How to Fish Big Stone Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

Big Stone Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 26, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Big Stone Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-60	Bass are transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding but still temperature dependent Fish are gathering in groups of 2-4 on offshore structure, particularly around hard bottom areas near spawning flats Activity levels increase during warmer parts of day, with fish moving shallower as water temperatures climb into the 50s	Rock piles and boulder fields in 8-12 feet adjacent to spawning flats Rip rap banks and points leading into spawning areas Inside weed edges and weed-to-rock transition areas	Hard Jerkbaits worked slowly over rock piles Bladed Jigs around windy banks and points Carolina Rigs dragged through transition areas Swim Jigs around emerging vegetation	Bluegill in shallow areas near cover Minnows suspended around structure	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	48-58	Pre-spawn crappies are actively transitioning from winter locations to warmer, shallower areas, staging near spawning grounds Fish are becoming more active and aggressive in feeding as water temperatures rise, with peak activity during early morning and late afternoon	Scattered boulder areas in 5-7 feet of water serving as transition zones Secondary points and coves with submerged vegetation in 8-12 feet Protected shoreline areas with emerging vegetation in 4-6 feet	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) with light jigs around boulder areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly through transition zones Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') near emerging vegetation	Yellow Perch Various Minnow Species Emerging Aquatic Insects	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Pre-spawn walleye staging in shallow areas near spawning grounds, most active during dawn and dusk Feeding aggressively but in shorter windows, moving between deeper staging areas and shallow feeding zones	Shallow rock piles in 2-4 feet of water, particularly those near deeper water access Secondary points leading into spawning bays with hard bottom composition Transition areas where rock meets emerging vegetation	Live Bait Rigs with slow presentations near bottom in muddy conditions Blade Baits worked slowly along rock transitions Jerkbaits worked with long pauses during clear periods, especially in low light	Spawning minnows concentrated in shallow areas Small perch moving shallow with warming trends	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Bluegills moving from winter deep water patterns to warmer, shallow transitional areas near emerging vegetation Actively feeding during warming trends, particularly during afternoon hours when water temperatures peak Schooling behavior becomes more concentrated as fish stage in pre-spawn locations	Inside weed edges in 6-8 foot depths where early vegetation is emerging Protected shallow coves with darker bottom composition that warms faster Transition areas between the deeper winter haunts (11-12 feet) and emerging shallow vegetation	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with light jigs worked slowly near emerging vegetation Bobbers with suspended baits at varying depths to find active fish Ice Fishing Jigs (small and lightweight) worked horizontally through transitional areas	Small aquatic insects emerging with warming water Bloodworms and larvae in bottom substrate Small crustaceans becoming active in vegetation	Dark Neutrals Pink Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	51-62	Pre-spawn white bass are actively staging near spawning tributaries and making pre-spawn feeding movements, often schooling aggressively in preparation for the spawn Fish are transitioning from winter patterns to more active feeding, taking advantage of warming water temperatures to build energy reserves	Rocky points and boulder areas in 7-9 feet adjacent to spawning tributaries Wind-blown shorelines with good baitfish concentrations Staging areas near creek channels leading to spawning areas	Hard Jerkbaits worked with aggressive jerks and longer pauses Blade Baits worked vertically through schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily through active areas	Schools of small shad and minnows Young-of-year baitfish congregating near warming shallows Small juvenile fish moving into pre-spawn staging areas	Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Largemouth bass are actively moving into spawning areas, with fish transitioning between pre-spawn staging and actual spawning behavior. Fish are being seen on beds but not fully committed yet, indicating the early stages of the spawn Bass are relating heavily to cover near spawning flats, using docks and laydowns as staging areas while making periodic moves to inspect potential spawning sites	Docks and laydowns adjacent to spawning flats in 3-6 foot depths Protected spawning pockets with firm bottom composition Secondary points and inside turns with emerging vegetation	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting visible cover and bedding areas Wacky Rigs worked slowly around spawning flats and transition areas Soft Jerkbaits for cruising fish between spawning areas	Bluegill beginning to move shallow and prepare for their own spawn Small baitfish utilizing warming shallows	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	48-58	Pre-spawn crappies actively transitioning to shallow spawning areas, moving in small pods around transitional structure Becoming more aggressive in feeding behavior as water temperatures rise into the 50s, willing to chase moving baits	Scattered boulder areas in 5-7 feet of water near spawning flats Shallow coves and bays with submerged vegetation in 4-8 feet Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Hard Jerkbaits worked with a slow retrieve to trigger reaction strikes Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) with small jigs around boulders Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked through transition areas	Minnows Young of year perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	48-58	Actively moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly focused on rock piles and hard bottom areas in 2-4 feet of water Showing strong low-light feeding patterns, especially after sunset, with increased activity around structure Transitioning between pre-spawn staging and spawning behaviors as water temperatures rise from low 50s to upper 50s	Shallow rock piles and boulder fields in 2-4 feet of water Emerging weed flats adjacent to rock reefs in 5-6 feet of water Complex shoreline areas with points and bays that provide spawning habitat	Hard Jerkbaits worked slowly in shallow water during low light periods Bladed Jigs around emerging vegetation and rock-to-weed transitions Live Bait Rigs near spawning areas during daylight hours	Minnows concentrating in spawning areas Perch relating to weed-rock transition areas	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Bluegills moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly in protected coves and bays with firm bottom. Males actively guarding nests in colonies Feeding becomes more aggressive as water warms, with fish targeting small insects and invertebrates near vegetation	Protected shallow bays and coves with firm bottom, especially near submerged vegetation Inside weed edges in 4-6 foot depths Points and pockets adjacent to spawning areas	Bobbers with small jigs suspended 2-4 feet deep near spawning colonies Live Bait Rigs with light line and small hooks Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly through spawning areas	Small aquatic insects and larvae Small invertebrates near vegetation Tiny crustaceans in shallow areas	Pink Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	48-58	Actively schooling and feeding on minnows around boulder areas in pre-spawn patterns Moving between shallow spawning areas and nearby deeper structure as temperatures fluctuate	Boulder fields in 7-9 feet of water Points and coves with rock/gravel substrate Wind-blown shorelines with nearby deep water access	Hard Jerkbaits worked with aggressive slash-pause retrieve Bladed Jigs worked near boulder areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along depth transitions	Minnows/Shad schooling around boulder areas Small baitfish gathering in spawning areas	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	70-80	Bass are actively feeding on spawning bluegills in shallow water, particularly around inside weed edges and vegetation Fish are relating strongly to transitions between vegetation and hard structure, showing aggressive feeding behavior in 1-10 foot depths Bass are exhibiting both chase-and-ambush behavior near vegetation and opportunistic feeding around docks and laydowns	Inside weedlines of curly leaf pondweed, especially near rocky transitions Shallow docks in 2-4 feet of water Laydowns and overhanging trees near vegetation	Swim Jigs worked steadily through vegetation Bladed Jigs (chatterbaits) during windy conditions Wacky Rigs when fish follow but don't commit to moving baits Texas Rigs in calm conditions around vegetation	Spawning Bluegill Small Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	62-72	Post-spawn crappies are transitioning to early summer patterns, moving from shallow spawning areas to nearby deeper structure while recovering and resuming active feeding Fish are gathering around submerged vegetation edges and scattered boulder areas in 8-12 foot depths, actively feeding during morning and evening periods	Weed edges and scattered boulder areas in 8-12 foot depths adjacent to spawning areas Secondary points with submerged vegetation near deeper water access Irregular shoreline features with mixed vegetation and rock structure in 5-10 foot depths	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along weed edges with small jigs Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) around scattered boulders and vegetation Hover/Mid-Strolling with light jigs near structure transitions	Small minnows gathering around newly established weed growth Young-of-year perch beginning to school in vegetation Emerging aquatic insects near vegetation edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	48-62	Post-spawn walleye are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily during low-light periods near structure transitions Fish are moving between shallow feeding areas and slightly deeper recovery zones, following baitfish movements	Rock piles and boulder areas in 2-8 feet of water Weed edges adjacent to deeper water Points and bays with complex structure transitions	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along structure edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with steady retrieve Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') during low light periods	Perch in shallow water near structure Minnows schooling around rock piles and weed edges	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Actively feeding in shallower waters near submerged vegetation after spawning, often in loose schools Moving between feeding areas along weed edges and transitional depths throughout the day Establishing patterns around newly emerging vegetation in 4-8 foot depths	Inside weed edges in 4-8 foot depths Shallow flats with emerging vegetation Protected coves with established weed growth	Bobbers with small jigs suspended near weed tops Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') along weed edges Micro Crankbaits worked parallel to vegetation	Small insects and larvae emerging from vegetation Small invertebrates in and around weed beds Newly hatched baitfish	Dark Neutrals Pink Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	51-65	Active schooling behavior in post-spawn phase, aggressively pursuing baitfish in the upper water column Moving between shallow boulder areas and adjacent points, making feeding runs during prime light conditions Transitioning through various depths (3-9 feet) throughout the day based on sunlight and wind conditions	Boulder fields in 7-9 feet of water, especially those near points Wind-blown points with access to deeper water Shallow flats adjacent to main lake points where baitfish congregate	Hard Jerkbaits worked with aggressive cadence in upper water column Blade Baits worked vertically when fish are holding deeper Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for covering water and matching forage	Schooling Shad/Minnows in upper water column Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge Small panfish in shallow areas	Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	73-82	Bass are actively feeding in and around heavy vegetation, particularly during early morning and evening hours, with aggressive strikes on prey around matted grass and weed edges Fish are showing a pattern of movement between shallow vegetation (0-3ft) and slightly deeper weed edges (7-9ft) as temperatures fluctuate throughout the day	Matted grass and weed clumps in 0-3 feet of water, especially those adjacent to the bank Inside weed edges in 7-9 feet of water, particularly those near hard cover like docks or boulders Points with mixed vegetation in 3-4 feet of water	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) with heavy weights (1/2 oz) targeting thick vegetation Frogs/Toads worked over matted vegetation, especially early and late in the day Structure Jigs flipped to isolated weed clumps Bladed Jigs worked along weed edges and points	Bluegill - primary forage evidenced by multiple fishing reports Minnows - secondary forage noted in reports	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Crappie	68-82	Crappies are suspending near submerged vegetation edges in 8-12 foot depths, actively feeding during early morning and evening hours Fish are schooling around deeper weed edges during midday heat, moving shallower to feed during low light periods	Deeper weed edges adjacent to shallow flats, especially in 8-12 foot depth range Scattered boulder areas near vegetation in 5-8 foot depths Shaded areas under docks with nearby vegetation	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along weed edges with small jigs Crappie Spider Rigging for suspended fish in deeper water Crappie Dock Shooting during midday when fish seek shade	Small minnows concentrating around weed edges Young-of-year perch in and around vegetation Aquatic insects emerging from vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Walleye	65-82	Walleye moving to deeper pockets and channels during hot summer days, actively feeding during low-light periods (dawn/dusk) Suspended fish relating to weed edges and rock pile transitions during feeding periods Following forage movements along depth breaks and structure edges	Deep rock piles and adjacent channels (10-15 feet) offering thermal refuge Weed edges near points and bays, especially those adjacent to deeper water Submerged vegetation edges in 8-12 feet of water	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along deep structure edges Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with crankbaits during day Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') during prime feeding periods	Yellow Perch congregating around weed edges Minnows schooling near rock-to-weed transitions	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	68-82	Actively feeding in and around weed edges during early morning and evening, moving deeper during midday heat Forming loose schools in 8-12 foot depths near submerged vegetation Exhibiting aggressive feeding behavior on insects and small invertebrates around vegetation	Inside weed edges in 8-12 foot depths Deeper basin areas adjacent to vegetation during midday Shallow coves and points with matted grass early and late in day	Live Bait Rigs with light line and small hooks Bobbers suspended just above weed tops Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with micro jigs	Aquatic insects and larvae Small invertebrates Zooplankton	Dark Neutrals Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	White Bass	72-82	White bass are actively schooling along weed edges and structure, exhibiting aggressive feeding behavior when encountering bait schools Fish are showing a preference for early morning and evening feeding periods, particularly around structure that concentrates baitfish	Outside edges of weed beds in 7-9 feet of water, particularly where they intersect with boulder areas Rocky points and boulder fields that create current breaks and ambush points Open water areas adjacent to structure where baitfish schools congregate	Bladed Jigs worked along weed edges with an aggressive retrieve Hard Jerkbaits worked in a stop-and-go pattern around boulders and points Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for imitating prevalent baitfish	Schooling baitfish in open water and around structure Young-of-year fish relating to weed edges	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Big Stone Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	52-68	Bass are actively feeding on baitfish and bluegills near shallow cover, particularly during cloudy conditions Fish are relating strongly to vegetation edges and transition areas, showing aggressive feeding behavior Bass are utilizing shade during afternoon hours, moving between vegetation and hard cover	Matted grass and weed clumps in 1-6 foot depth range Docks with adjacent vegetation Weed-to-rock transition areas with boulders Inside weed edges near deeper water access	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting thick vegetation and dock areas Bladed Jigs worked around grass edges and boulders Spinnerbaits on cloudy days around shallow cover Structure Jigs skipped under docks and worked along transitions	Bluegill concentrated around vegetation Crawfish active near rocky areas and docks Minnows relating to weed edges	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors
Fall	Crappie	52-65	Crappies are transitioning from summer patterns to fall schooling, following baitfish movements to deeper water near structure Fish become more active during midday as water temperatures cool, forming tight schools around key structure points	Deep weed edges in 12-14 feet where vegetation meets basin areas Scattered boulder areas near deep water access in 8-12 feet Deep coves with submerged vegetation or woody structure	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along weed edges to locate active schools Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') once schools are located Hover/Mid-Strolling with small soft plastics near structure	Small perch concentrating near deep weed edges Schooling minnows in mid-depth ranges	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Walleye	48-65	Walleye are actively feeding to build up reserves for winter, following baitfish schools and relating to structure Fish become more active during low-light periods, moving shallower to feed, then retreating to deeper water during bright conditions	Deep rock piles and boulder areas adjacent to flats, especially in 15-25 FOW Weed edges that are starting to die off, particularly near points and deeper water access Main lake points and breaks where baitfish schools concentrate	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Hard Jerkbaits	Schooling baitfish concentrating in deeper water Perch relating to dying weed edges Small minnows gathering near rock structures	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Actively schooling in deeper basin areas (11-12 feet), with fish suspending higher in the water column as the day progresses Exhibiting strong feeding patterns around various structure types, particularly moving between points and open water areas	Deep basin areas in 11-12 foot depths Points adjacent to deeper water Inside weed edges transitioning to deeper water	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Bobbers Crappie Spider Rigging	Small aquatic insects and larvae Small invertebrates	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Fall	White Bass	58-72	White bass are actively schooling and chasing baitfish in the fall transition, often moving out of deeper water to feed aggressively in the 7-12 foot range as baitfish migrate to shallower areas Feeding activity increases during low-light periods and overcast days, with fish moving between points and coves following baitfish schools	Main lake points with boulder structure in 7-9 feet of water where baitfish schools congregate Wind-blown rocky shorelines and coves where baitfish get pushed against structure Deep-to-shallow transitional areas near boulder fields that provide ambush points	Blade Baits worked with a fast, vertical presentation around baitfish schools Hard Jerkbaits retrieved with aggressive jerks and longer pauses near structure Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked at varying speeds through baitfish schools	Schooling shad and small baitfish transitioning to shallower water Young-of-year minnows congregating around structure	Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Crappie	45-55	Late fall/early winter crappies are transitioning to deeper water, suspending near remaining vegetation edges and deeper basins Feeding activity is more concentrated during dawn and dusk periods, with fish becoming more lethargic during bright midday hours	Deep basin edges near submerged vegetation in 12-14 foot range Deeper holes near scattered boulder areas that provided spring spawning habitat Channel edges and deeper coves where vegetation meets deeper water	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Hover/Mid-Strolling Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Small perch schools concentrated in deeper water Minnows schooling near remaining vegetation edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Winter	Walleye	38-45	Walleye are concentrating in deeper pockets and channels where temperatures remain stable during open water winter conditions Fish are feeding less aggressively but will actively pursue prey during low-light periods and around structure	Deep rock piles and boulder areas in 15-25 feet of water Channel edges and deeper holes near shallow flats Points and breaks adjacent to deep water	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Live Bait Rigs	Perch congregating in deeper water Winter-stressed baitfish schools Small minnows near structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	38-45	Schooling actively in deeper basin areas, typically suspended 1-3 feet off bottom in 11-12 foot depths Feeding periods become more concentrated during midday hours when water temperatures peak Moving along predictable paths between deep basin areas and remaining vegetation edges	Deep basin areas in 11-12 foot depths with schools suspended off bottom Remaining deep weed edges near points where vegetation meets deeper water Transition areas between shallow flats and deeper basins where schools travel	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with light jigs worked slowly through suspended schools Ice Fishing Jigs scaled up for open water vertical presentations Hover/Mid-Strolling along edges of deep basins	Small aquatic insects and larvae Zooplankton in deeper water columns Small invertebrates near remaining vegetation	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Ice	Crappie	34-39	Crappies are concentrating in deeper basins (12-14 feet) near submerged vegetation, moving in small schools while feeding on perch and other small prey Fish showing active feeding periods but requiring constant movement to stay on the school	Deep basins 12-14 feet adjacent to submerged vegetation Transitions between vegetation and deeper water Deeper holes with scattered vegetation	Ice Fishing Jigs with small plastics, worked with subtle movements Ice Fishing Spoons for more aggressive fish Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to locate active schools	Perch (primary forage based on recent reports) Small minnows Micro invertebrates near vegetation	Bold Striped Patterns Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Ice	Walleye	34-39	Walleye concentrate in deeper holes and channels during ice season, typically suspending near the bottom or 1-2 feet above Most active during dawn and dusk periods, with a strong bite window during cloudy days	Deep holes adjacent to rock piles and boulder areas Weed edge transitions where vegetation meets deeper water Channel edges and deeper points with access to shallower feeding areas	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just off bottom Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging to attract fish from distance Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths with live bait	Perch schools concentrated in deeper basins Small minnows seeking warmth near bottom structure Juvenile baitfish schooling near remaining vegetation	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Perch Colors Chartreuse Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	34-39	Bluegills form tight winter schools in deeper basin areas, typically 11-12 feet, moving along predictable paths between feeding zones Fish become less active during midday, with peak feeding periods during early morning and late afternoon Schools suspend at varying depths depending on oxygen levels and forage availability	Deep basin areas in 11-12 foot depths where schools congregate Transition areas between weed edges and deeper water Areas near underwater points that provide access to both shallow and deep water	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements to trigger bites from lethargic fish Ice Fishing Spoons for more aggressive fish and to call fish in from a distance Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') during prime feeding periods near structure	Small aquatic insects and larvae Tiny crustaceans Dormant aquatic vegetation	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Big Stone Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Rock piles and boulder fields in 8-12 feet adjacent to spawning flats	Rip rap banks and points leading into spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Scattered boulder areas in 5-7 feet of water serving as transition zones	Secondary points and coves with submerged vegetation in 8-12 feet
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Shallow rock piles in 2-4 feet of water, particularly those near deeper water access	Secondary points leading into spawning bays with hard bottom composition
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Inside weed edges in 6-8 foot depths where early vegetation is emerging	Protected shallow coves with darker bottom composition that warms faster
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Rocky points and boulder areas in 7-9 feet adjacent to spawning tributaries	Wind-blown shorelines with good baitfish concentrations
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Docks and laydowns adjacent to spawning flats in 3-6 foot depths	Protected spawning pockets with firm bottom composition
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Scattered boulder areas in 5-7 feet of water near spawning flats	Shallow coves and bays with submerged vegetation in 4-8 feet
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Shallow rock piles and boulder fields in 2-4 feet of water	Emerging weed flats adjacent to rock reefs in 5-6 feet of water
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays and coves with firm bottom, especially near submerged vegetation	Inside weed edges in 4-6 foot depths
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Boulder fields in 7-9 feet of water	Points and coves with rock/gravel substrate
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Inside weedlines of curly leaf pondweed, especially near rocky transitions	Shallow docks in 2-4 feet of water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Weed edges and scattered boulder areas in 8-12 foot depths adjacent to spawning areas	Secondary points with submerged vegetation near deeper water access
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Rock piles and boulder areas in 2-8 feet of water	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Inside weed edges in 4-8 foot depths	Shallow flats with emerging vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Boulder fields in 7-9 feet of water, especially those near points	Wind-blown points with access to deeper water
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Matted grass and weed clumps in 0-3 feet of water, especially those adjacent to the bank	Inside weed edges in 7-9 feet of water, particularly those near hard cover like docks or boulders
Summer	Crappie	Deeper weed edges adjacent to shallow flats, especially in 8-12 foot depth range	Scattered boulder areas near vegetation in 5-8 foot depths
Summer	Walleye	Deep rock piles and adjacent channels (10-15 feet) offering thermal refuge	Weed edges near points and bays, especially those adjacent to deeper water
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Inside weed edges in 8-12 foot depths	Deeper basin areas adjacent to vegetation during midday
Summer	White Bass	Outside edges of weed beds in 7-9 feet of water, particularly where they intersect with boulder areas	Rocky points and boulder fields that create current breaks and ambush points
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Matted grass and weed clumps in 1-6 foot depth range	Docks with adjacent vegetation
Fall	Crappie	Deep weed edges in 12-14 feet where vegetation meets basin areas	Scattered boulder areas near deep water access in 8-12 feet
Fall	Walleye	Deep rock piles and boulder areas adjacent to flats, especially in 15-25 FOW	Weed edges that are starting to die off, particularly near points and deeper water access
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep basin areas in 11-12 foot depths	Points adjacent to deeper water
Fall	White Bass	Main lake points with boulder structure in 7-9 feet of water where baitfish schools congregate	Wind-blown rocky shorelines and coves where baitfish get pushed against structure
Winter	Crappie	Deep basin edges near submerged vegetation in 12-14 foot range	Deeper holes near scattered boulder areas that provided spring spawning habitat
Winter	Walleye	Deep rock piles and boulder areas in 15-25 feet of water	Channel edges and deeper holes near shallow flats
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep basin areas in 11-12 foot depths with schools suspended off bottom	Remaining deep weed edges near points where vegetation meets deeper water
Ice	Crappie	Deep basins 12-14 feet adjacent to submerged vegetation	Transitions between vegetation and deeper water
Ice	Walleye	Deep holes adjacent to rock piles and boulder areas	Weed edge transitions where vegetation meets deeper water
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep basin areas in 11-12 foot depths where schools congregate	Transition areas between weed edges and deeper water

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in shallow areas near cover	Minnows suspended around structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Yellow Perch	Various Minnow Species
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Spawning minnows concentrated in shallow areas	Small perch moving shallow with warming trends
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects emerging with warming water	Bloodworms and larvae in bottom substrate
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Schools of small shad and minnows	Young-of-year baitfish congregating near warming shallows
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill beginning to move shallow and prepare for their own spawn	Small baitfish utilizing warming shallows
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Minnows	Young of year perch
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Minnows concentrating in spawning areas	Perch relating to weed-rock transition areas
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Small invertebrates near vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Minnows/Shad schooling around boulder areas	Small baitfish gathering in spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Spawning Bluegill	Small Bass
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Small minnows gathering around newly established weed growth	Young-of-year perch beginning to school in vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Perch in shallow water near structure	Minnows schooling around rock piles and weed edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae emerging from vegetation	Small invertebrates in and around weed beds
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Schooling Shad/Minnows in upper water column	Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill - primary forage evidenced by multiple fishing reports	Minnows - secondary forage noted in reports
Summer	Crappie	Small minnows concentrating around weed edges	Young-of-year perch in and around vegetation
Summer	Walleye	Yellow Perch congregating around weed edges	Minnows schooling near rock-to-weed transitions
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects and larvae	Small invertebrates
Summer	White Bass	Schooling baitfish in open water and around structure	Young-of-year fish relating to weed edges
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrated around vegetation	Crawfish active near rocky areas and docks
Fall	Crappie	Small perch concentrating near deep weed edges	Schooling minnows in mid-depth ranges
Fall	Walleye	Schooling baitfish concentrating in deeper water	Perch relating to dying weed edges
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Small invertebrates
Fall	White Bass	Schooling shad and small baitfish transitioning to shallower water	Young-of-year minnows congregating around structure
Winter	Crappie	Small perch schools concentrated in deeper water	Minnows schooling near remaining vegetation edges
Winter	Walleye	Perch congregating in deeper water	Winter-stressed baitfish schools
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Zooplankton in deeper water columns
Ice	Crappie	Perch (primary forage based on recent reports)	Small minnows
Ice	Walleye	Perch schools concentrated in deeper basins	Small minnows seeking warmth near bottom structure
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Tiny crustaceans

Bait Colors by Season for Big Stone Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Dark Neutrals Pink Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Pink Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Dark Neutrals Pink Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Dark Neutrals Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	White Bass	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors
Fall	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Fall	White Bass	Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Winter	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Ice	Crappie	Bold Striped Patterns Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Ice	Walleye	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Perch Colors Chartreuse Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals