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Blue Marsh Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Apr 30, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Blue Marsh Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-62	Pre-spawn bass are actively transitioning from winter areas to spawning grounds, staging on drop-offs and near bedding areas Fish are becoming increasingly aggressive, responding well to reaction baits as water temperatures climb into the 50s-60s Bass are following baitfish schools while also keying in on crawfish in shallow cover	Drop-offs adjacent to spawning flats, particularly near laydowns and woody cover Rip rap banks that hold heat and provide crawfish forage Main lake points with access to both deep and shallow water	Hard Jerkbaits worked with aggressive cadence in 5-15 foot range Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around laydowns and shallow cover Bladed Jigs around transition areas and riprap	Minnows and shad schooling in pre-spawn areas Crawfish becoming active in shallow rocky areas and around wood cover	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-58	Transitioning from winter deep water patterns to shallower pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Following baitfish schools while also beginning to key in on crawfish in rocky areas as water warms	Main lake points with rock and boulder transitions Secondary points in major coves with hard bottom Steep rocky banks adjacent to deeper water	Blade Baits worked with slow, vertical presentations near points Ned Rigs worked slowly along rocky transitions Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses for suspended fish	Alewife schools suspending near points Crawfish becoming active on rocky structure Small baitfish relating to emerging vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Trout	45-58	Pre-spawn trout actively feeding and transitioning from winter deep-water patterns to shallower staging areas, following bait schools of alewife Fish become more aggressive as water warms, but still prefer cooler water temperatures and suspended patterns near structure	Deep channel edges adjacent to spawning flats where fish stage pre-spawn Submerged timber and brush piles in 15-25 foot depth range Points and irregular shoreline features near deeper water	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 Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked through suspended bait schools	Alewife schools transitioning to pre-spawn patterns Winter-stressed baitfish remaining from cold period	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Bass are actively moving into spawning areas, with males preparing nests and females staging nearby. Recent reports show fish relating to wind-blown banks with cover and protected coves. Afternoon activity is heightened as water temperatures warm throughout the day, confirmed by recent fishing reports noting better afternoon bite windows.	Wind-blown banks with stumps, driftwood, and rocky cover as highlighted in recent successful fishing reports Protected coves on the main lake, particularly those with stable spawning substrate Shallow areas adjacent to deeper water, utilizing the lake's significant depth changes noted in profile	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting visible cover, proven effective in recent reports Buzzbaits in protected coves, particularly during afternoon hours as noted in recent success Swim Jigs in shad patterns, working effectively in the moderately stained water conditions	Alewife, confirmed as primary forage in recent fishing reports Crawfish, typically active in spring around rocky and woody cover	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Pre-spawn smallmouth will stage on secondary points adjacent to spawning flats Males will move shallow to prepare nesting sites in protected areas with hard bottom Aggressive territorial behavior when guarding nests, making sight fishing effective	Protected rocky coves with gravel or small boulder bottom Secondary points with mixed rock and gravel Shallow ledges near spawning flats	Tubes worked slowly along bottom Ned Rigs for finicky pre-spawn fish Drop Shot when fish are suspended near spawning areas	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Alewife schools in staging areas Small perch near spawning flats	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Trout	45-58	Trout are moving into shallower water (5-15 feet) during spring spawn, actively feeding and becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise Fish are following baitfish schools (primarily alewife) while transitioning between winter and spring patterns Most active during early morning and evening hours, utilizing cover near spawning areas	Brush piles and submerged timber in 5-15 foot depth range near spawning areas Points and coves with gradual slopes leading to deeper water River channel edges where fish stage before and after spawning	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly through suspended bait schools Hard Jerkbaits with longer pauses to imitate struggling baitfish Inline Spinners cast near structure and retrieved at varying speeds	Alewife schools transitioning to shallower water Small baitfish gathering in spawning areas Various minnow species around brush piles and timber	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-72	Fish have completed spawning and are transitioning to early summer patterns, actively feeding around emerging vegetation Moving between shallow cover and nearby deeper water, often relating to baitfish schools and newly growing vegetation	Submerged vegetation edges in 5-12 foot depth range Main lake points with access to deeper water Brush piles and laydowns near post-spawn migration routes	Swim Jigs worked through and around emerging vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for covering water and targeting active fish Texas Rigs (Worming) for slower presentations when fish are less active	Bluegill around shallow cover and vegetation Alewife schools in transition areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-68	Fish are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Utilizing both shallow and mid-depth zones (5-15 feet) as they follow baitfish schools and target crawfish Most active during morning and evening periods, especially around rocky structure	Rocky points and boulder fields adjacent to spawning flats Transition areas between shallow and deep water with hard structure Secondary points with access to deeper water	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked parallel to shore Tubes dragged and hopped along rocky structure Drop Shot with finesse presentations for pressured fish Ned Rigs worked slowly around points and transitions	Alewife schools in transition areas Crawfish emerging on rocky structure Small perch in shallow areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Trout	52-62	Trout are actively feeding in the upper water column as they recover from spawn, following alewife schools in 8-20 foot depths Fish are making frequent moves between deep channel edges and shallower feeding zones, especially during low light periods	Points and coves near deep channel edges where trout can quickly transition between depths Submerged timber and brush piles in 10-15 foot depths providing ambush points Protected coves with bait schools, especially during windy conditions	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked through suspended bait schools Hard Jerkbaits worked with longer pauses near structure Inline Spinners retrieved at varying speeds in upper water column	Alewife schools recovering from winter stress Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple 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 transitioning to deeper water during midday heat (evidenced by reports of success on deep diving cranks and drop shots), while maintaining early/late shallow feeding periods Fish are relating strongly to structure and cover, particularly around depth changes and woody cover, using these areas as ambush points for feeding	Offshore brush piles and deep structure in 8-25 foot range Main lake points and steep banks with access to deep water Laydowns and standing timber, especially those near depth changes	Drop Shot - most frequently reported successful technique in deeper water Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) - effective around rock piles and fish cribs Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) - productive around shallow cover during low light	Alewife - primary forage based on multiple reports Crawfish - actively being targeted around rock piles Shad - mentioned in multiple successful fishing reports	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	68-78	Actively feeding on crawfish around boulder fields and rocky structure in 10-12 foot depth range Following both bottom-oriented and suspended feeding patterns, switching between crawfish and baitfish forage	Boulder fields and rock piles in 10-12 feet of water Rocky points and ledges with access to deeper water Complex shoreline areas with irregular features and hard structure	Football Jigs dragged slowly over rocky structure Finesse Jigs worked through boulder fields Drop Shot with crawfish imitations near rocky structure	Crawfish in and around boulder fields Alewife suspended in the water column	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Trout	58-65	Trout are suspending in deeper, cooler water during summer due to thermal stratification, following bait schools while seeking optimal temperature ranges Most active feeding periods shift to early morning and late evening when surface temperatures are cooler	Deep channel areas adjacent to points where cool water refuges exist Submerged timber and brush piles in 15-25 foot depth range Suspended areas over river channels where bait schools congregate	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with downriggers to target specific temperature breaks Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are actively feeding on bait schools Spoons worked through suspended bait schools	Alewife schools in cooler, deeper water Suspended baitfish concentrations near thermal breaks Pelagic baitfish schools tracked by sonar	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Blue Marsh Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	52-60	Bass are transitioning to deeper water (8-25 feet) following baitfish schools, actively feeding around submerged structure and steep banks Fish are showing preference for bottom-oriented presentations with periodic feeding on suspended baitfish near structure	Steep banks with submerged timber in 15-25 foot range Wind-blown back bays with depth transitions 8-12 feet Main lake points and rock piles near deep water access	Drop Shot with small soft plastics worked slowly with long pauses Ned Rigs around laydowns and structure Structure Jigs worked along bottom near timber and rock piles	Shad/Alewife schools suspending near structure Bottom-oriented forage near timber and rocks	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Actively feeding on schooled baitfish (alewife) during the fall cooling trend, with fish following bait schools in the water column Secondary pattern of targeting crawfish on rocky structure as fish transition between summer and winter patterns Fish are responding to the winter drawdown by concentrating in areas where bait is getting funneled through river channels and around structure	River channels and ledges where baitfish are concentrated due to fall drawdown Rock piles and hard structure adjacent to deeper water Drop-offs near primary lake structure where bait schools are holding	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked at various depths to match baitfish schools Ned Rigs worked slowly around rock structure Hard Jerkbaits worked with longer pauses to target suspended fish Football Jigs dragged along rocky bottom structure	Alewife schooling in large concentrations Crawfish still active on rocky structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Trout	52-65	Trout actively feeding on alewife schools, becoming more aggressive as baitfish congregate in preparation for winter Fish transitioning between summer deep water areas and shallow feeding zones, following cooling water temperatures Showing increased activity during overcast conditions and dawn/dusk periods in the moderately stained water	Deep channel edges adjacent to points where bait schools congregate Brush piles and submerged timber in 15-25 foot depth range Coves and irregular shoreline features with access to deeper water	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with varied speeds to match baitfish movement Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are actively feeding on bait schools Spoons worked through suspended bait schools	Alewife schools congregating in preparation for winter Smaller baitfish species taking refuge near brush piles Juvenile panfish near woody cover	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	39-48	Bass become more lethargic and concentrate in deeper areas near structure, making slow-moving presentations essential Fish tend to school more tightly in winter, often relating to baitfish schools in the 15-25 foot range Feeding windows are shorter and more dependent on stable weather patterns, with activity increasing during warmer afternoon periods	Deep main lake points with access to timber or brush piles in 15-25 foot range Steep banks with vertical structure near deep water access Protected coves with deeper brush piles that provide winter sanctuary	Drop Shot with small profile baits worked slowly near structure Blade Baits worked with subtle lifts near suspended fish Football Jigs dragged slowly along bottom structure Shakey Heads worked methodically through deeper brush piles	Alewife schools suspended in deeper water Smaller baitfish concentrated in deeper winter haunts Crawfish becoming less active but still available in deeper rock and wood cover	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	38-42	Smallmouth bass are actively following and feeding on suspended baitfish (alewife) schools in main lake channels Fish are maintaining an active feeding pattern despite cold water temperatures, with evidence of both suspended and bottom-oriented presentations being effective	Main lake channels where baitfish schools are suspending Deep rock piles adjacent to channel edges Protected coves with deep water access	Finesse Hair Jigs worked vertically through suspended fish Shakey Heads worked slowly along bottom structure Blade Baits vertically jigged through bait schools	Alewife schools suspended in the water column Bottom-oriented baitfish near structure	Light Neutral Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Trout	38-45	Actively following and feeding on schooling baitfish (alewives) in winter, particularly visible on electronics as suspended groups Utilizing deep channel areas as thermal refuges, moving up to feed during low light periods	Deep river channels with nearby suspended bait schools Brush piles and submerged timber near deep water Points and irregular shoreline features adjacent to deep water	Damiki Rig - vertical presentation to suspended fish marked on electronics Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') - working through bait schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) - mimicking winter-stressed baitfish	Alewives in large winter schools Winter-stressed baitfish	Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Blue Marsh Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Drop-offs adjacent to spawning flats, particularly near laydowns and woody cover	Rip rap banks that hold heat and provide crawfish forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points with rock and boulder transitions	Secondary points in major coves with hard bottom
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Trout	Deep channel edges adjacent to spawning flats where fish stage pre-spawn	Submerged timber and brush piles in 15-25 foot depth range
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Wind-blown banks with stumps, driftwood, and rocky cover as highlighted in recent successful fishing reports	Protected coves on the main lake, particularly those with stable spawning substrate
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Protected rocky coves with gravel or small boulder bottom	Secondary points with mixed rock and gravel
Spring (Spawn)	Trout	Brush piles and submerged timber in 5-15 foot depth range near spawning areas	Points and coves with gradual slopes leading to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Submerged vegetation edges in 5-12 foot depth range	Main lake points with access to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and boulder fields adjacent to spawning flats	Transition areas between shallow and deep water with hard structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Trout	Points and coves near deep channel edges where trout can quickly transition between depths	Submerged timber and brush piles in 10-15 foot depths providing ambush points
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Offshore brush piles and deep structure in 8-25 foot range	Main lake points and steep banks with access to deep water
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Boulder fields and rock piles in 10-12 feet of water	Rocky points and ledges with access to deeper water
Summer	Trout	Deep channel areas adjacent to points where cool water refuges exist	Submerged timber and brush piles in 15-25 foot depth range
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Steep banks with submerged timber in 15-25 foot range	Wind-blown back bays with depth transitions 8-12 feet
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	River channels and ledges where baitfish are concentrated due to fall drawdown	Rock piles and hard structure adjacent to deeper water
Fall	Trout	Deep channel edges adjacent to points where bait schools congregate	Brush piles and submerged timber in 15-25 foot depth range
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Deep main lake points with access to timber or brush piles in 15-25 foot range	Steep banks with vertical structure near deep water access
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake channels where baitfish schools are suspending	Deep rock piles adjacent to channel edges
Winter	Trout	Deep river channels with nearby suspended bait schools	Brush piles and submerged timber near deep water

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Minnows and shad schooling in pre-spawn areas	Crawfish becoming active in shallow rocky areas and around wood cover
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Alewife schools suspending near points	Crawfish becoming active on rocky structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Trout	Alewife schools transitioning to pre-spawn patterns	Winter-stressed baitfish remaining from cold period
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Alewife, confirmed as primary forage in recent fishing reports	Crawfish, typically active in spring around rocky and woody cover
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Alewife schools in staging areas
Spring (Spawn)	Trout	Alewife schools transitioning to shallower water	Small baitfish gathering in spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill around shallow cover and vegetation	Alewife schools in transition areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Alewife schools in transition areas	Crawfish emerging on rocky structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Trout	Alewife schools recovering from winter stress	Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Alewife - primary forage based on multiple reports	Crawfish - actively being targeted around rock piles
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish in and around boulder fields	Alewife suspended in the water column
Summer	Trout	Alewife schools in cooler, deeper water	Suspended baitfish concentrations near thermal breaks
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad/Alewife schools suspending near structure	Bottom-oriented forage near timber and rocks
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Alewife schooling in large concentrations	Crawfish still active on rocky structure
Fall	Trout	Alewife schools congregating in preparation for winter	Smaller baitfish species taking refuge near brush piles
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Alewife schools suspended in deeper water	Smaller baitfish concentrated in deeper winter haunts
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Alewife schools suspended in the water column	Bottom-oriented baitfish near structure
Winter	Trout	Alewives in large winter schools	Winter-stressed baitfish

Bait Colors by Season for Blue Marsh Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Trout	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Trout	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Trout	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Trout	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Trout	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Light Neutral Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Trout	Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

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