How to Fish Big Marine Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

Big Marine Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 29, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Big Marine Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Staging in pre-spawn areas near shallow flats and spawning bays, actively feeding but not yet on beds as water temperatures reach mid-60s Moving between deeper staging areas and shallow feeding zones, particularly active during warmer parts of the day	Shallow flats and spawning bays with emerging vegetation Docks adjacent to spawning areas Deep weed edges serving as staging areas	Frogs/Toads worked slowly over emerging vegetation Finesse Jigs worked around docks and vegetation edges Wacky Rigs for pressured fish in clearer water	Bluegill gathering in shallow spawning areas Small baitfish moving into warmer shallow water	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	42-52	Pre-spawn pike are aggressively feeding in shallow areas, particularly around emerging vegetation and warming bays Fish are moving from winter deep-water areas to spawning grounds, staging in transitional areas near spawning sites Most active during daylight hours when shallow waters warm, especially in afternoon	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 3-8 feet of water Points and inside turns leading to spawning bays Submerged vegetation edges near deeper water access	Spinnerbaits worked slowly through emerging vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve near vegetation edges Lipless Crankbaits worked through sparse vegetation	Yellow Perch gathering in pre-spawn areas Bluegills in emerging weed growth Small Pike and other baitfish in warming shallows	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	52-62	Pre-spawn bluegills transitioning to shallower waters, congregating near emerging vegetation in preparation for spawning season Feeding activity increasing but still deliberate, with fish preferring slow-moving presentations as evidenced by recent fishing reports	Submerged vegetation in 5-8 foot range, particularly emerging cabbage beds Protected bays with pencil reeds in 4-6 foot depths Transition areas between shallow flats and deeper water with vegetation	Bobbers with small jigs suspended 18 inches deep, using extremely slow retrieves with occasional pauses Micro Crankbaits worked slowly through vegetation edges Ice Fishing Jigs worked vertically near vegetation	Small aquatic insects emerging in warming waters Small invertebrates in vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	48-58	Staging in slightly deeper water (6-10 feet) adjacent to spawning areas, actively feeding during warming trends Moving between deeper staging areas and shallow spawning zones based on daily temperature fluctuations	Deeper edges of pencil reed beds in 6-8 foot depths Cabbage bed edges transitioning from 4-6 feet to deeper water Protected coves with emerging vegetation	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Bobbers	Small bluegills Juvenile perch Aquatic insects	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Bass are in spawning mode, moving shallow and preparing beds near docks and shallow vegetation with firm bottom composition Fish are actively patrolling shallow areas and showing increased aggression towards smaller prey around protective cover	Docks with adjacent shallow vegetation in 3-6 foot depth range Protected shallow bays with firm bottom and emerging vegetation Secondary points leading into spawning bays with mixed vegetation	Structure Jigs skipped under docks, worked slowly along edges Wacky Rigs worked slowly in open pockets between vegetation Soft Jerkbaits worked with long pauses around spawning areas	Bluegill gathering in shallow spawning areas Small baitfish moving shallow with warming temperatures	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	45-65	Pike are actively moving into shallow spawning areas and staging around submerged vegetation in pre/post spawn phases Fish are responding well to slow-moving baits near bottom and showing aggressive behavior in stained water conditions	Submerged vegetation beds in 5-14 feet of water Protected coves and bays with emerging vegetation Points and shoreline areas adjacent to spawning bays	Swim Jigs worked slowly along weed edges Spinnerbaits parallel to vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with slow, steady retrieves	Yellow Perch Bluegills	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Actively spawning and defending nests in shallow protected areas, typically 2-6 feet deep, with males guarding nests and females staging nearby Most aggressive during early morning and evening hours, with males being particularly defensive of nesting sites Moving between staging areas and spawning zones as water temperatures stabilize	Pencil reeds and cabbage beds in 4-6 feet of water, especially in protected bays Shallow vegetation edges near harder bottom areas Protected areas between docks where spawning beds are established	Bobbers with small jigs suspended 2-4 feet deep Live Bait Rigs worked slowly through spawning areas Finesse Hair Jigs cast to visible beds	Small insects and larvae Tiny crustaceans Aquatic worms	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappies are actively moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly pencil reeds and cabbage bed edges in 4-6 foot depths Fish are showing typical spawning behavior, relating heavily to vertical cover and exhibiting increased activity during warmer parts of the day	Pencil reeds in 4-6 foot depths, especially where adjacent to slightly deeper water Edges of cabbage beds in 4-6 foot zone Protected coves with emerging vegetation in 4-6 foot range	Bobbers with small jigs suspended 2-4 feet deep Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) around reed edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') in pockets between vegetation	Small bluegills in and around vegetation Various aquatic insects emerging in shallow zones Small minnows relating to weed edges	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	61-69	Post-spawn bass are actively feeding in shallow to mid-depth zones, transitioning between spawning areas and early summer patterns. Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior around bluegill beds and dock areas. Bass are particularly active during morning and evening periods, moving between shallow cover and slightly deeper water during mid-day periods.	Docks with adjacent vegetation in 4-8 feet of water Submerged vegetation edges, particularly milfoil and cabbage in 8-14 feet Lily pad fields in shallow protected areas	Wacky Rigs worked slowly around vegetation and dock areas Ned Rigs with slow rolling retrieve near docks Frogs/Toads worked over lily pads and vegetation Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) in thick vegetation	Bluegill (primary forage, especially around spawning beds) Young of Year Baitfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	58-68	Post-spawn pike are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily hunting in shallow weed edges and points during early morning and evening hours Fish are utilizing the upper third of the water column in 5-14 feet, responding strongly to flash and vibration in the stained water conditions	Weed edges and emerging vegetation in 5-14 feet of water Points and coves with submerged vegetation Shallow bays with developing weed growth	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges Lipless Crankbaits retrieved with a yo-yo action through sparse vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled near emerging weed beds	Yellow Perch congregating around developing weed growth Bluegills moving into warming shallow areas Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-72	Post-spawn bluegills transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish becoming more structure-oriented, relating to vegetation edges and dock areas while maintaining relatively shallow positioning due to stained water conditions	Cabbage bed edges in 4-6 feet of water Pencil reed patches transitioning to slightly deeper water Dock areas providing overhead cover in 4-8 foot range	Live Bait Rigs suspended 1-2 feet off bottom Bobbers with precise depth control around vegetation edges Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly through cover	Small aquatic insects Zooplankton Small crustaceans	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	62-72	Post-spawn crappies transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish suspending in 4-8 foot range near vertical cover and weed edges during feeding periods Most active during morning and evening periods, utilizing cabbage bed edges as primary feeding zones	Cabbage bed edges in 7-14 foot depth range Pencil reed edges transitioning to deeper water Suspended zones near vertical cover in 4-8 foot depth	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) Hover/Mid-Strolling Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Small bluegills Young-of-year baitfish Aquatic insects around vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	69-74	Largemouth bass are actively feeding along weed edges in 8-12 feet of water, particularly during morning and evening periods. Fish are showing preference for ambush points where deep weed edges meet structure. During midday, bass are moving slightly deeper into 10-14 foot zones but remain related to vegetation. They become more selective, preferring slower, finesse presentations.	Deep weed edges in 8-12 feet where vegetation tops out 4-6 feet below surface Docks with adjacent vegetation in 6-10 feet of water Isolated weed clumps near drop-offs	Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly through vegetation Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked over weed tops Wacky Rigs around dock edges and sparse vegetation Drop Shot for finicky fish in deeper water	Bluegill Minnows Crawfish	Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	65-75	Pike are actively feeding in and around submerged vegetation, showing aggressive behavior toward flash and vibration in stained water conditions Fish are holding in the 7-14 foot depth range during daylight hours, with likely movement to shallower areas during low-light periods	Weed edges and beds in 7-14 feet of water Submerged vegetation near points and coves Shallow vegetation zones during early morning and evening	Lipless Crankbaits worked through and over vegetation Bladed Jigs with erratic retrieves Spinnerbaits parallel to weed edges	Yellow Perch Minnows Bluegills	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	72-82	Bluegills are actively seeking shade during summer, utilizing overhead cover from docks, lily pads, and other vegetation for both comfort and feeding opportunities Fish are feeding aggressively on insects and small invertebrates, especially in and around vegetation Most active during early morning and evening, moving to shaded areas during bright midday periods	Lily pad fields in 4-8 foot depth range Shaded areas under and around docks Edges of submerged vegetation in 5-12 foot range	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Bobbers Ice Fishing Jigs	Aquatic insects Small invertebrates Zooplankton	Vibrant Assorted Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Crappie	72-82	Suspending along deep weed edges in 7-14 foot range during daylight hours, moving shallower during low light periods Actively feeding on small bluegills and other baitfish around vegetation edges Seeking cooler, oxygenated water near vegetation during peak summer temperatures	Deep weed edges of cabbage beds in 7-14 foot range Suspended positions near vegetation in 4-8 foot range during morning/evening Scattered vegetation patches near points and coves	Crappie Spider Rigging Hover/Mid-Strolling Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling)	Small Bluegills Young-of-year Baitfish Aquatic Invertebrates	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Big Marine Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	53-72	Bass are actively feeding on bluegill and minnows in submerged vegetation, particularly along deep weed edges in 7-12 foot zones as they transition deeper with cooling temperatures Fish showing aggressive feeding behavior, particularly during prime feeding periods, with larger bass holding slightly deeper than smaller fish	Deep weed edges in 8-12 foot range, particularly where cabbage meets depth changes Flats adjacent to drop-offs with submergent vegetation in 5-8 foot range Secondary breaks with remaining green vegetation in 7-12 foot zone	Wacky Rigs worked slowly through vegetation edges Lipless Crankbaits using yo-yo technique through vegetation Texas Rigs (Worming) for working through denser vegetation	Bluegill concentrated in and around weed edges Minnows schooling along vegetation edges and flats	Dark Neutrals Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	58-68	Pike are actively feeding in shallow to mid-depth zones (5-10 feet), particularly around weed edges, taking advantage of concentrated baitfish in cooling waters Showing aggressive chase behavior, willing to pursue fast-moving baits above weed beds, suggesting peak feeding periods	Weed edges and inside turns in 5-10 feet of water Points and coves with submerged vegetation Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water with vegetation	Bladed Jigs worked quickly above vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with aggressive retrieve Spinnerbaits parallel to weed edges	Bluegill concentrating in remaining vegetation Young-of-year baitfish schooling in shallow areas	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Bluegills are transitioning to deeper structure as water cools, clustering in schools around key feeding areas Feeding activity increases during stable weather, with fish actively pursuing small invertebrates and zooplankton near vegetation edges	Deep weed edges in 8-12 foot range, particularly near points or inside turns Deeper docks with nearby vegetation, especially those providing shade and cover Transitions between vegetation and open water in 6-10 foot depth	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Ice Fishing Jigs	Small aquatic insects and larvae near vegetation Zooplankton in open water columns Remaining small invertebrates in vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Fall	Crappie	52-65	Crappies are transitioning to deeper water, concentrating around deep weed edges in 7-14 foot range as water cools Feeding activity increases during this season as fish bulk up for winter, with most active periods during low-light conditions	Deep weed edges particularly where cabbage beds meet deeper water in 7-14 foot range Secondary points with remnant vegetation near deeper water access Deeper holes adjacent to shallow flats where baitfish congregate	Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Hover/Mid-Strolling	Small bluegills and juvenile panfish Minnows relating to weed edges Aquatic invertebrates in vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	64-72	Pike concentrating near edges of weed beds and transitions in 5-14 feet, actively feeding during low-light periods due to stained water conditions Aggressive response to flash and vibration in stained water, targeting schools of bluegills and minnows	Weed edges and beds in 5-14 foot depth range with access to deeper water Points and coves with submerged vegetation providing ambush opportunities Transition areas where vegetation meets harder bottom	Lipless Crankbaits worked through and above weed edges Bladed Jigs with steady retrieves near vegetation Spinnerbaits parallel to weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked through open pockets	Bluegills concentrated in weed beds Yellow Perch along weed edges Minnows schooling near vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	48-58	Bluegills are concentrating in areas of remaining green vegetation in 4-8 foot range, especially where it meets deeper water Fish are schooling more tightly than during summer months, with multiple fish often found in the same location once located Feeding periods are more concentrated during mid-morning and afternoon hours when water temperatures peak	Deep edges of vegetation in 8-12 foot range, especially near points or channel swings Deeper dock areas with remaining vegetation nearby Protected bays with surviving vegetation in 4-8 foot depth	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Finesse Hair Jigs	Small aquatic insects and larvae Zooplankton concentrations Small crustaceans in vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Winter	Crappie	42-52	Crappies are suspending in deeper main lake areas near remaining vegetation edges and drop-offs, typically in the 8-14 foot range Fish are schooling tightly in late open water season, following baitfish movements and seeking stable temperatures	Deep weed edges in 7-14 foot range, particularly near cabbage bed transitions Main lake points and deeper coves where vegetation meets depth changes Suspended schools over deeper basins near structure	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Hover/Mid-Strolling Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Small bluegills suspending near remaining vegetation Young-of-year baitfish schooling in deeper water	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Northern Pike	33-39	Northern Pike will be most active during early and late ice periods, concentrating near remaining green weeds that provide oxygen and ambush opportunities Pike remain aggressive feeders through ice season but become more selective during mid-winter, often suspending near forage schools	Weed edges in 5-8 feet of water, especially near points or inside turns Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water, particularly those with remnant vegetation Main lake points with submerged vegetation in 8-14 feet	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned at varying depths Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows for finicky winter pike	Bluegills suspended near weed edges Yellow Perch schooling near bottom structure Minnows congregating around remaining vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Assorted Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	34-39	Bluegills will be relatively sluggish and concentrated in areas with adequate oxygen, typically suspending near bottom structure in 4-8 foot ranges Feeding windows are shorter and more defined, with most active periods during late morning and early afternoon when water temperatures peak slightly	Deep edges of weed beds in 5-8 foot range where vegetation remains green Areas near underwater points or subtle breaks that provide both cover and access to slightly deeper water Deeper pockets adjacent to shallow flats where bluegills stage during winter	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements, focusing on a slow, methodical presentation Ice Fishing Spoons with gentle lifting and dropping motions to trigger reaction strikes Live Bait Rigs using small teardrops tipped with waxworms or euro larvae for finicky fish	Small aquatic insects and larvae Zooplankton near remaining green vegetation Tiny crustaceans in bottom substrate	Vibrant Assorted Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Crappie	34-39	Suspending in deeper basins near remaining vegetation edges, typically schooling in 8-14 foot depths Most active during early morning and late afternoon, with feeding windows shorter but more intense during ice season	Deep weed edges in 8-14 foot range where cabbage beds transition to basin Basin areas adjacent to significant vegetation changes Deeper coves with remaining vegetation that provide winter sanctuary	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just above the fish Ice Fishing Spoons with erratic action to trigger reaction strikes Live Bait Rigs with small minnows for finicky winter fish	Small invertebrates near remaining vegetation Young-of-year bluegills in deeper water Micro zooplankton in suspended water column	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Big Marine Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shallow flats and spawning bays with emerging vegetation	Docks adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 3-8 feet of water	Points and inside turns leading to spawning bays
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Submerged vegetation in 5-8 foot range, particularly emerging cabbage beds	Protected bays with pencil reeds in 4-6 foot depths
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Deeper edges of pencil reed beds in 6-8 foot depths	Cabbage bed edges transitioning from 4-6 feet to deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Docks with adjacent shallow vegetation in 3-6 foot depth range	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom and emerging vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Submerged vegetation beds in 5-14 feet of water	Protected coves and bays with emerging vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Pencil reeds and cabbage beds in 4-6 feet of water, especially in protected bays	Shallow vegetation edges near harder bottom areas
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Pencil reeds in 4-6 foot depths, especially where adjacent to slightly deeper water	Edges of cabbage beds in 4-6 foot zone
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Docks with adjacent vegetation in 4-8 feet of water	Submerged vegetation edges, particularly milfoil and cabbage in 8-14 feet
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Weed edges and emerging vegetation in 5-14 feet of water	Points and coves with submerged vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Cabbage bed edges in 4-6 feet of water	Pencil reed patches transitioning to slightly deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Cabbage bed edges in 7-14 foot depth range	Pencil reed edges transitioning to deeper water
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Deep weed edges in 8-12 feet where vegetation tops out 4-6 feet below surface	Docks with adjacent vegetation in 6-10 feet of water
Summer	Northern Pike	Weed edges and beds in 7-14 feet of water	Submerged vegetation near points and coves
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Lily pad fields in 4-8 foot depth range	Shaded areas under and around docks
Summer	Crappie	Deep weed edges of cabbage beds in 7-14 foot range	Suspended positions near vegetation in 4-8 foot range during morning/evening
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Deep weed edges in 8-12 foot range, particularly where cabbage meets depth changes	Flats adjacent to drop-offs with submergent vegetation in 5-8 foot range
Fall	Northern Pike	Weed edges and inside turns in 5-10 feet of water	Points and coves with submerged vegetation
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges in 8-12 foot range, particularly near points or inside turns	Deeper docks with nearby vegetation, especially those providing shade and cover
Fall	Crappie	Deep weed edges particularly where cabbage beds meet deeper water in 7-14 foot range	Secondary points with remnant vegetation near deeper water access
Winter	Northern Pike	Weed edges and beds in 5-14 foot depth range with access to deeper water	Points and coves with submerged vegetation providing ambush opportunities
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep edges of vegetation in 8-12 foot range, especially near points or channel swings	Deeper dock areas with remaining vegetation nearby
Winter	Crappie	Deep weed edges in 7-14 foot range, particularly near cabbage bed transitions	Main lake points and deeper coves where vegetation meets depth changes
Ice	Northern Pike	Weed edges in 5-8 feet of water, especially near points or inside turns	Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water, particularly those with remnant vegetation
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep edges of weed beds in 5-8 foot range where vegetation remains green	Areas near underwater points or subtle breaks that provide both cover and access to slightly deeper water
Ice	Crappie	Deep weed edges in 8-14 foot range where cabbage beds transition to basin	Basin areas adjacent to significant vegetation changes

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill gathering in shallow spawning areas	Small baitfish moving into warmer shallow water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Yellow Perch gathering in pre-spawn areas	Bluegills in emerging weed growth
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects emerging in warming waters	Small invertebrates in vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Small bluegills	Juvenile perch
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill gathering in shallow spawning areas	Small baitfish moving shallow with warming temperatures
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Yellow Perch	Bluegills
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae	Tiny crustaceans
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small bluegills in and around vegetation	Various aquatic insects emerging in shallow zones
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill (primary forage, especially around spawning beds)	Young of Year Baitfish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Yellow Perch congregating around developing weed growth	Bluegills moving into warming shallow areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects	Zooplankton
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Small bluegills	Young-of-year baitfish
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill	Minnows
Summer	Northern Pike	Yellow Perch	Minnows
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects	Small invertebrates
Summer	Crappie	Small Bluegills	Young-of-year Baitfish
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrated in and around weed edges	Minnows schooling along vegetation edges and flats
Fall	Northern Pike	Bluegill concentrating in remaining vegetation	Young-of-year baitfish schooling in shallow areas
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae near vegetation	Zooplankton in open water columns
Fall	Crappie	Small bluegills and juvenile panfish	Minnows relating to weed edges
Winter	Northern Pike	Bluegills concentrated in weed beds	Yellow Perch along weed edges
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Zooplankton concentrations
Winter	Crappie	Small bluegills suspending near remaining vegetation	Young-of-year baitfish schooling in deeper water
Ice	Northern Pike	Bluegills suspended near weed edges	Yellow Perch schooling near bottom structure
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Zooplankton near remaining green vegetation
Ice	Crappie	Small invertebrates near remaining vegetation	Young-of-year bluegills in deeper water

Bait Colors by Season for Big Marine Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Vibrant Assorted Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Fall	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Winter	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Assorted Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Vibrant Assorted Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals