How to Fish Beltzville Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

Beltzville Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Apr 30, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Beltzville Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	50-68	Smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter locations to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are moving along migration routes between deep wintering areas and shallow spawning flats, using points as primary staging locations	Main lake points with rock and sand near deep water access Secondary points in major creek arms with mixed rock and gravel Steep banks with rock transitions adjacent to spawning flats	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with slow, steady retrieve along point contours Drop Shot worked methodically on point breaks and transitions Ned Rigs dragged slowly on rocky points and transition areas	Alewives gathering in pre-spawn groups Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	50-68	Largemouth bass are in pre-spawn staging mode, actively feeding while holding near spawning areas. Fish are relating heavily to woody cover in preparation for spawning. Bass are becoming more active with warming temperatures, showing increased feeding activity particularly around laydowns and other shoreline structure.	Laydowns and woody cover in pre-spawn staging areas Points with rock and sand near deep water Protected coves with complex shoreline structure	Ned Rigs worked slowly around laydowns Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with deliberate retrieves Drop Shot targeting bass holding near vertical structure	Perch Minnows Alewives	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	52-62	Panfish are actively feeding in pre-spawn staging areas, responding well to vertical presentations as evidenced by recent success with trout magnets Fish are utilizing mid-depth zones (10-19 feet) and relating to structure, showing typical pre-spawn transitional behavior	Stump fields in 10-19 foot depth range, where recent catches have been reported Areas near emerging grass clumps, which provide early season cover and feeding zones Ledges with mixed stumps and rocks, offering pre-spawn staging areas	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), which has proven effective in recent reports Bobbers, particularly effective for targeting shallow warming areas Micro Crankbaits, effective for covering water to locate active fish	Small insects and larvae, primary forage during early spring Alewives, which reports indicate are present in the system Emerging aquatic invertebrates near new vegetation growth	Warm Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Pre-spawn walleye are transitioning from winter patterns to spawning areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are most active during low-light periods, especially with the moderate clarity (2.7m Secchi), and will stage near spawning areas	Rocky points and ledges adjacent to potential spawning areas Transition areas between 15-25 foot depths with stumps and rock structure Shallow gravel or rock areas that will warm first in spring	Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom transitions Live Bait Rigs with minnows near structure Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around staging areas	Alewives in pre-spawn staging areas Small baitfish congregating near warming shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	50-68	Smallmouth bass are transitioning from pre-spawn to spawning behavior, moving from deeper staging areas to shallow nesting sites on hard bottom areas Males are actively guarding nests while females move between spawning flats and adjacent deeper water Feeding activity is aggressive during pre-spawn, becoming more territorial during actual spawning	Rocky points and flats near deep water access, particularly those with gravel or small rock substrate Protected coves with hard bottom composition, especially those with morning sun exposure Secondary points with gradual slopes leading to spawning flats	Tubes worked slowly along rocky points and spawning flats Ned Rigs presented with subtle movements around potential nest sites Soft Jerkbaits for aggressive pre-spawn fish	Alewives moving into shallow areas Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters Small perch in shallow rocky areas	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Actively seeking spawning areas in protected coves and shallow flats, particularly near laydowns and other cover Males guarding nests while females stage in slightly deeper water near spawning flats Feeding opportunities primarily during early morning and evening, with less activity during peak spawning	Protected coves with laydowns and stumps in 2-4 foot depth Secondary points leading into spawning bays Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water with mix of rock and sand bottom	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around visible cover and bedding areas Wacky Rigs worked slowly in spawning flats Soft Jerkbaits for cruising pre-spawners	Bluegill in shallow spawning areas Perch relating to laydowns and woody cover Alewives in slightly deeper staging areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	62-75	Bluegill actively moving into shallow spawning areas near stumps and grass clumps, establishing and guarding nests Feeding activity increases in pre-spawn, with fish targeting small invertebrates and baitfish near emerging vegetation	Shallow coves with stumps and emerging grass in 2-6 feet of water Protected bays with firm bottom near shoreline structure Secondary points leading into spawning bays with mixed vegetation	Bobbers with light jigs worked slowly around spawning areas Live Bait Rigs near emerging vegetation Micro Crankbaits worked parallel to shoreline structure	Small invertebrates near emerging vegetation Young-of-year alewives in shallow areas Aquatic insects around grass clumps	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Walleye are transitioning to spawning areas, moving from winter depths to shallow rocky areas and tributaries Most active during dawn and dusk, with increased daytime activity due to spring spawn urgency Post-spawn fish stage on nearby drop-offs and points to recover before dispersing to summer patterns	Rocky points and shorelines with gravel substrate for spawning Adjacent drop-offs in 15-25 foot range for staging Areas near tributary inflows where present	Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom near spawning areas Live Bait Rigs with minnows for post-spawn fish Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with hair jigs during active spawn	Alewives gathering in pre-spawn areas Small minnows in shallow spawning areas Juvenile perch near vegetated areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	50-68	Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding to recover energy, transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper summer locations Fish are chasing baitfish schools in 10-16 foot depth range, with reports showing aggressive feeding on alewife schools	Points with rock and sand near deep water drop-offs Offshore humps with bait balls present Grass clumps in intermediate depths	Drop Shot with finesse presentations when fish are less aggressive Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) when fish are actively chasing bait Tubes worked along rock-to-sand transition areas	Alewife (primary forage based on multiple reports) Bluegill (secondary forage mentioned in reports)	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-72	Post-spawn bass are actively recovering and feeding, transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns Fish are utilizing both shallow cover and nearby deep-water access points, making frequent moves between feeding zones	Secondary points with a mix of rock and sand near spawning pockets Laydowns and woody cover in 5-15 foot depth range Early-growing hydrilla patches near deeper water access	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked parallel to transition areas Texas Rigs (Worming) dragged through emerging vegetation Shakey Heads worked around points and laydowns	Alewives moving into post-spawn feeding areas Bluegill beginning to establish summer patterns Young of year baitfish becoming more active	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Post-spawn bluegill are actively feeding and establishing summer patterns, moving between shallow cover and adjacent deeper water Fish are primarily sight-feeding in the moderate clarity water, relating strongly to emerging vegetation and woody cover	Grass clump edges in 5-8 feet of water near deeper water access Stump fields adjacent to spawning flats in 8-12 feet Ledges with mixed rock and wood structure in 10-15 feet	Bobbers with lightweight jigs suspended near grass edges and over stumps Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around emerging vegetation Live Bait Rigs with small leeches or worms near structure	Small insects and larvae around emerging vegetation Young-of-year alewives in open water Aquatic invertebrates near bottom structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	50-68	Post-spawn walleye recovering from spawn are actively feeding but remain light-sensitive, moving shallow during low-light periods and retreating to deeper water during bright conditions Fish are following baitfish schools, particularly alewives, and utilizing structure as ambush points	Ledges with stumps and rocks in 15-25 foot range, especially near spawning areas Hydrilla-covered ledges providing ambush points Points and irregular shoreline features with access to both shallow and deep water	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along ledges and structure transitions Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) mimicking alewife movements Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') during daylight hours Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') during evening hours	Alewives - primary forage base noted in reports Young of year panfish beginning to emerge Emerging invertebrates in warming waters	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	68-82	Actively feeding on ledges and deep structure during summer, with aggressive pursuit of baitfish schools (alewives) noted in fishing reports Utilizing mixed habitat zones where stumps, rocks, and hydrilla provide ambush points near deeper water	Ledges with mixed structure (stumps, rocks, and hydrilla) - confirmed by recent fishing reports Deep water access points near significant structure Points with hard bottom composition near deep water	Drop Shot - specifically mentioned in recent success reports Ned Rigs - proven effective on ledge tops per recent reports Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) - effective for active fish on ledges	Alewife - primary forage confirmed in recent fishing reports Crawfish - likely present in rocky areas and ledges	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-85	Bass are establishing summer patterns, relating heavily to points and deeper structure following post-spawn. They are actively feeding on shad, particularly during early morning and evening periods Fish are showing pressure sensitivity, suggesting they may be moving between primary and secondary points throughout the day	Main lake points with access to deep water, especially those with mixed rock and sand composition Ledges with stumps, rocks and hydrilla in 15-25 foot range Secondary points with shade during high-pressure periods	Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked along point transitions Football Jigs dragged through deeper structure Carolina Rigs worked slowly across ledges with vegetation	Shad schools relating to points and deeper structure Alewife in 15-25 foot depth range Bluegill around vegetation edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	72-85	Actively feeding in and around submerged vegetation (hydrilla) and woody structure during early morning and evening hours Establishing colony beds in 8-15 foot depths near ledges with mixed stumps, taking advantage of abundant forage Moving between shallow vegetation and deeper structure throughout the day based on temperature and light conditions	Hydrilla edges in 8-12 foot depths near ledges Stump fields adjacent to deeper water Grass clump clusters in 6-10 foot range	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around deeper vegetation edges Live Bait Rigs with small crickets or worms near structure Bobbers with suspended baits over grass clumps	Small alewives around vegetation edges Aquatic insects in hydrilla beds Invertebrates around stumps and rocky areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Walleye	68-78	Moving shallow during evening hours to feed actively on alewife schools near shoreline structure Holding in deeper water during bright daylight hours due to moderate water clarity (2.7m Secchi) Utilizing boulder and ledge areas as staging points between deep and shallow movements	Shallow boulder fields near shoreline during low light periods Ledges with hydrilla in 15-25 foot range during day Points and irregular shoreline features where baitfish concentrate	Umbrella Rigs worked parallel to shoreline structure Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for more subtle approach Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') during daytime hours	Alewife (primary forage confirmed in reports) Young of year baitfish in shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Beltzville Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	58-72	Fish are actively feeding on shad in upper water column, taking advantage of fall baitfish migrations Smallmouth bass are schooling and corralling baitfish near surface, particularly during low light periods	Main lake points with rock and sand near deep water access Areas with active baitfish schools in 15-25 foot range Ledges with stumps and rocks adjacent to deeper water	Hard Topwater (Prop) - matching the recent successful reports Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) - to match prevalent shad forage Drop Shot - effective when fish move deeper during bright conditions	Shad - primary forage based on recent reports Alewives - noted as significant forage base in lake profile	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Actively following and feeding on alewife schools in 15-25 foot depth range, with fish beginning to transition shallower as temperatures drop Starting to exhibit increased feeding activity ('putting their fall feed bag on') in preparation for winter	Areas where alewife schools are congregating in 15-25 foot depth range Points and transition areas near deep water access Secondary points and coves where baitfish are migrating	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked at various depths to match baitfish movement Drop Shot with finesse presentations for pressured fish Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') along points and transitions	Alewife schools - primary forage currently Perch - secondary forage option Shad - tertiary forage as they school up for fall	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	55-68	Bluegill are transitioning to deeper water, congregating around structured areas in 10-19' depth range as water cools Feeding activity intensifies during warm afternoons, particularly around baitfish schools and remaining vegetation	Deep ledges with mixed stumps and rocks in 10-19 foot range Deeper edges of hydrilla beds that haven't fully died off Points and drop-offs where baitfish schools congregate	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Drop Shot Hover/Mid-Strolling	Alewives schooling in mid-depth ranges Small invertebrates around remaining vegetation Juvenile baitfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	Walleye	52-65	Walleye are actively following alewife schools as they migrate to deeper water, with increased feeding activity during overcast days and dawn/dusk periods Fish are staging near deep structure adjacent to shallow feeding areas, moving up to feed during low light conditions	Deep ledges with stumps near 15-25 foot breaks, especially those adjacent to shallow feeding flats Points with hydrilla that extend into deeper water, creating ambush locations Deep structural elements near coves where baitfish schools congregate	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Alewives schooling in deeper water Small panfish relating to vegetation edges Juvenile baitfish congregating near structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	38-45	Smallmouth bass concentrate in deeper wintering holes near main lake points and ledges, typically suspending in 15-25 foot range following alewife schools Fish become more lethargic but will still feed actively during warming trends, especially during midday periods when water temperatures peak	Deep main lake points with rock and stumps adjacent to deep water access Ledges with vertical structure in 15-25 foot range near baitfish schools Deep water areas with hydrilla edges that maintain green growth	Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended baitfish schools Drop Shot with small profile baits worked slowly near bottom structure Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with methodical lift-and-drop presentation	Alewives schooling in open water and around structure Smaller baitfish relating to deeper vegetation edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Largemouth Bass	38-45	During open water winter, largemouth bass become less active and typically suspend near deep structure, making slow, methodical presentations necessary Bass tend to school more tightly in winter and feed opportunistically during warming trends, especially around baitfish concentrations	Deep points and ledges near the 15-25 foot range where alewives concentrate Rock-to-sand transition areas with nearby deep water access Deeper sections of stump fields and woody cover adjacent to channel edges	Blade Baits worked slowly through suspended fish Drop Shot with small profile baits near bottom structure Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly through baitfish schools	Alewives concentrating in 15-25 foot depth range Small perch relating to deep structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	45-55	Suspending near baitfish schools in mid-depth zones, particularly around the 10-19' range where alewife schools concentrate Maintaining active feeding patterns in open water, with peak activity during stable weather conditions	Ledges with mixed stumps and rocks in the 10-19 foot depth range Deep water adjacent to remaining vegetation edges Areas where baitfish schools are concentrated, particularly near structure	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Ice Fishing Jigs Damiki Rig	Alewives Small invertebrates	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Walleye	38-45	Walleye will be concentrated near deeper structure, particularly along ledges and stumps in the 15-25 foot range where baitfish are present Fish become more active during low-light periods, moving up slightly shallower to feed on concentrated schools of alewives	Deep ledges with stumps in 15-25 foot range, especially near baitfish schools Steep breaks adjacent to points where alewives concentrate Deep structure near hydrilla-covered ledges where baitfish seek winter refuge	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Alewives concentrated in schools near structure Small baitfish utilizing hydrilla edges for winter cover	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Beltzville Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points with rock and sand near deep water access	Secondary points in major creek arms with mixed rock and gravel
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Laydowns and woody cover in pre-spawn staging areas	Points with rock and sand near deep water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Stump fields in 10-19 foot depth range, where recent catches have been reported	Areas near emerging grass clumps, which provide early season cover and feeding zones
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points and ledges adjacent to potential spawning areas	Transition areas between 15-25 foot depths with stumps and rock structure
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and flats near deep water access, particularly those with gravel or small rock substrate	Protected coves with hard bottom composition, especially those with morning sun exposure
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected coves with laydowns and stumps in 2-4 foot depth	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Shallow coves with stumps and emerging grass in 2-6 feet of water	Protected bays with firm bottom near shoreline structure
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points and shorelines with gravel substrate for spawning	Adjacent drop-offs in 15-25 foot range for staging
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Points with rock and sand near deep water drop-offs	Offshore humps with bait balls present
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points with a mix of rock and sand near spawning pockets	Laydowns and woody cover in 5-15 foot depth range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Grass clump edges in 5-8 feet of water near deeper water access	Stump fields adjacent to spawning flats in 8-12 feet
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Ledges with stumps and rocks in 15-25 foot range, especially near spawning areas	Hydrilla-covered ledges providing ambush points
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Ledges with mixed structure (stumps, rocks, and hydrilla) - confirmed by recent fishing reports	Deep water access points near significant structure
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points with access to deep water, especially those with mixed rock and sand composition	Ledges with stumps, rocks and hydrilla in 15-25 foot range
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Hydrilla edges in 8-12 foot depths near ledges	Stump fields adjacent to deeper water
Summer	Walleye	Shallow boulder fields near shoreline during low light periods	Ledges with hydrilla in 15-25 foot range during day
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points with rock and sand near deep water access	Areas with active baitfish schools in 15-25 foot range
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Areas where alewife schools are congregating in 15-25 foot depth range	Points and transition areas near deep water access
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep ledges with mixed stumps and rocks in 10-19 foot range	Deeper edges of hydrilla beds that haven't fully died off
Fall	Walleye	Deep ledges with stumps near 15-25 foot breaks, especially those adjacent to shallow feeding flats	Points with hydrilla that extend into deeper water, creating ambush locations
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Deep main lake points with rock and stumps adjacent to deep water access	Ledges with vertical structure in 15-25 foot range near baitfish schools
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Deep points and ledges near the 15-25 foot range where alewives concentrate	Rock-to-sand transition areas with nearby deep water access
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Ledges with mixed stumps and rocks in the 10-19 foot depth range	Deep water adjacent to remaining vegetation edges
Winter	Walleye	Deep ledges with stumps in 15-25 foot range, especially near baitfish schools	Steep breaks adjacent to points where alewives concentrate

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Alewives gathering in pre-spawn groups	Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Perch	Minnows
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae, primary forage during early spring	Alewives, which reports indicate are present in the system
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Alewives in pre-spawn staging areas	Small baitfish congregating near warming shallows
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Alewives moving into shallow areas	Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in shallow spawning areas	Perch relating to laydowns and woody cover
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small invertebrates near emerging vegetation	Young-of-year alewives in shallow areas
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Alewives gathering in pre-spawn areas	Small minnows in shallow spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Alewife (primary forage based on multiple reports)	Bluegill (secondary forage mentioned in reports)
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Alewives moving into post-spawn feeding areas	Bluegill beginning to establish summer patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae around emerging vegetation	Young-of-year alewives in open water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Alewives - primary forage base noted in reports	Young of year panfish beginning to emerge
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Alewife - primary forage confirmed in recent fishing reports	Crawfish - likely present in rocky areas and ledges
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools relating to points and deeper structure	Alewife in 15-25 foot depth range
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Small alewives around vegetation edges	Aquatic insects in hydrilla beds
Summer	Walleye	Alewife (primary forage confirmed in reports)	Young of year baitfish in shallows
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Shad - primary forage based on recent reports	Alewives - noted as significant forage base in lake profile
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Alewife schools - primary forage currently	Perch - secondary forage option
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Alewives schooling in mid-depth ranges	Small invertebrates around remaining vegetation
Fall	Walleye	Alewives schooling in deeper water	Small panfish relating to vegetation edges
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Alewives schooling in open water and around structure	Smaller baitfish relating to deeper vegetation edges
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Alewives concentrating in 15-25 foot depth range	Small perch relating to deep structure
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Alewives	Small invertebrates
Winter	Walleye	Alewives concentrated in schools near structure	Small baitfish utilizing hydrilla edges for winter cover

Bait Colors by Season for Beltzville Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Warm Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors