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Big Lake Mississippi Pool 4

Published:

Spring Fishing Patterns on Big Lake Mississippi Pool 4

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth Bass58-65
  • Pre-spawn largemouth bass are actively transitioning to shallow staging areas near spawning flats, responding to warming water temperatures in the low 60s
  • Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior on both crawfish and bluegill, particularly around wood cover and flooded brush
  • Laydowns and wood cover adjacent to spawning bays with deep water access
  • Flooded brush in shallow water areas
  • Secondary points leading into spawning coves
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) worked slowly around wood cover
  • Bladed Jigs slow-rolled with speed variations
  • Spinnerbaits worked near shallow cover
  • Crawfish actively moving in warming shallows
  • Bluegill congregating near brush and wood cover
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Smallmouth Bass48-58
  • Smallmouth bass are transitioning to pre-spawn patterns, actively feeding while moving from winter areas to spawning locations, particularly utilizing rip rap areas for their temperature-holding properties
  • Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior in shallow to mid-depth ranges, especially around hard structure, taking advantage of increasing shad activity
  • Rip rap banks, particularly those receiving sun exposure for warmth
  • Rocky points and transition areas near spawning flats
  • Dam structure with hard bottom composition
  • Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked along rip rap and rocky structure
  • Lipless Crankbaits around transition areas
  • Bladed Jigs for stained water conditions
  • Shad gathering in pre-spawn areas
  • Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Panfish / Bluegill55-65
  • Bluegill are transitioning from deeper winter areas to shallow pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning
  • Fish are relating to emerging vegetation and woody cover in 3-8 foot depths, with increased activity during warm afternoon periods
  • Shallow coves with emerging vegetation and woody cover in 3-8 foot depths
  • Secondary points leading into spawning bays with submerged brush or stumps
  • Protected areas near laydowns and flooded brush where water warms quickly
  • Live Bait Rigs with small worms or insects under bobbers, worked slowly around cover
  • Micro Crankbaits worked parallel to emerging weed edges
  • Finesse Hair Jigs worked vertically through brush and wood cover
  • Small insects and larvae becoming active in warming shallows
  • Small crustaceans around woody cover and vegetation
  • Newly hatched fry and smaller baitfish
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Pink Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Northern Pike38-48
  • Pre-spawn Northern Pike are aggressively feeding while staging near spawning areas, making frequent moves between slightly deeper staging areas and shallow spawning zones
  • Fish are more active during daylight hours due to turbid conditions (1.1m Secchi), and are actively pursuing prey along structure edges and in shallow water
  • Shallow bays with emerging vegetation near the dike road edges
  • Laydowns and flooded brush in 2-6 feet of water
  • Distinct edges where deeper water meets shallow flats
  • Spinnerbaits worked parallel to structure edges and through scattered cover
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled near staging areas
  • Inline Spinners retrieved steadily in shallow spawning bays
  • Bluegill concentrated in shallow cover
  • Shad schools moving along structure edges
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth Bass58-65
  • Bass are in spawning mode with water temperatures at 60°F, actively moving between staging areas and spawning flats
  • Fish showing preference for slow presentations as evidenced by success with dead-sticking techniques
  • Laydowns and woody cover in spawning pockets, particularly important as noted in recent fishing reports
  • Protected coves and points with mixed rock and sand bottom for spawning
  • Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water staging areas
  • Ned Rigs worked with dead-stick presentation, proven effective in recent reports
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around laydowns and wood cover
  • Shakey Heads worked slowly on sand and rock transitions
  • Bluegill, as confirmed in recent fishing reports
  • Crawfish becoming active in warming water
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)Smallmouth Bass55-65
  • Smallmouth bass are transitioning to spawning areas, with pre-spawn fish actively feeding and staging near spawning flats
  • Fish are becoming increasingly aggressive as water temperatures rise, particularly around rocky structure and rip rap areas
  • Rocky areas and rip rap near spawning flats
  • Transition areas between deeper water and shallow spawning flats
  • Dam structure offering stable spawning habitat
  • Tubes worked slowly along rocky structure
  • Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') parallel to spawning areas
  • Ned Rigs for pressured fish on spawning flats
  • Crawfish emerging from winter patterns
  • Shad schools in pre-spawn patterns
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)Panfish / Bluegill65-75
  • Actively seeking spawning areas in shallow bays and coves, typically in 2-4 feet of water near vegetation and woody cover
  • Males aggressively guarding nests, making them more likely to strike at small baits that come near their territory
  • Protected shallow bays with mix of vegetation and woody cover
  • Areas near laydowns and flooded brush in 2-4 feet of water
  • Shallow coves with firm bottom near emerging vegetation
  • Bobbers with small jigs suspended 2-3 feet deep
  • Live Bait Rigs with small hooks and light line
  • Micro Crankbaits worked slowly through spawning areas
  • Small insects and larvae
  • Tiny crustaceans
  • Small minnows
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Pink Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)Northern Pike38-52
  • Northern Pike are staging in pre-spawn areas and moving into shallow spawning bays with water temperatures rising. Fish are aggressive and territorial during this period.
  • Due to the turbid water conditions (1.1m Secchi), pike are active during daylight hours and hunting primarily by sight at close range.
  • Shallow bays with flooded brush and matted vegetation near the dike road
  • Edges between deeper water and spawning flats
  • Areas with laydowns and stumps in 2-6 feet of water
  • Spinnerbaits worked slowly along structure edges and through shallow cover
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) retrieved steadily through spawning areas
  • Inline Spinners worked near visible cover and vegetation edges
  • Bluegill concentrated in shallow spawning bays
  • Shad schools moving along structure edges
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth Bass65-72
  • Fish are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy
  • Bass becoming more aggressive but still relating to shallow to mid-depth structure
  • Most active during morning and evening hours, seeking shade during bright periods
  • Secondary points and flats adjacent to spawning areas
  • Laydowns and woody cover in 4-8 foot depth range
  • Emerging weed edges where early summer vegetation is developing
  • Spinnerbaits worked parallel to developing weed edges
  • Texas Rigs (Worming) around laydowns and woody cover
  • Swim Jigs through sparse vegetation
  • Bluegill gathering in shallow areas near developing vegetation
  • Crawfish active in areas with woody cover
  • Small baitfish moving into warming shallows
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Smallmouth Bass58-68
  • Smallmouth bass are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding on crawfish around rocky structure
  • Fish are becoming more aggressive in their feeding habits as they recover from the spawn, particularly during morning and evening periods
  • Rocky shorelines with boulder structure in 4-8 foot depth range
  • Secondary points with mixed rock and gravel
  • Dam structure areas with riprap
  • Wacky Rigs worked slowly along rocky structure
  • Ned Rigs dragged through boulder fields
  • Tubes bounced along rocky areas
  • Crawfish emerging from rocky areas
  • Shad schools around points and dam structure
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)Panfish / Bluegill60-68
  • Post-spawn bluegill are actively feeding in shallow to mid-depth zones, recovering energy and seeking abundant food sources near vegetation and woody cover
  • Fish are establishing daily patterns moving between feeding areas and resting spots, with peak activity during morning and evening hours
  • Edges of vegetation patches in 3-6 foot depths, especially near woody cover
  • Shallow coves with mixed vegetation and brush
  • Secondary points with submerged vegetation adjacent to slightly deeper water
  • Live Bait Rigs worked slowly near vegetation edges
  • Bobbers with small jigs suspended at 2-4 feet
  • Inline Spinners retrieved steadily through vegetation gaps
  • Small insects and larvae emerging in warming waters
  • Small crustaceans active in vegetation
  • Newly hatched minnows starting to appear
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Pink Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)Northern Pike52-65
  • Northern Pike are actively feeding in post-spawn period, utilizing ambush points along structural edges and stumps
  • Pike are hunting in the mid-water column around defined edges, particularly during daylight hours due to turbid conditions
  • Edges and stumps along the dike road
  • Shallow bays with emerging vegetation
  • Points and irregular shoreline features that create ambush zones
  • Spinnerbaits worked along structure edges
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) parallel to ambush points
  • Hard Jerkbaits worked around stump fields
  • Bluegill in shallow areas
  • Shad schools along structure edges
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Vibrant Craw Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
SummerLargemouth Bass75-85
  • Bass are seeking shade and cooler water under matted vegetation and lily pads during hot summer conditions
  • Fish are actively ambushing prey from covered positions, particularly during early morning and evening hours
  • Matted duckweed and lily pad fields, especially in cuts and channels along the Dike Road
  • Shaded areas with dense surface vegetation near deeper water access
  • Protected coves with vegetation, taking advantage of the complex shoreline
  • Frogs/Toads worked across matted vegetation
  • Swim Jigs through gaps in vegetation and along edges
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) into holes in vegetation and heavy cover
  • Frogs and other surface-dwelling prey
  • Bluegill relating to vegetation
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
SummerSmallmouth Bass72-78
  • Summer pattern smallmouth becoming less aggressive in warm water (75°F), preferring slower presentations around structure
  • Fish utilizing both shallow and mid-depth ranges, with tendency toward deeper water during peak daytime temperatures
  • Rock piles in 7-12 foot depth range, particularly those near deeper water access
  • Dam structure, especially during periods requiring slower presentations
  • Rocky points and transitions where current or depth changes occur
  • Ned Rigs worked slowly with deadstick pauses
  • Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked along rock structure
  • Drop Shot with subtle movements in deeper structure areas
  • Crawfish in rocky areas
  • Small baitfish relating to structure
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Bold Striped Patterns
SummerPanfish / Bluegill68-75
  • Bluegill are actively feeding in and around shallow vegetation and woody cover, particularly during early morning and evening hours
  • During midday heat, fish move slightly deeper into matted vegetation edges or under docks for shade while still maintaining feeding activity
  • Matted vegetation edges and pockets, especially near deeper water access
  • Submerged brush and laydowns in 3-6 feet of water
  • Dock areas with adjacent vegetation
  • Bobbers with light jigs worked around vegetation edges
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') near brush and dock posts
  • Live Bait Rigs with small weights for precise presentation in cover
  • Aquatic insects and larvae around vegetation
  • Small crustaceans in woody cover
  • Zooplankton in open water pockets
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
SummerNorthern Pike68-82
  • Northern Pike will be relating to dense vegetation edges and laydowns, particularly during early morning and evening hours when water temperatures peak
  • Fish are likely to suspend near the outer edges of weed growth, ambushing prey from these positions throughout the day
  • Weed edges along the dike road, especially where stumps provide additional ambush points
  • Matted vegetation patches adjacent to deeper water
  • Flooded brush areas with nearby access to deeper water
  • Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges and structure lines
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled through gaps in vegetation
  • Buzzbaits early morning and evening over vegetation
  • Bluegill concentrating around vegetation
  • Shad schools relating to structure edges
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Big Lake Mississippi Pool 4

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
FallLargemouth Bass52-68
  • Actively feeding on baitfish and crawfish, following forage to shallow flats and creek arms as water cools
  • Moving between deep and shallow water throughout the day, with most aggressive feeding during low-light periods
  • Main lake points adjacent to deeper water
  • Shallow flats with remaining vegetation near creek channels
  • Laydowns and woody cover in 3-8 feet of water
  • Spinnerbaits worked along vegetation edges and through scattered cover
  • Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') parallel to shoreline structure
  • Texas Rigs (Worming) around wood cover and vegetation
  • Bluegill congregating near remaining vegetation
  • Crawfish active on hard bottom areas
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Chartreuse Colors
FallSmallmouth Bass52-65
  • Actively feeding on baitfish and crawfish to build energy reserves for winter, with increased aggressiveness during feeding windows
  • Following baitfish schools to slightly deeper water, particularly near channel edges and dam structure
  • Rocky points and riprap areas adjacent to deeper water
  • Dam structure and nearby channel edges
  • Mid-depth boulder fields in 8-15 feet of water
  • Blade Baits worked with aggressive hops near bottom structure
  • Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked parallel to depth changes
  • Tubes dragged and hopped through rocky areas
  • Shad schools moving to deeper water
  • Crawfish still active in rocky areas
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
FallPanfish / Bluegill55-65
  • Bluegill transitioning from summer vegetation patterns to deeper, more concentrated schools around structure
  • Actively feeding to build reserves for winter, with most aggressive feeding during warmer portions of day
  • Showing preference for areas with remaining green vegetation and woody cover that provides both shelter and feeding opportunities
  • Deep edges of vegetation lines, especially near woody cover
  • Brush piles and laydowns in 8-15 foot depth range
  • Protected coves with remaining green vegetation
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9')
  • Live Bait Rigs
  • Bobbers
  • Small insects and larvae around remaining vegetation
  • Small crustaceans near woody cover
  • Tiny baitfish in schools
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Pink Colors
FallNorthern Pike52-65
  • Pike are actively feeding to build up reserves for winter, following baitfish schools and ambushing prey along structure edges
  • Fish are moving between shallow feeding areas and deeper staging zones as water temperatures fluctuate
  • Edges of the dike road where deep water meets shallow areas
  • Remaining patches of vegetation adjacent to deeper water
  • Points and irregularities in the complex shoreline where baitfish school
  • Spinnerbaits worked along structure edges and through remaining vegetation
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled near depth changes
  • Hard Jerkbaits with longer pauses to trigger reaction strikes
  • Bluegill congregating in remaining vegetation
  • Shad schools moving along structure edges
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
WinterPanfish / Bluegill45-55
  • Bluegill are suspending near submerged wood and brush, typically in schools, moving less but actively feeding during prime daylight hours
  • Fish are feeding more selectively and methodically due to slower metabolism in cooler water
  • Submerged brush piles and laydowns in 8-15 foot depth range
  • Deep edges of vegetation that hasn't fully died back
  • Protected coves with woody structure
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9')
  • Drop Shot
  • Live Bait Rigs
  • Small aquatic insects
  • Tiny crustaceans
  • Small minnows
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Pink Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
WinterNorthern Pike42-52
  • Pike are actively feeding in the late open water season, moving between mid-depth edges and shallow flats pursuing baitfish schools
  • Fish are exhibiting aggressive chase behavior, particularly during low-light periods, taking advantage of the turbid water conditions
  • Dike road edges where stumps and structure create ambush points
  • Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water, especially near remaining vegetation
  • Points and irregular shoreline features where baitfish schools concentrate
  • Spinnerbaits worked along structure edges and through baitfish schools
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled near depth transitions
  • Lipless Crankbaits worked through mid-depth zones where baitfish are present
  • Shad schools concentrating near structure
  • Bluegill holding near remaining vegetation and cover
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
IcePanfish / Bluegill32-39
  • Bluegill are congregating in and around submerged vegetation, feeding primarily on small aquatic insects
  • Due to the turbid water conditions (1.1m clarity), fish are staying in relatively shallow zones where light penetration allows them to see their prey
  • Submerged vegetation beds in 4-8 foot depth range
  • Transitions between vegetation and woody cover areas
  • Protected coves with remaining green vegetation
  • Ice Fishing Jigs worked slowly with micro movements near vegetation
  • Finesse Jigs tipped with live bait or soft plastics
  • Ice Fishing Spoons for more aggressive fish
  • Small aquatic insects and larvae
  • Zooplankton
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Pink Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
IceNorthern Pike33-38
  • Northern Pike concentrate near structure in predictable locations during ice season, often relating to the deeper edges of shallow flats where they can ambush prey
  • With turbid water conditions (1.1m Secchi), pike remain active during daylight hours, making them more catchable throughout the day
  • Edges along the dike road where stumps provide ambush points
  • Transitions between shallow flats and deeper water
  • Areas with concentrated laydowns and flooded brush
  • Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned at various depths near structure
  • Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes
  • Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows for a more subtle presentation
  • Bluegill congregating in winter schools
  • Shad concentrated in deeper water
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Big Lake Mississippi Pool 4

SeasonSpeciesPrimary StructureSecondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth BassLaydowns and wood cover adjacent to spawning bays with deep water accessFlooded brush in shallow water areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Smallmouth BassRip rap banks, particularly those receiving sun exposure for warmthRocky points and transition areas near spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Panfish / BluegillShallow coves with emerging vegetation and woody cover in 3-8 foot depthsSecondary points leading into spawning bays with submerged brush or stumps
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Northern PikeShallow bays with emerging vegetation near the dike road edgesLaydowns and flooded brush in 2-6 feet of water
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth BassLaydowns and woody cover in spawning pockets, particularly important as noted in recent fishing reportsProtected coves and points with mixed rock and sand bottom for spawning
Spring (Spawn)Smallmouth BassRocky areas and rip rap near spawning flatsTransition areas between deeper water and shallow spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)Panfish / BluegillProtected shallow bays with mix of vegetation and woody coverAreas near laydowns and flooded brush in 2-4 feet of water
Spring (Spawn)Northern PikeShallow bays with flooded brush and matted vegetation near the dike roadEdges between deeper water and spawning flats
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth BassSecondary points and flats adjacent to spawning areasLaydowns and woody cover in 4-8 foot depth range
Spring (Post-Spawn)Smallmouth BassRocky shorelines with boulder structure in 4-8 foot depth rangeSecondary points with mixed rock and gravel
Spring (Post-Spawn)Panfish / BluegillEdges of vegetation patches in 3-6 foot depths, especially near woody coverShallow coves with mixed vegetation and brush
Spring (Post-Spawn)Northern PikeEdges and stumps along the dike roadShallow bays with emerging vegetation
SummerLargemouth BassMatted duckweed and lily pad fields, especially in cuts and channels along the Dike RoadShaded areas with dense surface vegetation near deeper water access
SummerSmallmouth BassRock piles in 7-12 foot depth range, particularly those near deeper water accessDam structure, especially during periods requiring slower presentations
SummerPanfish / BluegillMatted vegetation edges and pockets, especially near deeper water accessSubmerged brush and laydowns in 3-6 feet of water
SummerNorthern PikeWeed edges along the dike road, especially where stumps provide additional ambush pointsMatted vegetation patches adjacent to deeper water
FallLargemouth BassMain lake points adjacent to deeper waterShallow flats with remaining vegetation near creek channels
FallSmallmouth BassRocky points and riprap areas adjacent to deeper waterDam structure and nearby channel edges
FallPanfish / BluegillDeep edges of vegetation lines, especially near woody coverBrush piles and laydowns in 8-15 foot depth range
FallNorthern PikeEdges of the dike road where deep water meets shallow areasRemaining patches of vegetation adjacent to deeper water
WinterPanfish / BluegillSubmerged brush piles and laydowns in 8-15 foot depth rangeDeep edges of vegetation that hasn't fully died back
WinterNorthern PikeDike road edges where stumps and structure create ambush pointsShallow flats adjacent to deeper water, especially near remaining vegetation
IcePanfish / BluegillSubmerged vegetation beds in 4-8 foot depth rangeTransitions between vegetation and woody cover areas
IceNorthern PikeEdges along the dike road where stumps provide ambush pointsTransitions between shallow flats and deeper water

Primary Forage by Season

SeasonSpeciesPrimary ForageSecondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth BassCrawfish actively moving in warming shallowsBluegill congregating near brush and wood cover
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Smallmouth BassShad gathering in pre-spawn areasCrawfish becoming more active in rocky areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Panfish / BluegillSmall insects and larvae becoming active in warming shallowsSmall crustaceans around woody cover and vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Northern PikeBluegill concentrated in shallow coverShad schools moving along structure edges
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth BassBluegill, as confirmed in recent fishing reportsCrawfish becoming active in warming water
Spring (Spawn)Smallmouth BassCrawfish emerging from winter patternsShad schools in pre-spawn patterns
Spring (Spawn)Panfish / BluegillSmall insects and larvaeTiny crustaceans
Spring (Spawn)Northern PikeBluegill concentrated in shallow spawning baysShad schools moving along structure edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth BassBluegill gathering in shallow areas near developing vegetationCrawfish active in areas with woody cover
Spring (Post-Spawn)Smallmouth BassCrawfish emerging from rocky areasShad schools around points and dam structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)Panfish / BluegillSmall insects and larvae emerging in warming watersSmall crustaceans active in vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)Northern PikeBluegill in shallow areasShad schools along structure edges
SummerLargemouth BassFrogs and other surface-dwelling preyBluegill relating to vegetation
SummerSmallmouth BassCrawfish in rocky areasSmall baitfish relating to structure
SummerPanfish / BluegillAquatic insects and larvae around vegetationSmall crustaceans in woody cover
SummerNorthern PikeBluegill concentrating around vegetationShad schools relating to structure edges
FallLargemouth BassBluegill congregating near remaining vegetationCrawfish active on hard bottom areas
FallSmallmouth BassShad schools moving to deeper waterCrawfish still active in rocky areas
FallPanfish / BluegillSmall insects and larvae around remaining vegetationSmall crustaceans near woody cover
FallNorthern PikeBluegill congregating in remaining vegetationShad schools moving along structure edges
WinterPanfish / BluegillSmall aquatic insectsTiny crustaceans
WinterNorthern PikeShad schools concentrating near structureBluegill holding near remaining vegetation and cover
IcePanfish / BluegillSmall aquatic insects and larvaeZooplankton
IceNorthern PikeBluegill congregating in winter schoolsShad concentrated in deeper water

Bait Colors by Season for Big Lake Mississippi Pool 4

SeasonSpeciesBait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Smallmouth Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Panfish / Bluegill
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Pink Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Northern Pike
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)Smallmouth Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)Panfish / Bluegill
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Pink Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)Northern Pike
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Smallmouth Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)Panfish / Bluegill
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Pink Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)Northern Pike
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
SummerLargemouth Bass
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
SummerSmallmouth Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Bold Striped Patterns
SummerPanfish / Bluegill
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
SummerNorthern Pike
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
FallLargemouth Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Chartreuse Colors
FallSmallmouth Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
FallPanfish / Bluegill
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Pink Colors
FallNorthern Pike
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
WinterPanfish / Bluegill
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Pink Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
WinterNorthern Pike
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
IcePanfish / Bluegill
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Pink Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
IceNorthern Pike
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals