How to Fish Black Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

Black Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 31, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Black Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-68	Bass are actively transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging areas, following shad movements along ditches and ledges Fish are schooling on flats and ledges, with some early spawners beginning to move towards shallow areas with cover	Ditches between islands with grass that connect to spawning flats Ledges adjacent to spawning flats Shallow tree-covered humps that provide staging areas	Lipless Crankbaits worked through grass in ditches Blade Baits for schooling fish on flats and ledges Spinnerbaits around shallow timber on humps	Shad schooling in ditches and around humps Crawfish becoming active in shallow areas with cover	Natural Shad Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	58-65	Bluegill are transitioning from winter locations to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves Fish are becoming more aggressive and moving into shallower water as temperatures rise, congregating near future spawning sites	Protected areas between islands with emerging grass in 4-8 feet of water Shallow humps near spawning grounds in 3-6 feet of water Timber and pilings adjacent to spawning flats in 5-10 feet	Live Bait Rigs with small hooks and split shots for precise presentation Bobbers suspended 2-4 feet deep near cover Micro Crankbaits worked slowly around structure	Small insects and larvae emerging with warming water Small crawfish becoming more active Aquatic worms and invertebrates	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	65-66	White bass are actively schooling and feeding on shad, pushing bait against structure and grass edges in ditches between islands Fish are in pre-spawn mode, moving along transitional areas like ledges and humps while gathering in pre-spawn staging areas	Ditches between islands with grass edges where shad are being corralled Ledges and humps near deeper water serving as pre-spawn staging areas Channel edges and current breaks where bait congregates	Lipless Crankbaits worked through grass edges and over humps Blade Baits fished slowly along ledges and depth transitions Spinnerbaits worked parallel to grass lines where shad are present	Shad schools being actively pushed by white bass against structure Small baitfish relating to grass edges and channel breaks	Metallic Colors Natural Shad Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Gar	58-68	Gar are becoming more active as water temperatures rise, moving into warmer shallows and channel edges for pre-spawn staging Fish are actively pursuing shad schools around current breaks and structure, particularly during warmer parts of the day	Current breaks near locks and dam structures where shad congregate Shallow timber and brush piles in coves and backwaters Bridge pilings and adjacent river channels	Live Bait Rigs with float to keep bait near surface Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly near structure Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') around current breaks	Shad schools concentrating around structure Small sunfish in shallow brush areas	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	62-72	Catfish are actively feeding and beginning to move to pre-spawn staging areas, following shad schools and utilizing current breaks near deep-water access Fish are transitioning between winter and spawning patterns, making frequent movements between deeper channels and shallower feeding zones	Channel edges and ledges near bridge pilings where current breaks concentrate baitfish Standing timber areas adjacent to deeper water Island points and humps with depth changes that funnel baitfish	Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or shiners positioned near structure Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') along channel edges Carolina Rigs worked slowly through timber and along ledges	Shad schools congregating near structure and current breaks Smaller panfish utilizing grass areas between islands Crawfish becoming more active in woody cover areas	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Sturgeon	48-65	Sturgeon are becoming more active as water temperatures rise, moving from deep winter holding areas to pre-spawn staging areas near river channels and bridge pilings Fish are actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, focusing on bottom-dwelling prey and small fish near structure	Deep holes and current breaks near bridge pilings River channel edges with adjacent vegetation Ledges and deep structure transitioning to spawning flats	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom structure Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) near bridge pilings and channel edges Structure Jigs worked through deep holes and current breaks	Bottom-dwelling invertebrates and crayfish Shad concentrations near structure Small fish gathering around brush piles and timber	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Common Carp	58-68	Pre-spawn carp are actively seeking warmer, shallow waters and beginning to feed more aggressively as water temperatures climb into the mid-60s Fish are transitioning from winter holding patterns to staging areas near spawning flats, particularly around areas with emerging vegetation	Shallow grass-lined ditches between islands where water warms first Protected coves with emerging vegetation and brush piles Shallow flats adjacent to deeper winter holding areas near bridge pilings	Live Bait Rigs with sweet corn or dough balls fished near bottom Bobbers suspended baits over emerging vegetation Texas Rigs (Worming) with scented soft plastics dragged through vegetation	Natural invertebrates and insects becoming active in warming waters Emerging aquatic vegetation and roots Small crustaceans in shallow areas	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-68	Bass actively moving into spawning areas, with pre-spawn feeding around channel swings and bridge pilings Fish relating heavily to shallow cover, especially timber and brush in 3-5 feet of water Showing selective feeding patterns, with some fish being finicky about bait choices as noted in reports	Shallow brush piles and cypress trees in 3-4 feet of water, especially those near grass Bridge pilings where channel swings create pre-spawn staging areas Protected shallow areas in backs of sloughs with laydown timber	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) worked slowly around shallow cover Blade Baits near bridge pilings and channel swings Texas Rigs (Worming) presented methodically around timber	Shad concentrating around bridge areas and channel swings Bluegill beginning to move shallow around woody cover	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-68	Bluegill actively spawning and making beds in shallow water around islands and humps, particularly in areas with hard bottom and tree cover Males guarding nesting areas while females stage nearby, creating concentrated fishing opportunities	Shallow humps with trees near islands in 1-5 feet of water Protected areas between islands with grass and hard bottom Openings in tree-covered areas where spawning beds are visible	Bobbers with live bait suspended 1-3 feet deep Live Bait Rigs worked slowly through spawning areas Micro Crankbaits cast parallel to bedding areas	Insects, particularly crickets Crawfish Natural worms and larvae	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	62-68	Actively schooling and feeding around bridge areas and river channels during spawn period Aggressively pursuing shad in large groups, with fish pushing bait against structure Responding strongly to flash and vibration in feeding zones	Bridge areas and river channels where spawning activity is concentrated Current breaks and channel edges where shad congregate Ditch systems between islands that serve as migration routes	Spoons worked vertically through actively feeding schools Blade Baits with aggressive retrieve to trigger reaction strikes Lipless Crankbaits burned through schooling fish	Shad - primary forage base confirmed by multiple reports Small baitfish congregating in spawning areas	Metallic Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Gar	58-66	During spring spawn, gar are moving into shallow, vegetated areas and collecting in groups near standing timber, brush piles, and cypress trees Fish are actively feeding in preparation for and during spawning, particularly around current breaks and structure where shad congregate Gar frequently surface to gulp air and are more visible during warmer parts of the day	Shallow vegetated areas near standing timber and cypress trees Current breaks near Lock and Dam 5 Bridge areas where shad congregate Protected coves with brush piles	Live Bait Rigs with rope lures for spawning gar Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked near the surface Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around structure	Shad schools concentrating around structure Small sunfish in shallow spawning areas Various minnow species around brush piles	Natural Shad Colors Bold Striped Patterns Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	62-68	Catfish are actively feeding in pre-spawn patterns, with increased activity due to optimal 65°F water temperatures Fish are staging near spawning areas but still maintaining feeding patterns, particularly around structure and depth changes	Ledges and channel edges where depth changes create current breaks Standing timber and laydowns near spawning flats Areas between islands where ditches concentrate baitfish	Live Bait Rigs with shiners, particularly effective as evidenced by recent 28-fish catch Carolina Rigs worked slowly along ledges and depth changes Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around wooden cover and structure	Shad - primary forage base confirmed by multiple reports Shiners - proven effective in recent catches Small panfish utilizing grass areas between islands	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Sturgeon	48-65	Sturgeon are actively moving into shallower spawning areas near river channels and current, typically staging in pre-spawn locations before moving to gravel or rocky areas Fish are more aggressive during daylight hours, feeding opportunistically on both bottom-dwelling prey and small fish like shad	Bridge pilings and adjacent deep holes where current breaks create staging areas River channel edges with gravel or rocky substrate for spawning Areas where deeper water meets shallow flats with vegetation, providing access to spawning grounds	Live Bait Rigs with heavy sinkers to maintain bottom contact in current areas Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) near bridge pilings and channel edges Structure Jigs worked slowly along bottom transitions and rocky areas	Shad schools gathering in pre-spawn areas Bottom-dwelling invertebrates and crawfish in rocky areas Small fish utilizing grass and vegetation edges	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Common Carp	62-75	Carp are actively moving into shallow flats and vegetated areas for spawning, especially around areas with hard bottom and grass between islands Fish are becoming more active with spring temperatures, feeding heavily before and after spawning in nutrient-rich areas with floating vegetation	Shallow grass flats and ditches between islands where vegetation is present Hard bottom areas near shallow humps with emerging vegetation Protected coves with floating salvinia and other vegetation	Live Bait Rigs with corn, dough balls, or worms fished near bottom in spawning areas Bobbers suspended baits over vegetation and shallow flats Texas Rigs (Worming) with scented soft plastics dragged through vegetation	Aquatic vegetation and roots Invertebrates and insects in shallow areas Natural algae and detritus around vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-72	Post-spawn largemouth bass are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are relating heavily to standing timber and woody cover, requiring precise presentations	Standing timber areas, especially those near spawning flats Ditches and humps near islands with brush piles Grass edges in shallow areas transitioning to deeper water	Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly through timber Shakey Heads for finesse presentation around wood cover Spinnerbaits along grass edges and through timber	Crawfish - primary forage based on recent reports Shad - abundant in the lake system Bluegill - starting to become active in shallow areas	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	68-75	Post-spawn bluegill are actively feeding to recover energy, moving to slightly deeper water adjacent to spawning areas Fish are establishing summer feeding patterns, relating to grass edges and submerged timber between 5-12 feet deep	Grass edges in ditches between islands at 5-8 feet depth Submerged timber near island drop-offs Secondary points with vegetation near spawning flats	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) Live Bait Rigs Inline Spinners	Small insects and larvae around vegetation Small crawfish near timber Juvenile shad in open water	Natural Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	65-72	White bass are transitioning from spawning areas to main lake feeding zones, actively pursuing shad schools in post-spawn feeding patterns Fish are utilizing current breaks and structure edges as recovery areas, making frequent feeding moves to shallow areas when shad are present	Main lake points and channel edges adjacent to spawning tributaries Humps and ledges near river channels, especially those with current breaks Grass edges and ditch systems between islands where shad concentrate	Spinnerbaits worked along channel edges and through schools of suspended fish Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved at varying speeds to match shad movement Lipless Crankbaits burned through areas where shad are being corralled	Shad schools recovering from spawn Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Gar	62-75	Post-spawn gar are actively feeding to recover energy, focusing on abundant shad populations around current breaks and structure Fish are moving into warmer, shallower waters and utilizing ambush points near timber and bridge structures	Bridge areas and lock/dam structures where current creates baitfish congregation points Standing timber and brush piles in shallow to moderate depths Channel edges near islands and humps where current breaks form	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked near surface in shad-mimicking presentations Hard Topwater (Walking) to imitate struggling baitfish in current breaks Trolling Shallow (0-9') along channel edges and structure lines	Shad schools congregating around structure and current breaks Various sunfish species emerging in shallow areas near timber	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	65-75	Post-spawn catfish actively feeding and recovering energy, moving along channel edges and ledges near deeper water Fish transitioning between shallow feeding areas and deeper holding zones, following shad movements	Channel edges and ledges with depth changes Bridge pilings and standing timber areas Grass-lined ditches between islands where baitfish concentrate	Live Bait Rigs positioned near structure Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') along ledges Carolina Rigs worked through timber and grass edges	Shad schools Small sunfish and baitfish in grass Shiners	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Sturgeon	48-65	Post-spawn sturgeon are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily focusing on deep channel edges and structure-rich areas Fish are making transitional movements between spawning areas and summer holding spots, following forage concentrations	Bridge pilings and associated deep holes with current breaks River channel edges with nearby brush piles and standing timber Deep structure areas near grass beds where invertebrates are abundant	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom structure Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) near bridge pilings and channel edges Large Hair Jigs (Preacher) dragged through deeper holding areas	Shad concentrations in deeper water Bottom-dwelling invertebrates and crayfish Small fish gathering around structure	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Common Carp	65-72	Post-spawn carp are actively feeding to recover energy, focusing on shallow flats and vegetated areas where natural foods are abundant Fish are making regular movements between slightly deeper recovery areas and shallow feeding zones, particularly around islands and grass-filled ditches	Grass-filled ditches between islands where invertebrates and vegetation are abundant Shallow flats adjacent to woody cover and brush piles Areas with salvinia and other floating vegetation where natural foods concentrate	Live Bait Rigs fished near vegetation edges and in gaps between floating plants Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly through grass and vegetation Bobbers with suspended baits over feeding areas	Aquatic invertebrates in vegetation Tender aquatic vegetation and roots Small crustaceans and insects in shallow areas	Dark Neutrals Green Colors Vibrant Craw Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-85	During summer, largemouth bass establish both shallow and deep patterns, moving deeper during midday heat and returning to shallower areas during dawn/dusk Bass actively feed around standing timber and brush piles, using these structures as ambush points and thermal refuge Fish show increased activity near shad schools, especially during early morning and evening hours	Deep standing timber edges in 15-25 feet of water Bridge pilings with shade during midday Grass edges near deeper water ditches Island humps and surrounding ditches	Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked along timber edges and bridge pilings Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for working heavy cover and grass Drop Shot for suspended fish around deeper structure Spinnerbaits during lowlight periods around shad schools	Shad schools concentrated around structure Bluegill in and around grass edges Various sunfish species relating to brush piles	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	72-85	Bluegill are actively feeding in warm water conditions, focusing on shallow to mid-depth areas near structure and vegetation Fish are establishing territories around submerged timber, grass edges, and island areas, with peak activity during morning and evening hours	Grass edges between islands with nearby deeper water access Submerged timber areas around islands and humps Protected coves with established vegetation patterns	Bobbers with light tackle presentations in 2-8 feet of water Live Bait Rigs worked slowly around structure Inline Spinners cast near vegetation edges	Small insects and larvae around vegetation Small crawfish in shallow areas Juvenile shad around structure	Natural Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	White Bass	75-85	Schooling actively in deep water during daytime, pushing shad schools against structure and grass edges during feeding periods Moving between deeper main lake areas and secondary points throughout the day, following shad movements	Deep humps and ledges near river channels (15-25 feet) Ditch systems between islands where current concentrates bait Secondary points with access to deep water	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with spoons and blade baits when fish are holding deep Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along ledges and channel edges with crankbaits Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for actively feeding fish chasing shad	Shad (primary forage base, concentrated in schools) Small Baitfish (around grass edges and structure)	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Gar	75-88	Gar are highly active in warm summer waters, frequently surfacing to gulp air and actively hunting shad schools around current breaks and structure Fish are most aggressive during dawn and dusk periods, patrolling shallow to mid-depth zones near timber and bridge structures	Bridge pilings and lock/dam areas where current creates baitfish congregations Standing timber and cypress trees in 5-15 feet of water Channel edges near islands and humps where current breaks form	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked near surface around current breaks Live Bait Rigs with float to keep bait in upper water column Hard Topwater (Walking) worked across likely ambush points	Shad schools in upper water column Small sunfish around timber structure Young catfish near channel edges	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Catfish	72-85	Catfish become more active in summer with increased metabolism, feeding heavily during night hours and early morning when water temperatures are more moderate Fish stage near deep structure during day (ledges, river channels) and move shallower to feed during low light periods	Deep ledges and river channels adjacent to feeding flats Bridge pilings with current breaks Standing timber near channel edges	Live Bait Rigs positioned near structure and current breaks Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) along ledges and channel edges Carolina Rigs worked slowly through timber and along depth changes	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water Baitfish relating to grass in ditches Bottom-dwelling forage near timber and structure	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Sturgeon	65-78	Sturgeon will be holding in deeper, cooler water during summer days, typically 20-35 feet deep near river channels and bridge pilings Most active feeding occurs during dawn and dusk periods, moving into slightly shallower areas to feed on bottom-dwelling organisms and small fish	Deep river channels with current breaks near bridge pilings Deep ledges adjacent to vegetation areas where forage concentrates Brush piles and standing timber in 20-35 foot depths	Live Bait Rigs with heavy weights to maintain bottom contact in deeper water Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) near structure and current breaks Trolling Deep (20'+) along channel edges and deep structure	Shad schools in deeper water Bottom-dwelling invertebrates near vegetation Small fish gathering around brush piles and timber	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Common Carp	68-85	Actively feeding in shallow vegetated areas and around islands during early morning and evening hours Moving to slightly deeper adjacent areas during mid-day heat, but remaining near feeding zones Frequently rooting in soft bottom areas near grass beds and timber for invertebrates and plant matter	Shallow grass flats and ditches between islands Areas with floating salvinia and submerged vegetation Bridge pilings adjacent to shallow feeding flats	Live Bait Rigs with corn, dough balls, or nightcrawlers fished near bottom Bobbers suspended baits over vegetation and near structure Texas Rigs (Worming) with scented soft plastics dragged through vegetation	Aquatic invertebrates and insects in vegetation Aquatic vegetation and roots Small crustaceans and mollusks	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Black Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Actively feeding on large schools of shad in response to falling temperatures and baitfish migrations Bass are exhibiting aggressive chase behavior, pursuing shad schools and using structure as ambush points	Deep boulder areas near shad schools Standing timber areas with baitfish present Deep ledges adjacent to shallow feeding flats	Blade Baits ripped off bottom around baitfish schools Lipless Crankbaits worked through shad schools Spinnerbaits around timber and boulders	Shad (primary forage based on recent reports) Bluegill (secondary forage option in vegetation)	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	58-72	Bluegill are transitioning to deeper structure, following cooling water temperatures and congregating around submerged timber and deeper grass edges Feeding activity increases during this seasonal transition as fish build energy reserves for winter, with most active periods during mid-morning and afternoon	Deeper edges of grass lines between islands (8-15 feet) Submerged timber around islands and humps (10-20 feet) Protected coves with remaining vegetation (5-12 feet)	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Micro Crankbaits	Small insects and larvae around remaining vegetation Small crawfish near timber and hard bottom areas Juvenile shad in open water areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Fall	White Bass	62-75	White bass actively schooling and chasing shad schools in open water and along structure edges Fish moving between deeper main lake areas and shallow feeding zones, following bait movements Aggressive feeding periods during dawn and dusk, with fish utilizing current breaks and structure to ambush prey	Deep river channels and ditch systems between islands where shad schools concentrate Humps and ledges adjacent to deep water, especially those near current areas Points and channel swings where current creates bait-holding areas	Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended schools Lipless Crankbaits retrieved at varying speeds to trigger reaction strikes Spoons jigged vertically when fish are holding deeper	Shad schools concentrating in deeper water Small baitfish utilizing channel edges and structure	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Gar	48-66	Actively feeding on schooling shad in river channels and near dam structures as baitfish make seasonal movements Moving between shallow and mid-depth areas following bait schools, particularly active during low-light periods	Lock and dam areas where current breaks create ambush points Bridge channels with moving water and bait concentrations Standing timber and brush piles near river channel edges	Live Bait Rigs with large shad presented in current breaks Trolling Shallow (0-9') along channel edges with large swimbaits Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked through bait schools	Shad schools making seasonal movements Smaller fish species congregating near structure	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Catfish	58-72	Catfish actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter, following baitfish schools (particularly shad) and responding to cooling water temperatures Fish transitioning between shallow and deep water patterns, often relating to channel edges and deep structure during daylight hours	Deep river channels and bridge pilings where current concentrates baitfish Ledges and channel edges adjacent to shallow flats Standing timber areas near depth changes	Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or whole shiners Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) near structure and channel edges Trolling Deep (20'+) along channel edges and near bridge pilings	Shad schools congregating in deeper water Sunfish and small baitfish around timber Crawfish near rocky areas and ledges	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Sturgeon	52-65	Sturgeon are actively feeding to build energy reserves before winter, focusing on deeper channel areas and bridge pilings Fish are moving between deep holding areas and feeding zones, following shad schools and bottom-dwelling prey	Deep river channels near bridge pilings (15-30 feet) Ledges adjacent to grass flats where shad congregate Brush piles and timber in deeper water (20+ feet)	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Live Bait Rigs Large Hair Jigs (Preacher)	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water Bottom-dwelling invertebrates and crawfish Small fish utilizing brush piles and timber	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Common Carp	55-70	Common Carp are transitioning to deeper water while still making feeding forays to shallow flats near deep water access, particularly around bridge pilings and river channels Fish are actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter, with increased activity during warmer portions of the day	Bridge pilings and river channels with adjacent shallow feeding flats Deep water areas near standing timber and brush piles Ditches between islands with remaining grass and vegetation	Live Bait Rigs with corn, dough balls, or nightcrawlers near structure Texas Rigs (Worming) with scented soft plastics dragged slowly along bottom transitions	Natural vegetation and aquatic invertebrates Bottom-dwelling insects and crustaceans	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	45-55	Concentrating around deep bridge pilings and structured areas for stable winter holding patterns Actively feeding during early and late day periods, with schooling activity near bridge areas	Bridge pilings with deep water access Deep ditches near standing timber Protected coves with woody structure	Football Jigs worked slowly along bottom near structure Lipless Crankbaits for schooling fish near bridges Blade Baits for vertical presentations in deeper water	Bluegill holding tight to structure Shad schools in deeper water	Dark Neutrals Natural Shad Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	45-52	Bluegill are concentrated around deep pilings and structure, feeding less aggressively but still actively in the cooler water Fish are exhibiting a preference for slower, bottom-oriented presentations, suggesting a more lethargic winter pattern	Deep pilings with protective cover Submerged timber near islands at depth Protected coves with structure	Drop Shot with live bait near bottom Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Ice Fishing Jigs worked slowly	Small aquatic insects and larvae Dormant crawfish	Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Winter	White Bass	45-55	White bass school tightly in deeper water, following shad schools and utilizing deep structure like river channels and ledges Fish become more lethargic but will actively feed during warming trends and stable weather patterns	Deep river channels and ditches between islands (18-25 feet) Deep structural intersections where ledges meet channel bends Bridge pilings and deep points near main lake channels	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with blade baits and spoons directly in fish schools Trolling Deep (20'+) along channel edges with umbrellas rigs Lipless Crankbaits worked vertically through suspended schools	Large schools of winter-pattern shad in deeper water Suspended baitfish concentrations near channel edges	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Gar	48-66	Gar are congregating around current breaks and man-made structures like Lock and Dam 5, using these areas as ambush points for schooling shad Less active during winter but still feeding opportunistically, particularly during warmer periods and in areas where baitfish are concentrated	Lock and dam structures where current breaks create congregation points River channels with moving water and schooling baitfish Bridge areas where current and structure create ambush points	Live Bait Rigs with shad presented in current breaks Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) near structure in river channels Spoons worked slowly through baitfish schools	Shad concentrations in deeper water Winter-stressed baitfish around current breaks	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Catfish	45-55	Catfish become more lethargic and concentrate in deeper, stable temperature areas like river channels and deep ledges Feeding windows are shorter and typically most active during warmer afternoon periods Fish tend to school more tightly in winter, often gathering in predictable areas near structure	Deep river channels and bridge pilings where depths exceed 20 feet Sharp ledges adjacent to channel edges where depth changes are significant Deep timber areas near channel intersections	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Live Bait Rigs Blade Baits	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water Small sunfish near deep structure Dormant crawfish in deeper rock and timber areas	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Winter	Sturgeon	48-55	Sturgeon tend to congregate in deep, stable temperature zones, particularly around river channels and bridge pilings during winter Fish are less active but will feed opportunistically on concentrations of baitfish and bottom fare in deep holes	Deep river channels and bridge pilings where depths exceed 20 feet Areas where brush piles and standing timber intersect with deep ledges Deep holes with current breaks near structure	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Live Bait Rigs Large Hair Jigs (Preacher)	Shad schools concentrated in deep water Bottom-dwelling invertebrates	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Winter	Common Carp	45-55	Common Carp school tightly in deeper, more stable water near bridge pilings and river channels during winter Feeding activity is reduced but still occurs during warmer parts of the day, especially near deeper structure with nearby access to shallow flats	Bridge pilings and river channels with depths of 15-25 feet Deep water areas adjacent to shallow feeding flats with standing timber Deep water areas near island drop-offs	Live Bait Rigs with heavy sinkers fished slowly on bottom near structure Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with scented baits near bridge pilings Structure Jigs worked slowly through deep timber and brush piles	Bottom-dwelling invertebrates and mollusks Dead or dying shad in deeper water	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Black Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Ditches between islands with grass that connect to spawning flats	Ledges adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected areas between islands with emerging grass in 4-8 feet of water	Shallow humps near spawning grounds in 3-6 feet of water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Ditches between islands with grass edges where shad are being corralled	Ledges and humps near deeper water serving as pre-spawn staging areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Gar	Current breaks near locks and dam structures where shad congregate	Shallow timber and brush piles in coves and backwaters
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Channel edges and ledges near bridge pilings where current breaks concentrate baitfish	Standing timber areas adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Sturgeon	Deep holes and current breaks near bridge pilings	River channel edges with adjacent vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Common Carp	Shallow grass-lined ditches between islands where water warms first	Protected coves with emerging vegetation and brush piles
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shallow brush piles and cypress trees in 3-4 feet of water, especially those near grass	Bridge pilings where channel swings create pre-spawn staging areas
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Shallow humps with trees near islands in 1-5 feet of water	Protected areas between islands with grass and hard bottom
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Bridge areas and river channels where spawning activity is concentrated	Current breaks and channel edges where shad congregate
Spring (Spawn)	Gar	Shallow vegetated areas near standing timber and cypress trees	Current breaks near Lock and Dam 5
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Ledges and channel edges where depth changes create current breaks	Standing timber and laydowns near spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Sturgeon	Bridge pilings and adjacent deep holes where current breaks create staging areas	River channel edges with gravel or rocky substrate for spawning
Spring (Spawn)	Common Carp	Shallow grass flats and ditches between islands where vegetation is present	Hard bottom areas near shallow humps with emerging vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Standing timber areas, especially those near spawning flats	Ditches and humps near islands with brush piles
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Grass edges in ditches between islands at 5-8 feet depth	Submerged timber near island drop-offs
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Main lake points and channel edges adjacent to spawning tributaries	Humps and ledges near river channels, especially those with current breaks
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Gar	Bridge areas and lock/dam structures where current creates baitfish congregation points	Standing timber and brush piles in shallow to moderate depths
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Channel edges and ledges with depth changes	Bridge pilings and standing timber areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Sturgeon	Bridge pilings and associated deep holes with current breaks	River channel edges with nearby brush piles and standing timber
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Common Carp	Grass-filled ditches between islands where invertebrates and vegetation are abundant	Shallow flats adjacent to woody cover and brush piles
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Deep standing timber edges in 15-25 feet of water	Bridge pilings with shade during midday
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Grass edges between islands with nearby deeper water access	Submerged timber areas around islands and humps
Summer	White Bass	Deep humps and ledges near river channels (15-25 feet)	Ditch systems between islands where current concentrates bait
Summer	Gar	Bridge pilings and lock/dam areas where current creates baitfish congregations	Standing timber and cypress trees in 5-15 feet of water
Summer	Catfish	Deep ledges and river channels adjacent to feeding flats	Bridge pilings with current breaks
Summer	Sturgeon	Deep river channels with current breaks near bridge pilings	Deep ledges adjacent to vegetation areas where forage concentrates
Summer	Common Carp	Shallow grass flats and ditches between islands	Areas with floating salvinia and submerged vegetation
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Deep boulder areas near shad schools	Standing timber areas with baitfish present
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deeper edges of grass lines between islands (8-15 feet)	Submerged timber around islands and humps (10-20 feet)
Fall	White Bass	Deep river channels and ditch systems between islands where shad schools concentrate	Humps and ledges adjacent to deep water, especially those near current areas
Fall	Gar	Lock and dam areas where current breaks create ambush points	Bridge channels with moving water and bait concentrations
Fall	Catfish	Deep river channels and bridge pilings where current concentrates baitfish	Ledges and channel edges adjacent to shallow flats
Fall	Sturgeon	Deep river channels near bridge pilings (15-30 feet)	Ledges adjacent to grass flats where shad congregate
Fall	Common Carp	Bridge pilings and river channels with adjacent shallow feeding flats	Deep water areas near standing timber and brush piles
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Bridge pilings with deep water access	Deep ditches near standing timber
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep pilings with protective cover	Submerged timber near islands at depth
Winter	White Bass	Deep river channels and ditches between islands (18-25 feet)	Deep structural intersections where ledges meet channel bends
Winter	Gar	Lock and dam structures where current breaks create congregation points	River channels with moving water and schooling baitfish
Winter	Catfish	Deep river channels and bridge pilings where depths exceed 20 feet	Sharp ledges adjacent to channel edges where depth changes are significant
Winter	Sturgeon	Deep river channels and bridge pilings where depths exceed 20 feet	Areas where brush piles and standing timber intersect with deep ledges
Winter	Common Carp	Bridge pilings and river channels with depths of 15-25 feet	Deep water areas adjacent to shallow feeding flats with standing timber

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling in ditches and around humps	Crawfish becoming active in shallow areas with cover
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae emerging with warming water	Small crawfish becoming more active
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools being actively pushed by white bass against structure	Small baitfish relating to grass edges and channel breaks
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Gar	Shad schools concentrating around structure	Small sunfish in shallow brush areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools congregating near structure and current breaks	Smaller panfish utilizing grass areas between islands
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Sturgeon	Bottom-dwelling invertebrates and crayfish	Shad concentrations near structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Common Carp	Natural invertebrates and insects becoming active in warming waters	Emerging aquatic vegetation and roots
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad concentrating around bridge areas and channel swings	Bluegill beginning to move shallow around woody cover
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Insects, particularly crickets	Crawfish
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Shad - primary forage base confirmed by multiple reports	Small baitfish congregating in spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Gar	Shad schools concentrating around structure	Small sunfish in shallow spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Shad - primary forage base confirmed by multiple reports	Shiners - proven effective in recent catches
Spring (Spawn)	Sturgeon	Shad schools gathering in pre-spawn areas	Bottom-dwelling invertebrates and crawfish in rocky areas
Spring (Spawn)	Common Carp	Aquatic vegetation and roots	Invertebrates and insects in shallow areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish - primary forage based on recent reports	Shad - abundant in the lake system
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae around vegetation	Small crawfish near timber
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools recovering from spawn	Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Gar	Shad schools congregating around structure and current breaks	Various sunfish species emerging in shallow areas near timber
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools	Small sunfish and baitfish in grass
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Sturgeon	Shad concentrations in deeper water	Bottom-dwelling invertebrates and crayfish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Common Carp	Aquatic invertebrates in vegetation	Tender aquatic vegetation and roots
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools concentrated around structure	Bluegill in and around grass edges
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae around vegetation	Small crawfish in shallow areas
Summer	White Bass	Shad (primary forage base, concentrated in schools)	Small Baitfish (around grass edges and structure)
Summer	Gar	Shad schools in upper water column	Small sunfish around timber structure
Summer	Catfish	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water	Baitfish relating to grass in ditches
Summer	Sturgeon	Shad schools in deeper water	Bottom-dwelling invertebrates near vegetation
Summer	Common Carp	Aquatic invertebrates and insects in vegetation	Aquatic vegetation and roots
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad (primary forage based on recent reports)	Bluegill (secondary forage option in vegetation)
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae around remaining vegetation	Small crawfish near timber and hard bottom areas
Fall	White Bass	Shad schools concentrating in deeper water	Small baitfish utilizing channel edges and structure
Fall	Gar	Shad schools making seasonal movements	Smaller fish species congregating near structure
Fall	Catfish	Shad schools congregating in deeper water	Sunfish and small baitfish around timber
Fall	Sturgeon	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water	Bottom-dwelling invertebrates and crawfish
Fall	Common Carp	Natural vegetation and aquatic invertebrates	Bottom-dwelling insects and crustaceans
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill holding tight to structure	Shad schools in deeper water
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Dormant crawfish
Winter	White Bass	Large schools of winter-pattern shad in deeper water	Suspended baitfish concentrations near channel edges
Winter	Gar	Shad concentrations in deeper water	Winter-stressed baitfish around current breaks
Winter	Catfish	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water	Small sunfish near deep structure
Winter	Sturgeon	Shad schools concentrated in deep water	Bottom-dwelling invertebrates
Winter	Common Carp	Bottom-dwelling invertebrates and mollusks	Dead or dying shad in deeper water

Bait Colors by Season for Black Lake

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