How to Fish Broken Bow 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

Broken Bow Lake

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

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Broken Bow Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-65	Bass are actively staging on points adjacent to spawning areas, moving between deeper water and shallow areas based on daily temperature fluctuations Fish are feeding heavily on crawfish during pre-spawn period, particularly around rocky areas and points	Main lake points with small gravel and isolated rocks, especially those adjacent to spawning pockets Secondary points with transition to deeper water, particularly those with rock or gravel substrate Shallow brush and stumps in 3-5 foot range near spawning flats, especially during afternoon warming trends	Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked slowly while maintaining bottom contact around points Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') for warmer afternoon periods when fish move shallower Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along point transitions	Crawfish - primary forage during pre-spawn period, especially around rocky areas Baitfish - secondary forage option, particularly during warming trends	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	48-62	Spotted bass are in pre-spawn transition, moving from main lake areas towards creek arms and staging on intermediate structure. Fish are making daily vertical movements, becoming more active in the upper water column as temperatures rise during the day. Fish are exhibiting a touchy bite pattern in post-frontal conditions, suspending near structure rather than tight to cover. They're actively feeding but require slower, more deliberate presentations.	45-degree banks with flooded brush in creek arms, particularly halfway back in the creeks Main lake points and ledges where fish stage during pre-spawn movements Gravel flats and humps near transitional areas	Hard Jerkbaits with extended 8-10 second pauses between twitches Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked through suspended fish Umbrella Rigs targeting suspended fish around points and ledges	Shad schools suspending in the water column Crawfish becoming more active with warming water temperatures	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	48-65	Crappie are transitioning to pre-spawn staging areas, holding near brush piles at mid-depths (10-19 feet) and actively feeding on minnows to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are showing suspended feeding patterns, relating to vertical structure and responding well to vertical presentations	Brush piles in 10-19 foot depth range, particularly those near spawning flats Creek arms with abundant cover, especially those leading to potential spawning areas Secondary points with vertical structure adjacent to deeper water	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Spider Rigging Hover/Mid-Strolling	Minnows Small shad	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-65	Fish transitioning from pre-spawn staging areas to spawning flats, with males preparing and guarding nests while females move in waves to spawn Increased aggression and territorial behavior around nesting sites, particularly in protected areas with stable water temperatures	Protected shallow pockets with flooded brush and timber near points Secondary points and flats adjacent to deeper water Sheltered coves with stable water temperatures	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow cover and bedding areas Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly around spawning flats Shakey Heads for targeting pre-spawn to spawn transition areas	Crawfish emerging in warming shallows Small bluegill and sunfish in spawning areas Shad moving into shallow creek arms	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	58-68	Spotted bass transitioning between pre-spawn staging areas and spawning flats, making daily movements between shallow and deep water Males actively guarding nests in protected areas while females move between spawning areas and nearby deeper water Aggressive feeding periods during pre-spawn, becoming more territorial during actual spawn	Protected pockets and coves with gravel or rocky substrate for spawning Secondary points adjacent to spawning areas Transitional areas between deep and shallow water near spawning flats	Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly around spawning areas and transition points Shakey Heads worked methodically through spawning flats and adjacent structure Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') along transition routes to spawning areas	Crawfish emerging in shallow areas Suspended shad in adjacent deeper water Small bluegill and perch around spawning areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	48-65	Crappie are transitioning from pre-spawn staging areas to spawning locations, actively moving into shallower water as temperatures rise Males are establishing and guarding nesting sites in protected areas, while females stage slightly deeper until ready to spawn Feeding activity increases during this period, with fish becoming more aggressive as they prepare for spawning	Flooded brush and timber in 3-8 feet of water, especially in protected coves Secondary points leading into spawning bays Shallow brush piles adjacent to deeper staging areas	Crappie Dock Shooting Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Bobbers	Small minnows gathering in spawning areas Young-of-year baitfish in shallow brush Small invertebrates around submerged vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Fish are transitioning to summer patterns, actively feeding around flooded brush and primary points Moving deeper as the day progresses, shifting from shallow cover to offshore structure like underwater humps Actively feeding on shad, utilizing flooded cover as ambush points	Flooded brush and timber, especially in protected areas Drop-offs near flats and bluff walls Primary points with quick access to deeper water Underwater humps with nearby deep water access	Spinnerbaits worked around flooded cover Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) near drop-offs Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) in thick flooded brush Swim Jigs along edges of cover	Shad - primary forage based on recent reports Bluegill - becoming active in shallow areas	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	62-72	Post-spawn spotted bass are actively feeding to recover energy, making frequent movements between shallow and deep water throughout the day Fish are suspending near main lake structure, following shad schools while opportunistically feeding on crawfish	Main lake points with access to deep water, especially those adjacent to spawning pockets Suspended areas near channel swing banks where shad are present Secondary points in major creek arms with rock or gravel substrate	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked through suspended fish near points Shakey Heads worked along point transitions and gravel areas Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') parallel to channel swing banks	Shad schools suspending near structure Crawfish emerging on rocky points and gravel areas	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	62-72	Post-spawn crappie are transitioning to early summer patterns, moving from shallow spawning areas to deeper structure and suspended positions Fish are actively feeding to recover energy after spawning, targeting schools of baitfish in mid-depth ranges	Brush piles and timber in 10-19 foot depth range near spawning flats Main lake points with access to deeper water Suspended positions near creek channel edges with nearby brush	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Hover/Mid-Strolling	Small minnows and shad in mid-water column Young-of-year baitfish beginning to school	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-85	Moving between offshore structure (humps and drop-offs) and deep brush during daylight hours, with feeding periods near shallower points during early morning and evening Establishing deeper summer holding patterns around main lake structure, suspending near thermocline during midday heat	Offshore humps and drop-offs near flats, especially those with proximity to deep water Flooded brush and timber in 15-25 foot depth range Main lake points with access to both shallow and deep water	Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked along drop-offs and humps Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) in flooded brush and timber Football Jigs dragged on offshore structure Carolina Rigs worked on main lake points and transitional areas	Shad schools suspending near thermocline Crawfish on deeper rock and wood structure Bluegill near shallow brush edges	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Summer	Spotted Bass	72-85	Spotted bass establish deeper, main-lake summer patterns, suspending near points and channel edges to feed on shad schools Fish make vertical movements throughout the day, moving shallower during low-light periods and deeper during bright conditions Active feeding periods occur early and late in the day when fish push baitfish schools toward the surface	Main lake points with access to deep water, especially those adjacent to channel swings Suspended areas over channel edges in 15-25 feet of water Secondary points in major creek arms where shad schools congregate	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked through suspended fish Drop Shot with finesse presentations for deeper, suspended fish Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') along point transitions	Shad schools concentrated in the water column Crawfish on deeper structure during morning and evening periods Small bluegill along shallow structure edges	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Crappie	72-85	Crappie transition to deeper, cooler water during summer, typically suspending near structure in 15-25 foot depths during daylight Early morning and evening feeding periods near brush piles and creek channel edges, moving shallower to feed on baitfish	Deep brush piles adjacent to creek channels in 15-25 foot depths Main lake points with submerged timber or brush Shaded dock areas in 10-15 foot depths	Crappie Spider Rigging with multiple rods to cover various depths around brush piles Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') working brush piles and dock edges Crappie Dock Shooting during midday when fish seek shade	Small threadfin and gizzard shad Young-of-year baitfish	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Broken Bow Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	52-68	Actively feeding and following baitfish schools in preparation for winter, primarily targeting shad in the water column Moving between deeper main lake areas and shallower feeding zones throughout the day, especially during low-light periods	Main lake points adjacent to deep water Shallow creek mouths with baitfish presence Flooded brush and timber in 8-15 feet of water	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked parallel to points and through baitfish schools Spinnerbaits around brush and timber, especially on windy days Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') along point transitions	Shad schools in open water and around points Crawfish in brush and rocky areas	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors
Fall	Spotted Bass	58-72	Spotted bass actively chasing shad schools in the water column, following baitfish movements to creek arms and coves Making daily vertical movements between shallow and deep water, especially during morning and evening feeding periods Utilizing points and channel edges as primary staging areas to ambush prey	Main lake points adjacent to deep water, especially those with rock or gravel transitions Creek arm mouths where baitfish schools are congregating Suspended areas over channel edges in 15-25 foot range	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked at various depths to match shad movements Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') along points and channel edges Spybaits for suspended fish in clear water sections	Shad schools congregating in creek arms and around points Crawfish still active on rocky structure before water cools	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Crappie	52-68	Crappie are transitioning from summer deep water patterns to fall feeding patterns, following baitfish schools and becoming more active as water temperatures cool Fish are forming larger schools and suspending near structure at mid-depths, actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter	Main lake points and creek channel intersections at 15-25 feet depth Brush piles and timber in 12-20 feet of water Creek arms where baitfish are congregating	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Spider Rigging	Schooling shad Small minnows Young-of-year baitfish	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	48-55	Largemouth bass are transitioning from winter to pre-spawn patterns, utilizing rocky points as staging areas while seeking warmer water temperatures Fish are most active during mid-afternoon when water temperatures peak, taking advantage of solar warming to increase feeding activity	Rocky points, especially those adjacent to deeper water that serve as pre-spawn staging areas Deep water transitions near points with good sun exposure Protected coves with gradual slopes that warm faster than main lake areas	Lipless Crankbaits worked slowly along point transitions Football Jigs dragged along rocky bottom structure Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') targeting point breaks	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Baitfish schools holding near points	Natural Craw Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Spotted Bass	45-52	Spotted bass are suspending near main lake points and drop-offs, making vertical movements throughout the day in response to bait location and light conditions Fish are schooling with active feeding periods during stable weather, targeting suspended shad in open water areas	Main lake points with access to deep water and suspended bait Deep creek channel bends adjacent to main lake areas Steep bluff walls where shad suspend in winter	Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended fish Spybaits slow-rolled through suspended fish schools Drop Shot with small profile baits for inactive fish	Suspended shad schools in main lake areas Deep water crawfish near rock and gravel bottom	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Crappie	42-52	Crappie are suspending in deeper water columns, often schooling tightly near structure or in creek channels Feeding activity is more concentrated during warmer parts of the day, with fish moving slightly shallower during these periods	Deep creek channels and river arms in 15-25 foot depths Brush piles and standing timber in 12-20 foot depths Deep points and channel bends with vertical structure	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with light jigs near structure Hover/Mid-Strolling over suspended schools Damiki Rig when fish are tightly schooled and visible on electronics	Small minnows and shad suspended in the water column Young-of-year baitfish concentrated near structure	Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors Purple Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Broken Bow Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points with small gravel and isolated rocks, especially those adjacent to spawning pockets	Secondary points with transition to deeper water, particularly those with rock or gravel substrate
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	45-degree banks with flooded brush in creek arms, particularly halfway back in the creeks	Main lake points and ledges where fish stage during pre-spawn movements
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Brush piles in 10-19 foot depth range, particularly those near spawning flats	Creek arms with abundant cover, especially those leading to potential spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow pockets with flooded brush and timber near points	Secondary points and flats adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Protected pockets and coves with gravel or rocky substrate for spawning	Secondary points adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Flooded brush and timber in 3-8 feet of water, especially in protected coves	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Flooded brush and timber, especially in protected areas	Drop-offs near flats and bluff walls
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with access to deep water, especially those adjacent to spawning pockets	Suspended areas near channel swing banks where shad are present
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Brush piles and timber in 10-19 foot depth range near spawning flats	Main lake points with access to deeper water
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Offshore humps and drop-offs near flats, especially those with proximity to deep water	Flooded brush and timber in 15-25 foot depth range
Summer	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with access to deep water, especially those adjacent to channel swings	Suspended areas over channel edges in 15-25 feet of water
Summer	Crappie	Deep brush piles adjacent to creek channels in 15-25 foot depths	Main lake points with submerged timber or brush
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points adjacent to deep water	Shallow creek mouths with baitfish presence
Fall	Spotted Bass	Main lake points adjacent to deep water, especially those with rock or gravel transitions	Creek arm mouths where baitfish schools are congregating
Fall	Crappie	Main lake points and creek channel intersections at 15-25 feet depth	Brush piles and timber in 12-20 feet of water
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Rocky points, especially those adjacent to deeper water that serve as pre-spawn staging areas	Deep water transitions near points with good sun exposure
Winter	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with access to deep water and suspended bait	Deep creek channel bends adjacent to main lake areas
Winter	Crappie	Deep creek channels and river arms in 15-25 foot depths	Brush piles and standing timber in 12-20 foot depths

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish - primary forage during pre-spawn period, especially around rocky areas	Baitfish - secondary forage option, particularly during warming trends
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools suspending in the water column	Crawfish becoming more active with warming water temperatures
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Minnows	Small shad
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging in warming shallows	Small bluegill and sunfish in spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Crawfish emerging in shallow areas	Suspended shad in adjacent deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small minnows gathering in spawning areas	Young-of-year baitfish in shallow brush
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage based on recent reports	Bluegill - becoming active in shallow areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools suspending near structure	Crawfish emerging on rocky points and gravel areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Small minnows and shad in mid-water column	Young-of-year baitfish beginning to school
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools suspending near thermocline	Crawfish on deeper rock and wood structure
Summer	Spotted Bass	Shad schools concentrated in the water column	Crawfish on deeper structure during morning and evening periods
Summer	Crappie	Small threadfin and gizzard shad	Young-of-year baitfish
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools in open water and around points	Crawfish in brush and rocky areas
Fall	Spotted Bass	Shad schools congregating in creek arms and around points	Crawfish still active on rocky structure before water cools
Fall	Crappie	Schooling shad	Small minnows
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Baitfish schools holding near points
Winter	Spotted Bass	Suspended shad schools in main lake areas	Deep water crawfish near rock and gravel bottom
Winter	Crappie	Small minnows and shad suspended in the water column	Young-of-year baitfish concentrated near structure

Bait Colors by Season for Broken Bow Lake

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