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

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Borden Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 12, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Borden Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-62	Pre-spawn bass gradually moving from winter depths to staging areas near spawning flats, becoming more active as water warms Feeding activity increases during warming trends, with fish relocating to shallower structures during sunny afternoons	Rocky points intersecting with weed edges in 8-15 foot depth range Deep rock piles at 18-20 feet serving as staging areas Protected bays with emerging cabbage and eel grass in 5-10 feet	Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly with long pauses near staging areas Ned Rigs dragged along rocky points and transition areas Lipless Crankbaits worked through emerging vegetation	Bluegill beginning to move shallow from winter areas Smaller baitfish congregating near warming shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-58	Staging in transition areas between wintering holes and spawning flats, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawn Moving progressively shallower as water temperatures rise, following both bait movement and spawning instincts Showing increased aggression and feeding activity during stable weather patterns	Rock piles adjacent to spawning flats in 8-15 feet of water Deep weed edges near points where cabbage beds are starting to emerge Transition areas between rock and sand in 6-12 feet of water	Blade Baits worked slowly along rock transitions Ned Rigs worked methodically around rock piles Tubes dragged and hopped on transition areas	Bluegills congregating near emerging weed growth Crawfish becoming more active on rocky areas Small baitfish schools in transition areas	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	42-52	Pike are actively moving into shallow, warmer areas preparing for spawn, particularly targeting areas with emerging vegetation and bulrush beds Feeding activity increases as water temperatures rise, with aggressive strikes during prime feeding windows in morning and evening	Shallow bays with emerging bulrush beds and wild rice in 2-6 feet of water Secondary points leading into spawning bays with eel grass Transitional areas between deeper water and emerging vegetation in 6-12 feet	Inline Spinners worked slowly through emerging vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve along weed edges Live Bait Rigs positioned near transition areas	Bluegills congregating in warming shallows Young-of-year baitfish gathering in emerging vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-65	Moving into shallow spawning areas (2-6 feet) near bulrush beds and eel grass, particularly focused on protected bays and coves Males actively guarding nests while females stage on nearby deeper structure prior to and after spawning	Protected shallow bays with mix of eel grass and bulrush beds Secondary points leading into spawning bays Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water access	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow cover and potential spawning areas Wacky Rigs worked slowly near spawning flats Soft Jerkbaits for targeting pre-spawn fish moving up	Bluegill beginning to move shallow Small baitfish relating to emerging vegetation	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Smallmouth bass are moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly focusing on protected bays and areas with rock or gravel substrate Males are actively guarding nests while females stage on nearby deeper structure between spawning activities	Protected rocky bays with gravel or small rock substrate in 2-6 feet of water Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays with mixed rock and vegetation Transition areas where rock meets eel grass beds in 8-12 feet	Tubes worked slowly around visible beds and rocky areas Ned Rigs dragged through spawning flats Soft Jerkbaits for cruising fish between beds	Bluegills moving into similar spawning areas Small crayfish becoming more active in warming waters Young of year baitfish beginning to appear	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-52	Pre-spawn pike actively moving to shallow bulrush beds and emergent vegetation in 2-6 feet of water for spawning Post-spawn fish remain shallow but transition to feeding heavily near vegetation edges Aggressive territorial behavior during spawning, with females seeking optimal egg-laying areas	Shallow bulrush beds and wild rice areas in 2-6 feet of water Protected coves with emerging vegetation Edges of eel grass beds adjacent to slightly deeper water	Spinnerbaits worked slowly through vegetation edges Live Bait Rigs near spawning areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieves	Spawning Bluegills in shallow areas Young-of-year panfish Small pike and other juvenile fish	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Post-spawn largemouth bass are actively feeding to recover energy, moving from shallow spawning areas to early summer feeding locations Fish are utilizing weed edges and rocky points as transition zones, especially during morning and evening periods	Weed edges adjacent to spawning flats, particularly where eel grass and cabbage beds are establishing Rocky points intersecting with emerging weed growth Bulrush beds in 2-4 feet of water, especially those near deeper water access	Swim Jigs worked parallel to weed edges Soft Jerkbaits with erratic retrieves around transition areas Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) worked through bulrush beds	Bluegill concentrating around emerging weed growth Young of the year baitfish beginning to school Crawfish active on rocky points	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-68	Post-spawn smallmouth actively feeding to recover energy, making frequent transitions between shallow and deep water Fish showing increased aggression and territorial behavior around key structure, particularly rocky points and weed edges	Rocky points adjacent to weed edges in 8-15 feet Deeper rock piles (18-20 feet) near spawning flats Edges of cabbage and eel grass beds in 6-12 feet	Tubes worked along rock-to-weed transitions Drop Shot with small finesse presentations Ned Rigs for pressured fish in clear water	Bluegills gathering in emerging weed growth Crayfish becoming more active in rocky areas Small baitfish relating to vegetation edges	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	52-65	Northern Pike are actively feeding post-spawn, recovering energy and transitioning to shallow feeding areas near emerging vegetation Fish are utilizing the extensive bulrush beds and eel grass edges as ambush points, particularly during morning and evening hours	Edges of bulrush beds and wild rice stands in 4-8 feet of water Points and inside turns where emergent vegetation meets deeper water Cabbage weed edges adjacent to slightly deeper water	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve near vegetation Inline Spinners cast to openings in vegetation	Bluegills gathering near emerging vegetation Young-of-year baitfish beginning to school Perch moving along weed edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	68-78	Bass are actively feeding in and around weed edges, particularly cabbage and eel grass beds, with a mix of shallow and deep water movements throughout the day Fish are establishing both shallow and deep water patterns, utilizing rock piles at 18-20 feet during warm periods and moving shallow to feed in vegetation	Weed edges where cabbage meets deeper water, especially near marked buoys Deep rock piles in 18-20 foot range Gaps in eel grass beds where fish concentrate	Grass Jigs flipped into vegetation pockets and edges Neko Rigs worked slowly along deep rock piles Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for working through dense vegetation	Bluegill in and around vegetation Juvenile perch around rock piles	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	68-75	Smallmouth bass are transitioning between deep and shallow water based on light conditions and temperature, using rock-to-weed transitions as primary feeding zones Fish are schooling on specific structure during daylight hours, requiring more concentrated fishing efforts on prime spots	Deep rock piles in 18-20 foot range, especially those adjacent to vegetation Weed edges near rocky points that provide transitional feeding areas Reed patches during low light periods for active fish	Drop Shot with finesse presentations, particularly effective in clear water and during high light conditions Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly along rock-to-weed transitions Ned Rigs for pressured fish in deeper water	Bluegills, especially around weed edges and rock transitions Crayfish relating to rocky structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Northern Pike	68-75	Pike are actively feeding along bulrush edges, showing aggressive behavior with high catch rates (10:1 ratio reported) Fish are likely moving between shallow vegetation and deeper water throughout the day due to 71°F water temperature	Edges of bulrush beds, particularly where they meet deeper water Deep weed edges of cabbage and eel grass in 8-12 feet Points and coves with emergent vegetation	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges, particularly in white color as proven effective Bladed Jigs near vegetation transitions Inline Spinners for covering water and triggering reaction strikes	Minnows (confirmed in fishing reports) Bluegills (noted in lake profile as substantial forage base)	Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Borden Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	52-65	Bass are actively feeding on bluegills and transitioning from summer patterns, using weed edges and rocky points as ambush locations Fish are schooling in small groups, particularly around transition areas where weeds meet hard structure	Rocky points that intersect with weed edges Deep weed edges adjacent to rock piles in 18-20 foot range Protected bays with remaining healthy vegetation	Structure Jigs worked along weed edges and rock transitions Ned Rigs fished on rocky points and clean bottom areas Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') parallel to weed edges	Bluegill concentrating near remaining weed growth Young of the year baitfish schooling near points	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	52-65	Smallmouth bass are actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter, following baitfish schools and relating to transition areas between deep and shallow water Fish are moving between rocky points and weed edges, using deeper structure as staging areas and moving shallow during prime feeding periods	Rocky points adjacent to deep water, especially those near weed edge transitions Deep rock piles in 18-20 foot range that provide staging areas Edges of cabbage beds where they meet deeper water	Drop Shot with small profile baits worked slowly along rock transitions Ned Rigs dragged slowly on deep rock piles Spybaits worked through suspended fish near structure	Bluegills moving from shallow to deeper water Young-of-year baitfish schooling near structure Crayfish active on rocky areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	45-65	Pike are actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter, targeting larger prey items and showing increased aggression Fish are following baitfish schools and transitioning from summer weed edges to deeper structure as vegetation begins to die off Most active during dawn and dusk, with increased activity on overcast days	Deep weed edges near bulrush beds (8-15 feet) Points and inside turns where vegetation meets deeper water Deeper cabbage weed patches that haven't died off yet	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges with occasional pauses Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) burned through open pockets in vegetation Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along weed edges and points	Bluegills congregating in remaining weed beds Young-of-year baitfish schooling in deeper water Perch moving along deep weed edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	45-55	Pike actively feeding in shallower, warmer bays during late fall-early winter transition, following abundant forage fish Aggressive hunting behavior near vegetation edges and points, particularly during overcast conditions Moving between deep and shallow water based on daily temperature fluctuations	Edges of bulrush beds and wild rice stands in 8-12 feet of water Deep weed edges near points where cabbage and eel grass transition to deeper water Protected coves with remaining green vegetation	Spinnerbaits worked slowly along weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve near vegetation Trolling Shallow (0-9') parallel to weedlines	Bluegills congregating in remaining vegetation Small pike and yellow perch Various minnow species seeking warmer water	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	33-39	Pike become more lethargic but maintain feeding activity near structure and vegetation edges Concentrate in areas with adequate oxygen levels, typically in 8-15 foot depth range Most active during early morning and late afternoon, following movements of panfish	Edges of bulrush beds in 8-12 feet of water Deep weed edges near cabbage and eel grass Points and inside turns adjacent to deeper water	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned at varying depths Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows for finesse presentation	Bluegills suspended near vegetation edges Small perch schooling near bottom structure Juvenile pike and other baitfish in moderate depths	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Borden Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Rocky points intersecting with weed edges in 8-15 foot depth range	Deep rock piles at 18-20 feet serving as staging areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles adjacent to spawning flats in 8-15 feet of water	Deep weed edges near points where cabbage beds are starting to emerge
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with emerging bulrush beds and wild rice in 2-6 feet of water	Secondary points leading into spawning bays with eel grass
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow bays with mix of eel grass and bulrush beds	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Protected rocky bays with gravel or small rock substrate in 2-6 feet of water	Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays with mixed rock and vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bulrush beds and wild rice areas in 2-6 feet of water	Protected coves with emerging vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Weed edges adjacent to spawning flats, particularly where eel grass and cabbage beds are establishing	Rocky points intersecting with emerging weed growth
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points adjacent to weed edges in 8-15 feet	Deeper rock piles (18-20 feet) near spawning flats
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Edges of bulrush beds and wild rice stands in 4-8 feet of water	Points and inside turns where emergent vegetation meets deeper water
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Weed edges where cabbage meets deeper water, especially near marked buoys	Deep rock piles in 18-20 foot range
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Deep rock piles in 18-20 foot range, especially those adjacent to vegetation	Weed edges near rocky points that provide transitional feeding areas
Summer	Northern Pike	Edges of bulrush beds, particularly where they meet deeper water	Deep weed edges of cabbage and eel grass in 8-12 feet
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Rocky points that intersect with weed edges	Deep weed edges adjacent to rock piles in 18-20 foot range
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points adjacent to deep water, especially those near weed edge transitions	Deep rock piles in 18-20 foot range that provide staging areas
Fall	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges near bulrush beds (8-15 feet)	Points and inside turns where vegetation meets deeper water
Winter	Northern Pike	Edges of bulrush beds and wild rice stands in 8-12 feet of water	Deep weed edges near points where cabbage and eel grass transition to deeper water
Ice	Northern Pike	Edges of bulrush beds in 8-12 feet of water	Deep weed edges near cabbage and eel grass

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill beginning to move shallow from winter areas	Smaller baitfish congregating near warming shallows
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Bluegills congregating near emerging weed growth	Crawfish becoming more active on rocky areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegills congregating in warming shallows	Young-of-year baitfish gathering in emerging vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill beginning to move shallow	Small baitfish relating to emerging vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Bluegills moving into similar spawning areas	Small crayfish becoming more active in warming waters
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Spawning Bluegills in shallow areas	Young-of-year panfish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating around emerging weed growth	Young of the year baitfish beginning to school
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Bluegills gathering in emerging weed growth	Crayfish becoming more active in rocky areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegills gathering near emerging vegetation	Young-of-year baitfish beginning to school
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in and around vegetation	Juvenile perch around rock piles
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Bluegills, especially around weed edges and rock transitions	Crayfish relating to rocky structure
Summer	Northern Pike	Minnows (confirmed in fishing reports)	Bluegills (noted in lake profile as substantial forage base)
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating near remaining weed growth	Young of the year baitfish schooling near points
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Bluegills moving from shallow to deeper water	Young-of-year baitfish schooling near structure
Fall	Northern Pike	Bluegills congregating in remaining weed beds	Young-of-year baitfish schooling in deeper water
Winter	Northern Pike	Bluegills congregating in remaining vegetation	Small pike and yellow perch
Ice	Northern Pike	Bluegills suspended near vegetation edges	Small perch schooling near bottom structure

Bait Colors by Season for Borden Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Northern Pike	Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors

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