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Big Sandy Lake

Published: Updated:

Spring Fishing Patterns on Big Sandy Lake

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Smallmouth Bass48-58
  • Smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter depths to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning
  • Fish are moving along transition routes between deep wintering areas and shallow spawning zones, particularly active during warming trends
  • Rock piles adjacent to deeper water that provide both feeding zones and pre-spawn staging areas
  • Secondary points with mixed rock and brush that lead into spawning bays
  • Dock areas with rocky bottom structure that warm quickly in spring sun
  • Blade Baits worked slowly along transition areas between deep and shallow water
  • Ned Rigs dragged through rocky areas and near dock posts
  • Tubes worked methodically around rock piles and brush
  • Crayfish emerging from winter dormancy
  • Small baitfish schools in pre-spawn patterns
  • Bottom-dwelling prey items near rock structure
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth Bass48-58
  • Pre-spawn largemouth bass are staging near spawning areas, making gradual movements from winter depths to shallower flats
  • Fish are becoming more active and aggressive as they prepare for spawning, with feeding increasing during warming trends
  • Secondary points and protected bays adjacent to deeper water
  • Emerging vegetation edges in 4-8 foot depths
  • Rock piles and riprap areas that warm quickly
  • Lipless Crankbaits worked through emerging vegetation
  • Bladed Jigs with slow, steady retrieves near cover
  • Soft Jerkbaits worked with long pauses
  • Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy
  • Small baitfish in warming shallows
  • Perch in transition areas
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Walleye42-48
  • Pre-spawn walleye are staging near spawning areas and making transitional movements from winter locations to shallow spawning grounds
  • Fish are actively feeding during daylight hours due to stained water conditions (1.9m Secchi depth)
  • Walleye utilizing docks and hard structure as staging areas during pre-spawn period
  • Areas near docks positioned close to spawning grounds
  • Rock piles and hard bottom areas, especially near deeper water access
  • Dam areas and current breaks where walleye stage before spawning
  • Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom near staging areas
  • Live Bait Rigs with minnows near dock structures
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with hair jigs around hard structure
  • Minnows/small baitfish in transitional areas
  • Crawfish near rocky structure
  • Young-of-year panfish in dock areas
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Catfish55-70
  • Catfish are beginning to move from deeper wintering areas to warmer, shallower flats and channels as they prepare for spawning
  • Actively feeding during warming trends, particularly in areas where current or wind concentrates forage
  • Channel edges adjacent to shallow flats, especially near rock piles and dock areas
  • Protected bays with warmer water, particularly those with matted grass or flooded brush
  • Transition areas between different bottom compositions, especially where rock meets soft bottom
  • Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or large minnows positioned near bottom structure
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with scented baits around dock edges and rock piles
  • Texas Rigs (Worming) with large soft plastics dragged through transitional areas
  • Bottom-dwelling fish like small bullheads and suckers
  • Leeches and crawfish becoming more active in warming waters
  • Young-of-year panfish in shallow protected areas
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)Smallmouth Bass58-68
  • Smallmouth bass are in spawning mode, actively establishing and guarding nests in shallow protected areas near flooded brush with deep water access
  • Fish are making frequent movements between slightly deeper staging areas and shallow spawning zones, especially during warmer parts of the day
  • Flooded brush in 3-9 feet of water with nearby deep water access
  • Protected shallow coves with hard bottom and cover
  • Rock piles and transitions near spawning flats
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9')
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip)
  • Tubes
  • Ned Rigs
  • Crayfish becoming more active in warming water
  • Small baitfish relating to shallow cover
  • Purple Colors
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth Bass58-68
  • Largemouth bass are in spawning mode, moving into shallow protected areas with heavy cover, particularly the matted grass areas mentioned in reports
  • Fish are showing aggressive behavior, willing to chase and strike moving baits as evidenced by the success of bladed jigs
  • Matted grass areas in protected bays and coves, particularly where spawning beds are likely
  • Secondary points with vegetation near spawning flats
  • Shallow protected areas with complex shoreline structure
  • Bladed Jigs ripped through heavy cover, as specifically proven in recent reports
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for targeting specific areas in the matted grass
  • Spinnerbaits worked along edges of grass mats
  • Crawfish, which are primary targets as evidenced by successful bait colors
  • Bluegill and other sunfish beginning to move shallow
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)Walleye58-64
  • Post-spawn walleye transitioning to feeding patterns, actively hunting in relatively shallow water during both day and night due to stained conditions
  • Fish relating heavily to shoreline structure and current areas, particularly around docks and dams during spring transition
  • Docks positioned near spawning areas and migration routes
  • Dam areas with current breaks
  • Rock piles and hard bottom areas in 8-15 foot depth range
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly along dock edges
  • Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') near dam areas and current breaks
  • Live Bait Rigs with leeches under bobbers around dock areas
  • Natural baitfish (minnows)
  • Crawfish near rocky structure
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)Catfish58-70
  • Moving into shallower spawning areas (2-8 feet) near cut banks and sheltered bays as water warms
  • Males actively guarding nesting sites in cavities near structure, while females stage in slightly deeper adjacent areas
  • Feeding activity increases during low-light periods, especially in turbid conditions
  • Cut banks and undercut areas in sheltered bays
  • Rocky areas and dock pilings in 2-8 feet of water
  • Transition areas between matted grass and deeper channels
  • Live Bait Rigs with bottom-bouncing presentation
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') near structure
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around heavy cover
  • Leeches and bottom-dwelling invertebrates
  • Small panfish and young-of-year fish
  • Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)Smallmouth Bass62-72
  • Post-spawn smallmouth transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy
  • Fish relating to both shallow and mid-depth structure, making frequent movements between feeding areas
  • Secondary points with rock piles adjacent to spawning bays
  • Shallow dock areas with rocky bottom composition
  • Transition areas between flooded brush and deeper water
  • Soft Jerkbaits worked with erratic retrieve along structure edges
  • Tubes dragged and hopped through rock piles
  • Ned Rigs worked slowly around dock posts and brush
  • Crayfish emerging and active in rocky areas
  • Young-of-year perch in shallow cover
  • Small baitfish relating to brush and dock areas
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth Bass64-70
  • Post-spawn largemouth bass are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy
  • Fish are utilizing grass edges and rock piles as primary feeding zones, especially during morning and evening periods
  • Bass are becoming more aggressive in their feeding behavior, willing to chase moving baits in the stained water conditions
  • Grass edges adjacent to spawning flats in 4-8 feet of water
  • Rock piles on main lake points in 8-12 feet of water
  • Protected bays with matted grass, especially near deeper water access
  • Bladed Jigs worked along grass edges and through sparse vegetation
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) in and around matted grass
  • Spinnerbaits parallel to grass lines and over rock piles
  • Crawfish emerging in rocky areas and along grass edges
  • Bluegill beginning to spawn in protected bays
  • Young of the year baitfish becoming more abundant
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Walleye58-68
  • Post-spawn walleye actively feeding during daylight hours due to stained water conditions (1.9m Secchi), transitioning between spawning areas and early summer locations
  • Fish relating heavily to dock areas and hard structure, using these as ambush points to feed on recovering baitfish schools
  • Docks positioned near spawning areas and migration routes
  • Rock piles and dam areas with current breaks
  • Matted grass edges and flooded brush in 8-15 foot depth range
  • Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along dock edges and rock transitions
  • Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to shoreline structure
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily through key areas
  • Minnows/Baitfish schools recovering from winter patterns
  • Crawfish active near rocky structure and dam areas
  • Young of year panfish beginning to emerge in vegetated areas
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)Catfish64-70
  • Post-spawn catfish are actively feeding and recovering, moving from spawning areas to feeding locations near current breaks and structure
  • Fish are becoming more active with warming water temperatures, typically feeding heavily during dawn and dusk periods
  • Deep dock edges where they transition to rock piles, especially in 8-12 foot depth range
  • Channel edges near flooded brush and matted grass
  • Current breaks and eddies near points and cutbanks
  • Live Bait Rigs with weightless or slip-sinker presentations
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around structure
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for working heavy cover areas
  • Bottom-dwelling species including leeches and small fish
  • Crawfish emerging in warming waters
  • Young-of-year baitfish beginning to appear
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals

Summer Fishing Patterns

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
SummerSmallmouth Bass68-78
  • During summer, smallmouth bass in this stained lake will establish primary feeding zones around transition areas between deep and shallow water, particularly focusing on rock-dock combinations
  • With the moderate stain (1.9m Secchi), fish will be most active during daylight hours and position slightly shallower than in clearer waters
  • Fish will move between deep structure and shallower feeding zones throughout the day, with peak activity during morning and evening periods
  • Main lake docks with rocky bottom composition, especially those near deeper water access
  • Rock piles and humps in 12-18 foot depth range
  • Points and inside turns with mixed rock and brush in 8-15 foot range
  • Drop Shot with finesse worms worked slowly around dock posts and adjacent rock
  • Tubes dragged and hopped along rock piles
  • Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked parallel to deep dock edges
  • Ned Rigs worked slowly through transition areas
  • Crayfish actively moving on rocky structure
  • Small baitfish relating to dock shade lines
  • Juvenile perch around brush and rock transitions
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Purple Colors
SummerLargemouth Bass64-70
  • Largemouth bass are actively feeding on baitfish around rock piles on main lake points, requiring anglers to locate bait schools first
  • Fish are holding in moderate depths around 70°F, likely making frequent movements between deeper haunts and shallower feeding zones in the heavy cover
  • Rock piles on main lake points with visible bait presence
  • Matted grass areas providing shade and ambush cover
  • Complex shoreline areas with multiple structure types (docks, vegetation, rock transitions)
  • Hover/Mid-Strolling around rock piles when bait is present
  • Bladed Jigs worked through and around vegetation
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) in heavy cover and matted grass
  • Minnows/Baitfish schools around rock structure
  • Crayfish in rocky areas
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
SummerWalleye68-78
  • Walleye moving deeper during daylight hours but remaining active due to stained water conditions, typically holding in 15-25 foot depth range
  • Feeding patterns centered around dawn/dusk with extended activity periods due to turbid water
  • Relating strongly to thermocline edges and adjacent structure during summer heat
  • Deep rock piles and hard bottom areas adjacent to the thermocline
  • Complex points with access to both shallow and deep water
  • Weed edges near deeper water, especially where matted grass meets hard bottom
  • Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along weed edges and points with crankbaits
  • Live Bait Rigs with leeches or crawlers worked slowly along structure
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') on rock piles and hard bottom areas
  • Minnows concentrated along weed edges and structure breaks
  • Crawfish active on rock piles and hard bottom areas
  • Young-of-year fish beginning to show up in shallow weed growth
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
SummerCatfish64-78
  • Catfish are highly active in summer, feeding aggressively during dawn, dusk, and night hours in the stained water conditions
  • Fish are utilizing structure transitions between deep and shallow water, particularly along dock edges and rock pile drops
  • Increased metabolism in warm water (64-70°F+) leads to more frequent feeding and wider roaming patterns
  • Deep dock edges where they transition to channels or deeper water
  • Rock pile drops and adjacent channels
  • Matted grass edges near deeper water access
  • Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live offerings positioned near structure
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') along deeper structure edges
  • Carolina Rigs worked slowly through transition areas
  • Bottom-dwelling fish like bullheads and small rough fish
  • Leeches and crawfish around rock structures
  • Injured or dying baitfish near structure
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Big Sandy Lake

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
FallSmallmouth Bass55-65
  • Smallmouth bass are actively feeding on baitfish and crayfish around transition areas, particularly where hard bottom meets overhead cover
  • Fish are utilizing dock areas as ambush points, likely taking advantage of the shade and structure to target prey
  • Docks with rock or gravel bottom underneath
  • Rocky points and transitions near deeper water
  • Hard bottom areas adjacent to deeper wintering areas
  • Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to dock edges
  • Tubes skipped under docks
  • Shakey Heads worked along rock-to-sand transitions
  • Crayfish around rocky areas and dock pilings
  • Small baitfish relating to dock areas
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
FallLargemouth Bass52-68
  • Bass are actively feeding to build up reserves for winter, following baitfish schools and targeting isolated cover
  • Fish are transitioning from summer deep structure to shallower flats and creek arms, especially during afternoon hours
  • Aggressive feeding periods occur during overcast conditions and early/late day, with fish relating to ambush points near baitfish schools
  • Main lake points with rock piles adjacent to deeper water
  • Shallow flats with remaining vegetation near creek channels
  • Steep breaks with proximity to baitfish schools
  • Spinnerbaits worked along grass edges and through dying vegetation
  • Lipless Crankbaits burned over flats with scattered grass
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled near baitfish schools
  • Shad schools migrating to creek arms
  • Crawfish still active in rocky areas
  • Remaining bluegill in vegetation
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
FallWalleye48-65
  • Walleye transitioning to deeper main lake structures, following baitfish schools as water cools
  • Increased feeding activity during low-light periods, with some daytime feeding due to stained water conditions
  • Fish staging near deep-to-shallow transition areas for opportunistic feeding
  • Deep rock piles and hard bottom areas adjacent to primary points
  • Sharp breaks near matted grass edges in 15-20 foot depth range
  • Current areas near dams with baitfish presence
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')
  • Trolling Mid Depth (10-19')
  • Blade Baits
  • Live Bait Rigs
  • Schooling baitfish (minnows) concentrated in deeper water
  • Crawfish near rock structure
  • Young-of-year fish moving to deeper water
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
FallCatfish52-65
  • Catfish are actively feeding to build energy reserves before winter, taking advantage of concentrated baitfish schools and deeper structure
  • Fish are transitioning to deeper water as temperatures cool, but still making feeding movements to shallower areas during low-light periods
  • Deep holes near channel bends and dropoffs, especially those adjacent to flats
  • Deeper dock edges where they intersect with channels or deep water access
  • Rock piles and brush in 12-20 foot depth range
  • Live Bait Rigs with larger offerings worked slowly along bottom
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near structure breaks
  • Carolina Rigs dragged through deeper holes and along channel edges
  • Concentrated schools of shad and small baitfish
  • Bottom-dwelling species like leeches and crawfish
  • Dying or injured baitfish that are struggling with cooling temperatures
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
WinterWalleye34-42
  • Walleye are suspending near deep structural elements and following baitfish schools in winter, with most active feeding during low-light periods
  • Fish are congregating in predictable winter locations, often relating to the steepest breaks and bottom transitions near deep basins
  • Deep rock piles and hard bottom areas adjacent to basin areas (18-25 feet)
  • Sharp breaks and transitions near dam areas where current provides oxygen-rich water
  • Deep edges of flooded brush or matted grass where they meet clean bottom
  • Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+)
  • Blade Baits
  • Ice Fishing Spoons
  • Damiki Rig
  • Suspended baitfish schools (minnows)
  • Bottom-oriented crawfish near rock structure
  • Small perch near deep vegetation edges
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
WinterCatfish42-55
  • Catfish congregate in deeper, more stable water temperatures around 45-55°F, often near channel edges and deep structure
  • Less active feeding patterns, but will still opportunistically feed during warmer parts of the day
  • Typically holding tight to structure and moving minimally to conserve energy
  • Deep channel edges adjacent to flats, especially near dock areas
  • Deep holes in main lake areas with reduced current
  • Rock piles and brush in 15-25 foot depth range
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')
  • Live Bait Rigs
  • Blade Baits
  • Winter-stressed baitfish
  • Bottom-dwelling fish like small bullheads
  • Dormant crayfish
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
IceWalleye33-39
  • Walleye concentrate in basin areas and deep structure during ice season, typically schooling near the bottom
  • Most active during low-light periods (dawn/dusk) but will feed throughout day in stained water conditions
  • Deep basin areas adjacent to structural elements like rock piles
  • Hard-bottom areas near main lake points
  • Steep breaks near flooded brush in 15-25 foot range
  • Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements near bottom
  • Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging to attract fish in stained water
  • Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to pattern active fish
  • Minnows schooling in deep winter locations
  • Dormant crawfish near rock structure
  • Small perch in basin areas
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Pink Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Big Sandy Lake

SeasonSpeciesPrimary StructureSecondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Smallmouth BassRock piles adjacent to deeper water that provide both feeding zones and pre-spawn staging areasSecondary points with mixed rock and brush that lead into spawning bays
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth BassSecondary points and protected bays adjacent to deeper waterEmerging vegetation edges in 4-8 foot depths
Spring (Pre-Spawn)WalleyeAreas near docks positioned close to spawning groundsRock piles and hard bottom areas, especially near deeper water access
Spring (Pre-Spawn)CatfishChannel edges adjacent to shallow flats, especially near rock piles and dock areasProtected bays with warmer water, particularly those with matted grass or flooded brush
Spring (Spawn)Smallmouth BassFlooded brush in 3-9 feet of water with nearby deep water accessProtected shallow coves with hard bottom and cover
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth BassMatted grass areas in protected bays and coves, particularly where spawning beds are likelySecondary points with vegetation near spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)WalleyeDocks positioned near spawning areas and migration routesDam areas with current breaks
Spring (Spawn)CatfishCut banks and undercut areas in sheltered baysRocky areas and dock pilings in 2-8 feet of water
Spring (Post-Spawn)Smallmouth BassSecondary points with rock piles adjacent to spawning baysShallow dock areas with rocky bottom composition
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth BassGrass edges adjacent to spawning flats in 4-8 feet of waterRock piles on main lake points in 8-12 feet of water
Spring (Post-Spawn)WalleyeDocks positioned near spawning areas and migration routesRock piles and dam areas with current breaks
Spring (Post-Spawn)CatfishDeep dock edges where they transition to rock piles, especially in 8-12 foot depth rangeChannel edges near flooded brush and matted grass
SummerSmallmouth BassMain lake docks with rocky bottom composition, especially those near deeper water accessRock piles and humps in 12-18 foot depth range
SummerLargemouth BassRock piles on main lake points with visible bait presenceMatted grass areas providing shade and ambush cover
SummerWalleyeDeep rock piles and hard bottom areas adjacent to the thermoclineComplex points with access to both shallow and deep water
SummerCatfishDeep dock edges where they transition to channels or deeper waterRock pile drops and adjacent channels
FallSmallmouth BassDocks with rock or gravel bottom underneathRocky points and transitions near deeper water
FallLargemouth BassMain lake points with rock piles adjacent to deeper waterShallow flats with remaining vegetation near creek channels
FallWalleyeDeep rock piles and hard bottom areas adjacent to primary pointsSharp breaks near matted grass edges in 15-20 foot depth range
FallCatfishDeep holes near channel bends and dropoffs, especially those adjacent to flatsDeeper dock edges where they intersect with channels or deep water access
WinterWalleyeDeep rock piles and hard bottom areas adjacent to basin areas (18-25 feet)Sharp breaks and transitions near dam areas where current provides oxygen-rich water
WinterCatfishDeep channel edges adjacent to flats, especially near dock areasDeep holes in main lake areas with reduced current
IceWalleyeDeep basin areas adjacent to structural elements like rock pilesHard-bottom areas near main lake points

Primary Forage by Season

SeasonSpeciesPrimary ForageSecondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Smallmouth BassCrayfish emerging from winter dormancySmall baitfish schools in pre-spawn patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth BassCrawfish emerging from winter dormancySmall baitfish in warming shallows
Spring (Pre-Spawn)WalleyeMinnows/small baitfish in transitional areasCrawfish near rocky structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)CatfishBottom-dwelling fish like small bullheads and suckersLeeches and crawfish becoming more active in warming waters
Spring (Spawn)Smallmouth BassCrayfish becoming more active in warming waterSmall baitfish relating to shallow cover
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth BassCrawfish, which are primary targets as evidenced by successful bait colorsBluegill and other sunfish beginning to move shallow
Spring (Spawn)WalleyeNatural baitfish (minnows)Crawfish near rocky structure
Spring (Spawn)CatfishLeeches and bottom-dwelling invertebratesSmall panfish and young-of-year fish
Spring (Post-Spawn)Smallmouth BassCrayfish emerging and active in rocky areasYoung-of-year perch in shallow cover
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth BassCrawfish emerging in rocky areas and along grass edgesBluegill beginning to spawn in protected bays
Spring (Post-Spawn)WalleyeMinnows/Baitfish schools recovering from winter patternsCrawfish active near rocky structure and dam areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)CatfishBottom-dwelling species including leeches and small fishCrawfish emerging in warming waters
SummerSmallmouth BassCrayfish actively moving on rocky structureSmall baitfish relating to dock shade lines
SummerLargemouth BassMinnows/Baitfish schools around rock structureCrayfish in rocky areas
SummerWalleyeMinnows concentrated along weed edges and structure breaksCrawfish active on rock piles and hard bottom areas
SummerCatfishBottom-dwelling fish like bullheads and small rough fishLeeches and crawfish around rock structures
FallSmallmouth BassCrayfish around rocky areas and dock pilingsSmall baitfish relating to dock areas
FallLargemouth BassShad schools migrating to creek armsCrawfish still active in rocky areas
FallWalleyeSchooling baitfish (minnows) concentrated in deeper waterCrawfish near rock structure
FallCatfishConcentrated schools of shad and small baitfishBottom-dwelling species like leeches and crawfish
WinterWalleyeSuspended baitfish schools (minnows)Bottom-oriented crawfish near rock structure
WinterCatfishWinter-stressed baitfishBottom-dwelling fish like small bullheads
IceWalleyeMinnows schooling in deep winter locationsDormant crawfish near rock structure

Bait Colors by Season for Big Sandy Lake

SeasonSpeciesBait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Smallmouth Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Walleye
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Catfish
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)Smallmouth Bass
  • Purple Colors
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)Walleye
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)Catfish
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)Smallmouth Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Walleye
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)Catfish
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
SummerSmallmouth Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Purple Colors
SummerLargemouth Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
SummerWalleye
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
SummerCatfish
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
FallSmallmouth Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
FallLargemouth Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
FallWalleye
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
FallCatfish
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
WinterWalleye
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
WinterCatfish
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
IceWalleye
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Pink Colors