with rip rap or rock structure in 8-15 foot depth range	Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked parallel to points and rocky banks Spinnerbaits around shallow brush and timber, especially on cloudy days Shakey Heads worked slowly along rocky points and bottom structure	Shad schools migrating into creeks and coves Crawfish around rocky structure and rip rap Small bluegill near brush piles and laydowns	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Striped Bass	58-72	Actively chasing shad schools in open water and along channel edges, with increased feeding activity during morning and evening hours Transitioning between summer and winter patterns, following bait as it moves from main lake to creek arms	Main lake points adjacent to deep water and channel swings where shad schools congregate Creek channel intersections with the main lake, especially those featuring depth changes Suspended areas over main lake structure where large schools of shad are present	Umbrella Rigs worked through suspended bait schools Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are actively feeding on bait balls Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) cast to surfacing fish or worked through suspended schools	Large schools of threadfin and gizzard shad Secondary forage fish suspending near bait schools	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	52-67	Actively feeding on shad schools, following baitfish migrations to creek arms and points Moving between different depth zones (15-30 feet) as water temperatures fluctuate throughout the day Utilizing rock structure as transition points between deep and shallow water	Main lake points with rock structure and access to deep water Creek arm channel edges with 15-30 foot dropoffs Rocky shoreline areas adjacent to deep water	Drop Shot worked along depth changes Blade Baits for actively feeding fish chasing shad Tubes worked around rock structure Spinnerbaits for covering water in creek arms	Shad schools migrating into creek arms Crawfish relating to rocky structure Small baitfish around points	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Catfish	55-71	Actively feeding on shad schools near channel edges and points, with increased activity during falling water temperatures Beginning to transition to deeper, more stable water as temperatures cool, following baitfish migrations Showing increased feeding activity during low-light periods, moving shallower to feed in creek mouths and along channel swings	River channel bends and creek mouth intersections where baitfish congregate Deep timber-lined channel edges adjacent to flats Points and channel swings with nearby standing timber or brush piles	Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or live bait positioned near channel edges Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) in timber-lined channels Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked through baitfish schools	Shad schools congregating in deeper water Sunfish and small baitfish around timber Crawfish along channel edges and rocky areas	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	40-50	Bass are relating heavily to structure and transitional areas, feeding opportunistically on shad schools in the 40-50°F temperature range Fish are suspending near deep water access but actively using moderately shallow zones (15-20 feet) during feeding periods	Points adjacent to deep water drops, especially those with bait schools present Rocky areas and boulders near deep water ledges in 15-20 foot range Heavy laydowns and timber near deeper water	Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses near points and bait schools Structure Jigs flipped slowly through heavy cover and laydowns Shakey Heads worked methodically around rock and boulder areas	Shad, particularly schooling in deeper water near points Bluegill holding tight to cover in protected areas	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Winter	Crappie	39-45	Crappie are suspending near vertical structure, particularly bridge pilings and docks, holding tight to cover in stable winter patterns Fish are schooling in tight groups and showing preference for man-made structure that provides both cover and vertical feeding zones	Bridge pilings with deep water access, particularly those with evidence of bait schools Deep water docks near channel swings or creek arms Brush piles positioned near deep water structure	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Finesse Hair Jigs Damiki Rig	Minnows Shad	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Spotted Bass	39-48	Spotted bass will concentrate in deeper water near main lake points and channel swings, suspending in the 15-25 foot range near shad schools Fish become more lethargic during cold fronts but will actively feed during stable weather periods, especially during warmer afternoon hours	Deep main lake points with access to channel breaks, especially those with rock structure Brush piles and standing timber in 15-25 foot depths near deep water Steep rocky banks and rip-rap areas adjacent to deep water	Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended fish Drop Shot with small profile baits near structure Shakey Heads worked slowly along rocky points Spybaits retrieved slowly through suspended fish	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water Crawfish in rocky areas during warmer afternoon periods Small bluegill near brush piles and timber	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Striped Bass	52-58	Actively following and feeding on large schools of shad, primarily suspending near points and channel edges Most aggressive feeding periods during low-light conditions, moving shallower on points during these times	Main lake points with access to deep water, especially those holding bait schools Channel swings near points where suspended bait balls are present Secondary points in major creek arms where shad schools are congregating	Umbrella Rigs worked through suspended bait schools, particularly effective when matched to shad size Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) directly beneath located bait schools Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked along point transitions during low light periods	Shad (primary winter forage, concentrated in large schools) Small Baitfish (secondary forage when main shad schools are scattered)	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	39-55	Suspending near points following large schools of shad, actively feeding during warmer winter periods Moving between shallow and mid-depth zones based on daily temperature fluctuations, most active during peak sunlight hours when water warms slightly	Main lake points with access to deep water, especially those holding bait schools Rock transitions near channel edges where 15-30 foot depth changes occur Secondary points in major creek arms where shad schools congregate	Umbrella Rigs worked slowly through suspended bait schools Blade Baits worked vertically along depth transitions Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow rolled near points	Shad schools concentrated around points and channel edges Crawfish in rocky areas during warmer winter days	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Catfish	39-45	Moving slowly and holding in deep, stable environments like river channels and creek mouths with minimal movement to conserve energy Feeding opportunities are reduced but catfish will actively feed during warming trends, especially in afternoon hours	Deep river channels and creek mouths with depths over 20 feet Areas where standing timber intersects with deep channel edges Deep holes near channel swings where baitfish schools concentrate	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Live Bait Rigs	Suspended and concentrated schools of shad in deeper water Bottom-dwelling prey like small fish and crustaceans	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in B Everett Jordan Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Points with quick depth changes, especially those adjacent to spawning flats	Rip rap banks along creek channels and main lake areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Secondary points and creek channel bends with brush piles in 8-15 feet of water	Protected coves with staging areas near spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Secondary points with transition to spawning pockets, especially those with rock structure	Steep rocky banks near spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake points and channel swings adjacent to spawning tributaries	Secondary points in major creek arms with bait presence
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points adjacent to deeper water, especially those with transition to 30-foot depths	Secondary points in major creek arms with rock or riprap
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Creek mouths and channel swings where staging areas meet spawning flats	Secondary points with access to deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Flooded brush and trees near original waterline, particularly with the reported 10-foot water level rise	Marina docks and rip rap areas during early morning shad spawn
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shallow brush piles in protected coves and pockets (0-9 feet)	Secondary points leading into spawning coves
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Protected pockets and coves with rock or gravel bottom, especially near points that provide quick access to deeper water	Rock structure and rip rap areas in 2-8 foot depths, particularly where brush or timber is present
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake points and channel swings adjacent to spawning tributaries	Secondary points in major creek arms with access to deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points with transition to spawning flats in 5-15 foot depth range	Protected pockets and coves with rock or gravel bottom
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Creek mouths and channel swings with nearby timber or brush piles in 8-15 foot depths	Shallow flats adjacent to river channels with abundant wood cover
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Points with rock piles in 6-8 feet of water, particularly secondary points as noted in recent successful reports	Laydowns in shallow water, which multiple recent reports indicate are producing fish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Secondary points with brush piles near spawning coves	Bridge pilings with nearby brush in 8-15 foot range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with rock structure, especially where they transition from spawning pockets to deeper water	Brush piles and standing timber in 8-15 foot depth range along channel edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake points adjacent to deep water	Channel swings with suspended bait schools
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points with rock structure and access to deep water	Rocky shorelines near spawning flats in 8-15 foot depth range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Channel edges and creek mouth intersections where current creates feeding opportunities	Submerged timber and brush piles near drop-offs in 8-15 foot depth range
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Deep river channel swings and dropoffs adjacent to main lake structure	Rock piles and humps in offshore areas
Summer	Crappie	Deep brush piles near creek channel bends (15-25 feet)	Bridge pilings and dock areas with shade
Summer	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with deep water access, especially those with rock structure	Brush piles and standing timber in 15-25 foot range
Summer	Striped Bass	Main lake points adjacent to deep water, especially those near channel swings	Suspended over main lake channels where bait schools are present
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points with rock structure and access to deep water	Rocky areas near 15-foot depths adjacent to 30-foot dropoffs
Summer	Catfish	Deep basin areas near channel swings and river channels (15-25 feet)	Main lake points with access to deep water
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Points with schooled up bait, particularly those near creek channels	Standing timber and brush piles in areas affected by low water
Fall	Crappie	Deep brush piles adjacent to creek channels (15-25 feet)	Bridge pilings near channel swings
Fall	Spotted Bass	Main lake points intersecting with deep water, especially those with rock structure	Shallow creek arms with abundant brush and timber where shad are migrating
Fall	Striped Bass	Main lake points adjacent to deep water and channel swings where shad schools congregate	Creek channel intersections with the main lake, especially those featuring depth changes
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points with rock structure and access to deep water	Creek arm channel edges with 15-30 foot dropoffs
Fall	Catfish	River channel bends and creek mouth intersections where baitfish congregate	Deep timber-lined channel edges adjacent to flats
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Points adjacent to deep water drops, especially those with bait schools present	Rocky areas and boulders near deep water ledges in 15-20 foot range
Winter	Crappie	Bridge pilings with deep water access, particularly those with evidence of bait schools	Deep water docks near channel swings or creek arms
Winter	Spotted Bass	Deep main lake points with access to channel breaks, especially those with rock structure	Brush piles and standing timber in 15-25 foot depths near deep water
Winter	Striped Bass	Main lake points with access to deep water, especially those holding bait schools	Channel swings near points where suspended bait balls are present
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points with access to deep water, especially those holding bait schools	Rock transitions near channel edges where 15-30 foot depth changes occur
Winter	Catfish	Deep river channels and creek mouths with depths over 20 feet	Areas where standing timber intersects with deep channel edges

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling in pre-spawn staging areas	Crawfish becoming active in rocky areas and rip rap
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn staging areas	Small minnows in and around brush piles and structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn staging areas	Crawfish becoming more active with warming water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Large schools of threadfin and gizzard shad	Blueback herring in deeper water near points
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools suspending near points	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy in rocky areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools congregating near channel edges and points	Small sunfish and bream near shallow timber
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad (actively spawning in early mornings on hard surfaces)	Crawfish (active in flooded cover areas)
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Minnows	Shad
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Shad schools in spawning pockets
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Large schools of threadfin and gizzard shad	Blueback herring in tributary areas
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Shad schools in transition areas
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools concentrating near channel edges and points	Various sunfish species around shallow wood cover
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad, which multiple recent reports identify as a primary forage	Bluegill, specifically mentioned in reports as an effective pattern
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad schools in post-spawn recovery phase	Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish near brush piles
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools gathering in creek arms and around points	Crawfish active on rocky structure and rip rap
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Shad schools recovering from winter patterns	Herring moving into spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools moving along points and channel edges	Crawfish emerging from rocky structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools beginning to concentrate in post-spawn feeding areas	Small sunfish and bream near shallow structure
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools in deeper water around channel edges and structure	Crawfish in rocky areas and around deeper structure
Summer	Crappie	Shad schools in open water and around structure	Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish near brush
Summer	Spotted Bass	Shad schools in open water and around points	Crawfish in rocky areas
Summer	Striped Bass	Threadfin and Gizzard Shad schooling in large concentrations	Blueback Herring when present, especially during early morning surface feeding
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools suspending near points and channel edges	Crawfish in rocky areas and riprap
Summer	Catfish	Shad schools concentrated near depth changes	Smaller panfish near brush piles and timber
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad (primary forage based on multiple reports)	Perch (mentioned in reports with success on perch-colored crankbaits)
Fall	Crappie	Shad schools concentrating in creek arms and coves	Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish
Fall	Spotted Bass	Shad schools migrating into creeks and coves	Crawfish around rocky structure and rip rap
Fall	Striped Bass	Large schools of threadfin and gizzard shad	Secondary forage fish suspending near bait schools
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools migrating into creek arms	Crawfish relating to rocky structure
Fall	Catfish	Shad schools congregating in deeper water	Sunfish and small baitfish around timber
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Shad, particularly schooling in deeper water near points	Bluegill holding tight to cover in protected areas
Winter	Crappie	Minnows	Shad
Winter	Spotted Bass	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water	Crawfish in rocky areas during warmer afternoon periods
Winter	Striped Bass	Shad (primary winter forage, concentrated in large schools)	Small Baitfish (secondary forage when main shad schools are scattered)
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools concentrated around points and channel edges	Crawfish in rocky areas during warmer winter days
Winter	Catfish	Suspended and concentrated schools of shad in deeper water	Bottom-dwelling prey like small fish and crustaceans

Bait Colors by Season for B Everett Jordan Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Spotted Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Catfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Spotted Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Catfish	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Winter	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Spotted Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Catfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors