How to Fish Big Watab Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques | Omnia Fishing

20% Off Strike King, Through 06/03. Save Now

20% Off Bubba, Through 06/16. Save Now

Built to Serve Tee + PRO = $20 Donated Per Order → Shop Now

20% Off Dirty Jigs and Nichols Lures, Through 06/10. Save Now

Buy One, Get One FREE P-Line Tactical Fluorocarbon. Learn More

Save Up To $500 on Select Minn Kota, Through 06/18. Save Now

PRO members get free shipping, rewards & local lake data! Join Today

Markdowns on popular products - See all bargain offers

Big Watab Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 11, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Big Watab Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Trout	48-64	Trout are actively feeding during early morning hours (5-9 am), showing classic crepuscular patterns as they prepare for spawning Fish are suspending in the water column, following optimal temperature zones and moving between 15-20 ft depth as surface waters warm	Points and humps in 15-20 foot depth range where fish stage pre-spawn Shallow coves with good structure where water warms first Transitional areas between shallow spawning areas and deeper water	Inline Spinners worked slowly through suspended fish Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved with a steady presentation Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses to trigger reaction strikes	Aquatic insects emerging in spring warming trends Small baitfish in transitional areas Zooplankton in the upper water column	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Green Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Pre-spawn bluegills moving from winter deep water to transitional areas, staging near emerging weed growth and warming shallows Feeding activity increasing with warming water, particularly during afternoon hours when water temperatures peak	Secondary points and inside turns near spawning bays in 8-12 foot depth range Deep weed edges transitioning to emerging vegetation in 6-15 foot range Protected pockets and cuts with early weed growth in 4-8 foot depths	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Bobbers	Small aquatic insects and larvae emerging with warming water Tiny crustaceans in emerging weed growth Small minnows gathering in warming shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-62	Pre-spawn bass staging at transition areas between spawning flats and deeper wintering areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves More active during warmer afternoon periods, seeking warmer water in shallow protected areas Showing increased aggression and territorial behavior as spawning approaches	Secondary points and channel swings adjacent to spawning flats in 8-15 foot range Protected pockets with emerging vegetation in 4-8 foot range Rocky transitions near deeper wintering areas in 12-20 foot range	Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly along transition areas Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked parallel to points Shakey Heads worked methodically through staging areas	Bluegill beginning to move shallow Emerging crawfish becoming more active in warming water	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Trout	48-64	Trout are actively feeding during early morning hours (5-9 am) in spring, following crepuscular patterns and responding to increasing insect activity Fish are transitioning between winter and summer patterns, suspending in the water column and moving to maintain optimal temperature zones around 55-60°F	Shallow points and humps in 15-20 foot depth range where fish stage during spring warming Protected coves with emerging insect activity in 8-15 foot depths Transition areas between shallow spawning zones and deeper water safety zones	Inline Spinners retrieved slowly through suspended fish zones Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked methodically along depth transitions Live Bait Rigs suspended at key depths where fish are holding	Emerging aquatic insects, particularly midges and mayflies Small baitfish in warming shallow waters	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Bluegills moving into shallow areas (2-6 feet) to establish spawning beds, particularly active during morning and evening hours Males becoming territorial and aggressive while guarding nesting areas, making them more likely to strike at intrusive baits	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom composition for spawning beds Areas adjacent to weed edges in 4-8 feet of water Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Bobbers with small finesse jigs worked slowly around bedding areas Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with light tackle for precise presentation Live Bait Rigs with small hooks and split shot for natural presentation in clear water	Small aquatic insects and larvae emerging with spring warmup Tiny crustaceans in shallow spawning areas Small minnows relating to emerging weed growth	Natural Shad Colors Green Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Staging and moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly in protected pockets with firm bottom Males preparing and guarding nests while females move between staging and spawning areas Most active during warmer parts of day, utilizing available cover near spawning flats	Protected shallow pockets with firm bottom near deeper water access Weed edges in 4-8 foot range adjacent to spawning flats Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting visible beds and shallow cover Wacky Rigs worked slowly around spawning areas Soft Jerkbaits for targeting pre-spawn staging fish	Bluegill in shallow water areas Small baitfish relating to emerging vegetation	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Trout	58-65	Trout are exhibiting crepuscular feeding patterns, with peak activity during low-light conditions as evidenced by fishing reports Fish are suspending at 15-20 ft depth seeking optimal temperature zones as surface waters warm Actively feeding on insects during spring emergence, with a preference for natural presentations in clear water	Reefs in 15-20 foot depth range where insects concentrate Points and humps adjacent to deeper water providing temperature refuges Coves and protected areas during insect hatches	Bobbers with suspended live bait at precise depths Inline Spinners worked slowly through the strike zone Trolling Shallow (0-9') during low light periods	Aquatic Insects, particularly emerging spring hatches Small baitfish in the 2-3 inch range	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Post-spawn bluegills establishing summer patterns, actively feeding in and around emerging weed growth Fish becoming more aggressive as they recover from spawn, with peak feeding periods during morning and evening hours	Weed edges and pockets in 8-12 foot depth range Secondary points with access to deeper water Protected bays with emerging vegetation	Bobbers with light jigs suspended near weed tops Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs	Small aquatic insects emerging from vegetation Freshwater zooplankton in and around weed beds Small crustaceans near bottom structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Bass are actively feeding in post-spawn recovery phase, moving between shallow cover and nearby deeper water Fish are establishing summer patterns, with peak activity during dawn/dusk in clear water conditions	Weed edges in 8-12 foot range adjacent to spawning flats Points and humps in 12-20 foot range offering quick access to deep water Protected pockets with submerged vegetation	Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly along weed edges Drop Shot with finesse presentations in clear water Soft Jerkbaits for suspended fish near structure	Bluegill in and around vegetation Young of year baitfish beginning to emerge Remaining spawning baitfish	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Shad Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Trout	58-68	Trout moving deeper to cooler water (20-35 ft) during daylight hours, seeking optimal temperature zones in thermocline Most active feeding during early morning and late evening, following crepuscular patterns Suspending in the water column rather than holding tight to bottom structure	Deep points and humps near thermocline depth (20-35 feet) Basin areas with suspended bait schools Deeper rock structures providing shade and cooler water	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') early and late in day Trolling Deep (20'+) during bright conditions Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are marked Spoons worked through suspended fish	Suspended baitfish schools Aquatic insects during low light periods Small crayfish near deep structure	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Green Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	68-78	Actively feeding in and around weed beds, particularly during early morning and evening hours, given the extremely clear water conditions Suspending near weed edges during midday, moving deeper (15-20 feet) when sun is high due to high water clarity Showing selective feeding patterns due to clear water, requiring more natural presentations and smaller baits	Deep weed edges in 12-15 feet of water, especially near points or structure Pockets within weed beds in 8-12 feet of water Main lake points with vegetation, particularly during morning and evening periods	Live Bait Rigs with light line and small hooks for clear water presentation Drop Shot with small soft plastics for suspended fish near weed edges Bobbers with adjusted depths for fishing different levels in the water column	Small aquatic insects in and around vegetation Tiny crustaceans and zooplankton Small minnows and fry in weed beds	Natural Shad Colors Green Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	68-82	Actively feeding during early morning and evening hours, seeking shade and cover during bright midday periods due to clear water conditions Utilizing deep weed edges as primary holding areas, moving shallow to feed during low light periods Relating strongly to structure in 12-20 foot range during midday heat	Deep weed edges in 12-15 foot range, especially near points or channel swings Offshore humps with vegetation in 12-20 foot range Shaded pockets in weed beds during midday Points with access to both shallow and deep water	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) Drop Shot Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Bluegill in and around weed beds Young of year baitfish relating to deeper weed edges Crayfish on hard bottom areas near structure	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Shad Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Big Watab Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Trout	48-62	Trout are becoming more active as water temperatures cool, feeding aggressively to build energy reserves before winter. They're likely to follow baitfish schools and key in on larger forage. Fish are moving between deep basin areas and shallower structures throughout the day, with peak activity during dawn and dusk periods	Deep points and humps in 15-30 foot range that provide access to both shallow and deep water Basin areas adjacent to structure, especially during midday Shallow feeding flats during low light periods, particularly early morning	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with consistent speed to cover water and locate active fish Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') once schools are located Spoons worked through suspended fish marked on electronics	Schooling baitfish in open water Late season aquatic insects Small fish relating to structure	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Green Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Panfish transitioning from summer patterns to deeper, more concentrated fall locations, actively feeding to build up reserves for winter Fish are becoming more structure-oriented, relating closely to deep weed edges and points as vegetation begins to die off Feeding activity increases during stable weather patterns, with prime feeding windows during mid-morning and late afternoon	Deep weed edges in 12-18 feet where vegetation is still green Main lake points with access to deep water Deep humps with remnant vegetation or sharp breaks	Drop Shot with small finesse baits worked slowly along weed edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with tungsten jigs near structure Hover/Mid-Strolling with light jigs when fish are suspended	Small invertebrates in remaining weed growth Young-of-year baitfish congregating near structure Zooplankton in deeper water columns	Natural Shad Colors Green Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	65-75	Bass actively feeding on bluegill in and around weed edges, especially during low light periods due to clear water conditions Beginning fall transition pattern with movement between shallow weeds and nearby deeper structure as temperatures cool	Weed pockets and edges in 8-15 foot range, especially near deeper water access Secondary points with submerged vegetation near deeper water Offshore humps in 12-20 foot range with vegetation or structure	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting weed pockets and edges Football Jigs worked along deeper weed edges and transition areas Drop Shot with finesse presentations for clear water conditions	Bluegill concentrating around weed edges Young of year baitfish schooling near vegetation	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Trout	34-42	Trout are suspending in the water column, following optimal temperature zones typically 4-12 feet below the surface during winter conditions Most active during early morning hours with defined 'bite windows', showing typical crepuscular feeding patterns in high-clarity conditions	Main lake points and humps in 15-25 foot depth range Basin areas where schools of suspended trout follow baitfish Transition areas between shallow structure and deeper water	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with subtle movements to avoid spooking fish in clear water Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses to imitate struggling baitfish Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along contour lines and through suspended fish	Suspended baitfish schools Winter-dormant aquatic insects Small crustaceans	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Green Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	38-45	Late afternoon feeding patterns are most active, with fish holding tight to specific structure rather than roaming widely Fish are less aggressive and more focused on precise presentations due to extremely clear water conditions	Main lake points and humps in 12-18 foot depth range Winter weed edges where remaining vegetation provides cover Deep water structure adjacent to bays where fish stage during winter	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Drop Shot Finesse Hair Jigs	Small invertebrates Tiny baitfish/fry	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Green Colors
Ice	Trout	33-39	Trout are suspending high in the water column (4-12 feet below ice) even over deep water, showing strong preference for early morning bite windows (5-9 AM) Fish are being finicky and selective, requiring subtle presentations with minimal jigging motion	Humps in 15-20 foot depth range with access to deeper water Deep basin areas in 60 foot range where fish suspend high in the water column Deep water adjacent to shallow points	Ice Fishing Spoons with subtle twitching motions 4-12 feet below ice Lipless Crankbaits worked with minimal action in upper water column Ice Fishing Jigs with dead-stick or very slight movements	Suspended baitfish in upper water column Winter-active aquatic insects	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	34-39	Concentrating on main lake structure (points and humps) in 12-18 foot depth range, showing strongest activity during afternoon hours (2:30-5:00 PM) Exhibiting selective feeding behavior due to extremely clear water conditions, requiring finesse presentations and staying in one spot rather than hole-hopping	Main lake points and humps in 17-20 foot range Deep weed edges in 12-18 foot range Protected basin areas adjacent to structure	Ice Fishing Spoons tipped with wax worms or crappie minnows, worked with subtle movements Ice Fishing Jigs with live bait, presented with minimal movement in clear water Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set on edges of structure for bonus pike	Small invertebrates (targeted with wax worms) Small baitfish/crappie minnows Zooplankton in deeper water column	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Big Watab Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Trout	Points and humps in 15-20 foot depth range where fish stage pre-spawn	Shallow coves with good structure where water warms first
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Secondary points and inside turns near spawning bays in 8-12 foot depth range	Deep weed edges transitioning to emerging vegetation in 6-15 foot range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points and channel swings adjacent to spawning flats in 8-15 foot range	Protected pockets with emerging vegetation in 4-8 foot range
Spring (Spawn)	Trout	Shallow points and humps in 15-20 foot depth range where fish stage during spring warming	Protected coves with emerging insect activity in 8-15 foot depths
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom composition for spawning beds	Areas adjacent to weed edges in 4-8 feet of water
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow pockets with firm bottom near deeper water access	Weed edges in 4-8 foot range adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Trout	Reefs in 15-20 foot depth range where insects concentrate	Points and humps adjacent to deeper water providing temperature refuges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Weed edges and pockets in 8-12 foot depth range	Secondary points with access to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Weed edges in 8-12 foot range adjacent to spawning flats	Points and humps in 12-20 foot range offering quick access to deep water
Summer	Trout	Deep points and humps near thermocline depth (20-35 feet)	Basin areas with suspended bait schools
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges in 12-15 feet of water, especially near points or structure	Pockets within weed beds in 8-12 feet of water
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Deep weed edges in 12-15 foot range, especially near points or channel swings	Offshore humps with vegetation in 12-20 foot range
Fall	Trout	Deep points and humps in 15-30 foot range that provide access to both shallow and deep water	Basin areas adjacent to structure, especially during midday
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges in 12-18 feet where vegetation is still green	Main lake points with access to deep water
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Weed pockets and edges in 8-15 foot range, especially near deeper water access	Secondary points with submerged vegetation near deeper water
Winter	Trout	Main lake points and humps in 15-25 foot depth range	Basin areas where schools of suspended trout follow baitfish
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Main lake points and humps in 12-18 foot depth range	Winter weed edges where remaining vegetation provides cover
Ice	Trout	Humps in 15-20 foot depth range with access to deeper water	Deep basin areas in 60 foot range where fish suspend high in the water column
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Main lake points and humps in 17-20 foot range	Deep weed edges in 12-18 foot range

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Trout	Aquatic insects emerging in spring warming trends	Small baitfish in transitional areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae emerging with warming water	Tiny crustaceans in emerging weed growth
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill beginning to move shallow	Emerging crawfish becoming more active in warming water
Spring (Spawn)	Trout	Emerging aquatic insects, particularly midges and mayflies	Small baitfish in warming shallow waters
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae emerging with spring warmup	Tiny crustaceans in shallow spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in shallow water areas	Small baitfish relating to emerging vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Trout	Aquatic Insects, particularly emerging spring hatches	Small baitfish in the 2-3 inch range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects emerging from vegetation	Freshwater zooplankton in and around weed beds
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in and around vegetation	Young of year baitfish beginning to emerge
Summer	Trout	Suspended baitfish schools	Aquatic insects during low light periods
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects in and around vegetation	Tiny crustaceans and zooplankton
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in and around weed beds	Young of year baitfish relating to deeper weed edges
Fall	Trout	Schooling baitfish in open water	Late season aquatic insects
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small invertebrates in remaining weed growth	Young-of-year baitfish congregating near structure
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating around weed edges	Young of year baitfish schooling near vegetation
Winter	Trout	Suspended baitfish schools	Winter-dormant aquatic insects
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small invertebrates	Tiny baitfish/fry
Ice	Trout	Suspended baitfish in upper water column	Winter-active aquatic insects
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Small invertebrates (targeted with wax worms)	Small baitfish/crappie minnows

Bait Colors by Season for Big Watab Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Trout	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Green Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Trout	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Shad Colors Green Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Trout	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Shad Colors
Summer	Trout	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Green Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Shad Colors Green Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Shad Colors
Fall	Trout	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Green Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Shad Colors Green Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Trout	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Green Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Green Colors
Ice	Trout	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors

Enter your email address to get 10% off your first order

Join over 100k anglers who receive our newsletter.
Techniques, tips and tackle breakdowns personalized to your local area.

© 2025 Omnia Fishing Inc. All Rights Reserved

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy