How to Fish Brookville Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

Brookville Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 26, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Brookville Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-58	Smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter depths to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are moving along migration routes from deep winter areas to main lake points near spawning flats Feeding activity increases during warming trends, with fish becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise	Main lake points adjacent to spawning bays Rock piles along migration routes from deep water to spawning areas Secondary points with mixed rock and gravel substrate	Ned Rigs dragged or hopped along bottom structure Drop Shot with slow, subtle presentations Tubes worked methodically around rock structure	Crawfish emerging from winter sanctuary Small baitfish schools in pre-spawn staging areas	Natural Craw Colors Chartreuse Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-62	Pre-spawn bass actively feeding on crawfish around laydown logs and points, showing increased activity during early morning and late afternoon Fish transitioning between wintering areas and spawning flats, utilizing depth changes from 8-20 feet as staging areas	Laydown logs in 8-10 feet of water near river channel edges Points with rock or timber leading into spawning pockets Standing timber adjacent to pre-spawn staging areas	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) with speed craws around laydowns Hard Jerkbaits worked slowly on points Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') along timber edges and points	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish relating to timber and points	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	Crappie are transitioning from deep winter holdover areas to pre-spawn staging areas, becoming more active as water temperatures rise Fish are moving in waves from deep timber (25-40ft) towards shallow spawning areas, stopping at transitional structure along the way Feeding activity increases during this period as fish prepare for spawning, with most aggressive feeding during dawn and dusk periods	Transition areas between deep timber and shallow spawning coves, particularly where the old river channel swings near shoreline structure Submerged brush piles in 12-18 feet of water adjacent to spawning areas Secondary points and timber-lined creek channels in 15-25 feet of water	Crappie Spider Rigging Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')	Shad schools suspending near structure Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish near woody cover	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	45-55	Pre-spawn walleye are actively transitioning between deep wintering areas and shallow spawning zones, following shad movements Fish are using mid-depth transition areas and humps as staging points, with increased feeding activity during dawn/dusk periods in moderate clarity conditions	Humps and transition areas between shallow and deep water Points and irregular shoreline features with access to deeper water Standing timber areas near depth changes	Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) Lipless Crankbaits Blade Baits	Shad Small Baitfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	45-58	Pre-spawn muskies are beginning to move from winter deep-water haunts to shallower staging areas, particularly along channel edges and points leading to spawning bays Fish are becoming more active with warming water temperatures, showing increased feeding activity especially during warmer afternoon periods	Main lake points adjacent to river channel edges where winter depths transition to pre-spawn staging areas Standing timber areas in 8-15 feet of water near potential spawning bays Secondary points in major creek arms with access to deeper water	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly along depth transitions Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along channel edges and point transitions Hard Jerkbaits with longer pauses near timber and structure	Shad schools congregating near channel edges and points Perch relating to timber and structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Smallmouth bass are actively spawning in shallow areas, with males guarding nests and females moving between deeper staging areas and spawning flats Fish are relatively aggressive in defending nesting areas but may be spooky in clear shallow water Pre-spawn and post-spawn fish are actively feeding to build energy reserves	Rock piles in shallow to mid-depth areas (confirmed by recent reports) Laydowns in protected spawning bays (validated by fishing reports) Main lake points near spawning flats	Drop Shot with soft plastics (proven effective in recent reports) Finesse Hair Jigs with slow retrieval (documented success in spawning areas) Tubes worked around rock structure	Shad (confirmed in recent fishing reports) Crawfish emerging in rocky areas Small bluegill in spawning areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Staging in pre-spawn areas near spawning flats, actively seeking warmer water and establishing territories Males begin creating and guarding nests in protected areas while females move between staging and spawning areas Increased aggression and territorial behavior, particularly around bedding areas and staging points	Protected shallow coves with hard bottom and abundant cover Secondary points leading into spawning bays Laydowns and standing timber in 2-8 foot depth range	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around visible cover and bedding areas Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly through staging areas Spinnerbaits along pre-spawn transition routes	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small bluegill and various sunfish in spawning areas Shad schools in staging areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappie actively moving to shallow areas (2-6 feet) around woody cover for spawning, most active during dawn and dusk periods Males establishing and guarding nests while females stage slightly deeper, making multiple trips shallow to spawn	Shallow wood structure in protected coves and pockets (2-6 feet) Secondary points with wood leading into spawning coves Shallow brush piles near spawning flats	Crappie Dock Shooting Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) Bobbers	Young-of-year shad beginning to emerge Small bluegill and various minnows in shallow areas	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Pre-spawn walleye transitioning between deep wintering areas and shallow spawning grounds, actively feeding during dawn/dusk periods Fish staging near transition areas between shallow and deep water, utilizing current patterns and ambush points	Deep water areas near the dam with access to shallow spawning grounds Points and transition areas between shallow and deep water Standing timber areas in moderate depth water	Lipless Crankbaits with moderate retrieve speed in transition areas Blade Baits worked vertically in deeper staging areas Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near structure and points	Shad schools in transition areas Small baitfish relating to standing timber	Metallic Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	48-60	Pre-spawn muskie staging in shallow bays and near spawning areas, becoming more active as water temperatures rise Males arrive first at spawning areas, with females moving in as temperatures reach optimal range Post-spawn recovery period sees fish moving to adjacent deeper water to recuperate	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation near deep water access Areas with laydowns and standing timber in 5-12 feet of water Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) Spinnerbaits Inline Spinners	Shad congregating in spawning bays Perch in shallow areas near vegetation Various panfish species moving shallow	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	65-72	Post-spawn smallmouth bass are actively feeding to recover energy, transitioning between spawning flats and summer locations Fish are utilizing hard structure in 10-15 foot depth range, showing increased feeding activity as evidenced by aggressive strikes on moving baits	Rock piles and boulders in 10-12 foot depth range, especially near deeper water access Main lake points with mixed rock and gravel composition Riprap banks and ledges in the 10-15 foot zone	Wacky Rigs worked slowly around rock structure Finesse Jigs with craw trailers around boulders and points Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) slow rolled along bottom in 10-12ft	Crawfish emerging from rock structures Small baitfish relating to transitional areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	65-77	Post-spawn males guarding beds in main lake pockets, while females beginning to transition to early summer patterns Active feeding periods near woody cover and cattails, showing aggressive responses to soft plastics	Laydowns and standing timber in main lake pockets Cattail edges in protected areas Main lake points with wood cover	Wacky Rigs worked slowly around wood cover Soft Jerkbaits for suspended fish Tubes worked along bottom near bedding areas	Shad beginning to school in post-spawn areas Crawfish active in woody cover areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	56-68	Post-spawn crappie are actively feeding in shallow water (3-8 feet) around woody cover, showing increased activity with warming temperatures Fish are chasing shad in shallow water, particularly during early morning and evening periods, with schools becoming more concentrated around specific structure	Shallow brush piles in 3-8 feet of water Laydowns and woody cover in 6 feet or less Protected coves with woody structure	Structure Jigs worked slowly around brush Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') near wood Bobbers with small jigs suspended 2-3 feet deep	Shad in shallow water Small crappie and baitfish	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	52-65	Post-spawn walleye are actively feeding to recover energy, transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper structures while following baitfish movements Fish are utilizing current breaks and points during dawn/dusk feeding windows, taking advantage of the moderate clarity for sight feeding	Main lake points and transition areas between shallow and deep water, especially those with timber Secondary points with access to deeper water where shad schools congregate Current-swept areas near the river influence zones with structure	Lipless Crankbaits worked along depth transitions where shad are present Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) targeting timber-covered points and deeper structure Live Bait Rigs during slower periods, especially in deeper holding areas	Shad schools moving along points and depth transitions Small baitfish utilizing timber and structure edges	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	55-68	Post-spawn muskie are actively recovering and beginning to feed, transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns Fish are utilizing shallow to mid-depth zones, particularly around points and woody cover as water temperatures warm	Main lake points adjacent to spawning bays, especially those with timber River channel edges with laydowns and standing timber Shallow wood-covered flats near deeper water access	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to timber edges and points Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with slow, steady retrieves around cover Trolling Shallow (0-9') along channel edges and point transitions	Shad schools beginning to group up in post-winter patterns Perch relating to woody cover and points	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	71-80	Actively feeding during early morning and late evening, with some night activity. Fish are splitting time between shallow and deeper structures based on temperature and light conditions Showing aggressive surface feeding behavior when conditions allow, particularly around structure and during lower light periods Transitioning between depths throughout the day, moving deeper during bright, hot periods and shallow during prime feeding windows	Rock piles with adjacent vegetation in 5-14 foot depth range Main lake points with rocky structure Laydowns and fallen timber in shallow water Rocky banks and riprap areas	Drop Shot with finesse baits, especially effective on offshore structure Hard Topwater (Popping) during low light periods Wacky Rigs around shallow cover Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') along rocky banks	Shad - primary forage especially in open water Bluegill - particularly around shallow cover Crawfish - among rocky structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Largemouth Bass	75-85	Actively feeding on shad in both shallow and deep water, with aggressive surface feeding patterns evident from wake bait success Utilizing rock piles in 15-foot depth range as primary holding areas during summer heat Moving between deep structure and shallow feeding zones throughout the day based on temperature and light conditions	Rock piles in 12-18 foot depth range Main lake points with access to deep water Shallow feeding flats near timber where shad are present	Hard Topwater (Wake) burned quickly to trigger reaction strikes Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked near rock piles Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) targeting deeper fish holding on structure	Shad schooling in open water and around structure Crawfish present around rock piles and timber	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Crappie	75-85	Crappie are suspending 12-16 feet deep below brush piles in defined schools during hot summer conditions Fish are responding to slow vertical presentations, striking as bait is pulled upward	Brush piles in 12-16 foot depth range Suspended cover near creek channel edges Shaded areas near deeper water access	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Spider Rigging Hover/Mid-Strolling	Minnows Shad	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Walleye	68-74	Walleye are seeking thermal refuge in deeper, cooler water due to 72°F surface temperatures, likely suspending near structure during day and moving shallower to feed during lower light periods Following and feeding on shad schools, utilizing points and basin areas as primary feeding zones	Main lake points, especially those with access to deep water Deep basin areas with suspended bait schools Standing timber edges near deep water	Live Bait Rigs worked along deep structure breaks Trolling Shallow (0-9') during early morning and evening periods Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) during midday hours	Shad schools in open water and along points Bottom-oriented baitfish near structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Summer	Muskie	72-84	Actively feeding along river channels and points, using timber and complex shoreline features as ambush points Moving deeper during peak heat periods, following thermocline development, but remaining active in low-light conditions Targeting both shad and perch around standing timber and channel edges	River channel edges with adjacent timber Main lake points with deep water access Complex shoreline areas with abundant cover	Hard Jerkbaits worked aggressively around timber and points Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along channel edges Large Hair Jigs (Preacher) worked through timber	Shad schools along channel edges Perch relating to timber and structure Minnows in shoreline areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Brookville Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	65-75	Actively feeding on shad in the upper water column, especially during morning and evening periods, as evidenced by topwater success Moving between deep and shallow water throughout the day, following baitfish schools and utilizing rock structure	Main lake points with grass or rock structure Rock piles and rip rap areas, especially those near deeper water Areas holding concentrated baitfish schools	Drop Shot with finesse worms, especially effective on rock structure Hard Topwater (Prop) like Whopper Ploppers for active fish Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) when fish are actively chasing bait Ned Rigs worked along rock structure for more pressured fish	Shad - primary forage based on multiple recent reports Bluegill - secondary forage mentioned in reports	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Bass are actively chasing shad in the upper water column and around shallow cover, as evidenced by recent topwater and swimbait success Fish are likely to be schooling and ambushing bait around laydowns and other woody structure in preparation for winter	Laydowns and fallen timber in shallow to mid-depth areas, particularly those near channel swings Main lake points with adjacent timber where shad schools are present Shallow coves with wood cover where bait is congregating	Hard Topwater (Popping) worked around laydowns and timber Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved at varying depths to match shad schools Spinnerbaits worked parallel to timber in low light conditions Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') in shad patterns around points	Shad - primary forage based on recent reports Crawfish - secondary forage option in areas with rocky structure	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	58-72	Crappie are transitioning from summer patterns to fall feeding, following shad schools and becoming more aggressive in their feeding behavior as water temperatures cool Fish are schooling more tightly than in summer, gathering around key structure in preparation for winter	Deep brush piles in 15-25 feet of water near channel edges Standing timber areas where shad schools are present Channel bends and drop-offs adjacent to flats where bait congregates	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) - effective for covering water and finding active schools Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') - precise presentation for brush pile fish Crappie Spider Rigging - excellent for working multiple depths around timber	Shad schools congregating in large numbers Small sunfish around brush and timber	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Walleye	48-58	Actively following and feeding on shad schools, particularly during low-light periods as indicated by the 2.3m Secchi depth Moving along points and into creek arms following seasonal shad migrations, utilizing timber as ambush points	Points and creek mouths where shad schools are migrating Standing timber areas adjacent to deeper water Complex shoreline areas with irregular features providing ambush points	Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses to mimic dying shad Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near bait schools Blade Baits worked through suspended bait schools	Shad - primary forage base confirmed by multiple reports Small baitfish relating to timber structure	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Muskie	52-68	Muskies are actively feeding to build reserves for winter, following larger concentrations of shad and perch near structural elements Fish are more likely to be shallow during low-light periods and overcast days, moving deeper during bright conditions Increased aggression and feeding activity as water temperatures cool, with fish targeting larger prey	Main lake points intersecting with river channels, especially those with standing timber Shallow weed edges adjacent to deep water breaks Timber-lined channel edges in 12-20 foot depth range	Large Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along timber edges and point breaks Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along channel edges and point transitions Spinnerbaits worked through shallow cover during lowlight periods	Shad schools congregating near structural elements Yellow Perch relating to woody cover and weed edges Various sized baitfish transitioning to deeper water	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	38-42	Smallmouth Bass are holding deep near vertical structure in the 25-35' range, suspending near timber and ledges Fish are conserving energy but will strike slow-moving baits presented directly in their face	Standing timber in 25-35 feet of water Deep ledges with vertical structure Deep main lake points with access to multiple depth ranges	Damiki Rig with small swimbaits using a pendulum presentation Suspending jerkbaits worked extremely slowly Drop Shot with minimal action	Shad schools in deep water Small baitfish relating to deep structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Largemouth Bass	42-48	Largemouth bass are moving slowly and conserving energy in cold water temperatures, primarily holding near deeper structure adjacent to feeding areas Fish are showing preference for offshore structure with nearby depth changes, making selective feeding movements to shallower water during warmer periods	Points with access to deeper water in 8-12 feet range, especially those with brush or timber Offshore brush piles near channel swings or depth changes Main lake pockets with standing timber, particularly where they intersect with deeper water	Grass Jigs worked slowly along bottom near structure Ned Rigs with subtle movements in offshore locations Shallow Diving Crankbaits worked slowly around brush Damiki Rig for suspended fish near structure	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water Inactive or dormant crawfish in rocky areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Shad Colors
Winter	Crappie	40-45	Crappie are schooling tightly in deep water around standing timber, primarily holding at 25-30 feet in 40+ foot depths, showing selective feeding periods Fish are responding well to vertical presentations, often chasing baits upward when slowly lifted, with most aggressive fish positioned slightly outside the main schools	Standing timber in 25-40 feet of water, particularly in areas with 40+ feet total depth Deep river channel bends with standing timber Open water schools near deep structure	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with slow, deliberate presentations and subtle rod tip movements Damiki Rig suspended just above marked fish Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) with pendulum approach to scattered fish	Shad concentrated in deep water winter schools Small baitfish relating to deep timber	Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Walleye	42-52	Walleye are actively feeding on shad schools suspended in the water column, often relating to deep structure near the dam and main lake points Fish are most active during low light periods, using the moderate water clarity (2.3m Secchi) to their advantage for feeding Showing preference for vertical structure like standing timber as holding areas between feeding periods	Deep main lake points with access to standing timber Dam area with deep water structure Creek channel bends with vertical timber	Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended fish Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) near structure Spoons worked through bait schools	Shad schools suspending near deep structure Small baitfish relating to timber	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Muskie	38-45	Muskies are concentrating around deep timber and channel edges, making methodical moves to feed on suspended baitfish Fish are typically less aggressive but will strike opportunistically when prey is presented at the right depth and speed	Deep standing timber adjacent to river channels (15-25 feet) Main lake points with access to deep water Channel edges with timber or structure in 12-30 feet	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) Trolling Deep (20'+)	Suspended shad schools in deeper water Yellow perch relating to deep structure Various baitfish using timber as winter sanctuary	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Brookville Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points adjacent to spawning bays	Rock piles along migration routes from deep water to spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Laydown logs in 8-10 feet of water near river channel edges	Points with rock or timber leading into spawning pockets
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Transition areas between deep timber and shallow spawning coves, particularly where the old river channel swings near shoreline structure	Submerged brush piles in 12-18 feet of water adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Humps and transition areas between shallow and deep water	Points and irregular shoreline features with access to deeper water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	Main lake points adjacent to river channel edges where winter depths transition to pre-spawn staging areas	Standing timber areas in 8-15 feet of water near potential spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles in shallow to mid-depth areas (confirmed by recent reports)	Laydowns in protected spawning bays (validated by fishing reports)
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow coves with hard bottom and abundant cover	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shallow wood structure in protected coves and pockets (2-6 feet)	Secondary points with wood leading into spawning coves
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Deep water areas near the dam with access to shallow spawning grounds	Points and transition areas between shallow and deep water
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation near deep water access	Areas with laydowns and standing timber in 5-12 feet of water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles and boulders in 10-12 foot depth range, especially near deeper water access	Main lake points with mixed rock and gravel composition
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Laydowns and standing timber in main lake pockets	Cattail edges in protected areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Shallow brush piles in 3-8 feet of water	Laydowns and woody cover in 6 feet or less
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Main lake points and transition areas between shallow and deep water, especially those with timber	Secondary points with access to deeper water where shad schools congregate
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	Main lake points adjacent to spawning bays, especially those with timber	River channel edges with laydowns and standing timber
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles with adjacent vegetation in 5-14 foot depth range	Main lake points with rocky structure
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Rock piles in 12-18 foot depth range	Main lake points with access to deep water
Summer	Crappie	Brush piles in 12-16 foot depth range	Suspended cover near creek channel edges
Summer	Walleye	Main lake points, especially those with access to deep water	Deep basin areas with suspended bait schools
Summer	Muskie	River channel edges with adjacent timber	Main lake points with deep water access
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points with grass or rock structure	Rock piles and rip rap areas, especially those near deeper water
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Laydowns and fallen timber in shallow to mid-depth areas, particularly those near channel swings	Main lake points with adjacent timber where shad schools are present
Fall	Crappie	Deep brush piles in 15-25 feet of water near channel edges	Standing timber areas where shad schools are present
Fall	Walleye	Points and creek mouths where shad schools are migrating	Standing timber areas adjacent to deeper water
Fall	Muskie	Main lake points intersecting with river channels, especially those with standing timber	Shallow weed edges adjacent to deep water breaks
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Standing timber in 25-35 feet of water	Deep ledges with vertical structure
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Points with access to deeper water in 8-12 feet range, especially those with brush or timber	Offshore brush piles near channel swings or depth changes
Winter	Crappie	Standing timber in 25-40 feet of water, particularly in areas with 40+ feet total depth	Deep river channel bends with standing timber
Winter	Walleye	Deep main lake points with access to standing timber	Dam area with deep water structure
Winter	Muskie	Deep standing timber adjacent to river channels (15-25 feet)	Main lake points with access to deep water

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter sanctuary	Small baitfish schools in pre-spawn staging areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish relating to timber and points
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad schools suspending near structure	Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish near woody cover
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Shad	Small Baitfish
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	Shad schools congregating near channel edges and points	Perch relating to timber and structure
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad (confirmed in recent fishing reports)	Crawfish emerging in rocky areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small bluegill and various sunfish in spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Young-of-year shad beginning to emerge	Small bluegill and various minnows in shallow areas
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Shad schools in transition areas	Small baitfish relating to standing timber
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	Shad congregating in spawning bays	Perch in shallow areas near vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from rock structures	Small baitfish relating to transitional areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad beginning to school in post-spawn areas	Crawfish active in woody cover areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad in shallow water	Small crappie and baitfish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Shad schools moving along points and depth transitions	Small baitfish utilizing timber and structure edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	Shad schools beginning to group up in post-winter patterns	Perch relating to woody cover and points
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Shad - primary forage especially in open water	Bluegill - particularly around shallow cover
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling in open water and around structure	Crawfish present around rock piles and timber
Summer	Crappie	Minnows	Shad
Summer	Walleye	Shad schools in open water and along points	Bottom-oriented baitfish near structure
Summer	Muskie	Shad schools along channel edges	Perch relating to timber and structure
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Shad - primary forage based on multiple recent reports	Bluegill - secondary forage mentioned in reports
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage based on recent reports	Crawfish - secondary forage option in areas with rocky structure
Fall	Crappie	Shad schools congregating in large numbers	Small sunfish around brush and timber
Fall	Walleye	Shad - primary forage base confirmed by multiple reports	Small baitfish relating to timber structure
Fall	Muskie	Shad schools congregating near structural elements	Yellow Perch relating to woody cover and weed edges
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools in deep water	Small baitfish relating to deep structure
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water	Inactive or dormant crawfish in rocky areas
Winter	Crappie	Shad concentrated in deep water winter schools	Small baitfish relating to deep timber
Winter	Walleye	Shad schools suspending near deep structure	Small baitfish relating to timber
Winter	Muskie	Suspended shad schools in deeper water	Yellow perch relating to deep structure

Bait Colors by Season for Brookville Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Chartreuse Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Metallic Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Summer	Muskie	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Walleye	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Muskie	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Shad Colors
Winter	Crappie	Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Walleye	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Muskie	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors