How to Fish Bull Shoals Lake

Bull Shoals Lake fishing FAQ

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Bull Shoals Lake in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 52-62°F. Males starting to move shallow while larger females staging in pre-spawn areas near creek channels and brush in 15-25 foot range Fish actively responding to moving baits but requiring slower presentations in cooler water Key locations: Creek channel swings with nearby brush in 15-25 foot range; Backs of coves with muddy water from wind or runoff; Main lake bluff walls with access to deeper water. Best techniques: Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) slow rolled parallel to structure, Shakey Heads worked slowly along bluff walls. Primary forage: Shad - primary forage based on multiple reports, Bluegill - secondary forage especially in shallower areas. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Bull Shoals Lake in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 50-58°F. Smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter deep water patterns, actively suspending in open water to follow large schools of shad in the 20-60 ft range Fish are most active during feeding windows, particularly when baitfish schools are located, showing aggressive pursuit behavior Key locations: Open water areas with suspended baitfish schools in 20-60 ft depth range; Deep main lake points and rock structures adjacent to spawning areas; Steep rocky banks and rip rap areas where crawfish are becoming active. Best techniques: Damiki Rig worked vertically through suspended fish marked on electronics, Drop Shot with small profile baits around suspended fish, Tubes worked slowly along rocky transition areas. Primary forage: Shad schools suspended in open water, Crawfish becoming active on rocky structure. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Natural Craw Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Bull Shoals Lake in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 52-62°F. Pre-spawn crappie are transitioning from winter deep water patterns to shallower staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are moving along channel edges and into coves, congregating around structure in 10-20 foot depths Feeding activity increases during stable weather patterns, with fish becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise Key locations: Brush piles positioned along creek channel edges in 10-20 foot depths; Protected coves with emerging vegetation in 5-15 foot depths; Secondary points leading into spawning bays. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Crappie Spider Rigging, Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling). Primary forage: Shad schools suspending near structure, Small minnows in emerging vegetation. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Bull Shoals Lake in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 42-52°F. Pre-spawn walleye are actively transitioning from winter locations to staging areas near spawning grounds, with heightened feeding activity to build energy reserves Light sensitivity remains high, with peak activity during dawn, dusk, and overcast conditions due to the 3.1m Secchi depth Key locations: Main lake points and transition areas between deep winter holding areas and spawning grounds; Rocky shorelines and gravel areas in 8-15 foot depths; Secondary points in major creek arms where walleye stage before moving to spawning areas. Best techniques: Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses to mimic struggling baitfish, Blade Baits worked vertically along depth transitions, Live Bait Rigs with minnows near bottom structure, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with hair jigs. Primary forage: Shad schools concentrated in pre-spawn staging areas, Small minnows near rocky structures, Yellow perch in transition areas. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Purple Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch White Bass on Bull Shoals Lake in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 52-62°F. White bass begin staging in pre-spawn areas, moving from deep winter haunts to transitional areas near spawning tributaries and creek channels Aggressive feeding patterns emerge as fish prepare for spawn, with schools actively pursuing shad in the upper water column Fish are responsive to vertical movements, following bait schools up and down in the water column based on daily temperature changes Key locations: Main lake points and channel swings near tributary entrances; Secondary points leading into spawning creeks; Steep banks and bluffs adjacent to spawning areas. Best techniques: Blade Baits worked vertically along channel edges, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily through transitional areas, Lipless Crankbaits burned through schools when fish are aggressive. Primary forage: Schooling shad moving into pre-spawn staging areas, Small baitfish congregating near creek mouths, Young-of-year baitfish in warming shallow areas. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Bull Shoals Lake in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 58-68°F. Bass transitioning between pre-spawn staging and active spawning, with fish moving between deeper staging areas and shallow spawning pockets based on water temperature fluctuations around 60-67°F Actively feeding during morning periods, especially with cloud cover, and showing strong response to both crawfish and shad-imitating presentations Key locations: Flooded brush on the outer edges of spawning pockets, especially near deeper water access; Points leading into spawning pockets with boulder or rock structure; Protected laydown areas in spawning coves. Best techniques: Hard Jerkbaits worked around brush and points, especially effective during wind, Structure Jigs worked slowly around rocky points and boulder areas, Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') around flooded brush and point transitions, Hard Topwater (Walking) early morning over deeper brush. Primary forage: Crawfish actively moving in rocky areas as water warms, Shad schools suspending near spawning pockets and points. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Bull Shoals Lake in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 62-70°F. Post-spawn smallmouth bass are schooling in deeper water, hitting baits aggressively on the initial fall Fish are relating to original shoreline structure and brush piles due to high water conditions Most active during low-light periods, with clear water creating distinct feeding windows Key locations: Deep ledges where post-spawn fish are schooling; Brush piles along original shoreline contours; Main lake points with access to deeper water. Best techniques: Tubes spiraled down through suspended schools of fish, Swim Jigs worked through brush piles, Spinnerbaits during cloudy or rainy conditions. Primary forage: Shad - primary forage noted in multiple reports, Crawfish - indicated by successful natural-colored baits. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Craw Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Bull Shoals Lake in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 58-68°F. Crappie are actively staging around brush piles near spawning areas, showing strong structure orientation as evidenced by recent fishing reports Fish are making transitional movements between deeper brush piles (20-30ft) and shallower staging areas, following both temperature and bait Key locations: Brush piles in 20-30ft near points and secondary points, as directly confirmed by recent reports; Shallower brush piles in 10-19ft depth range, particularly those closer to spawning areas; Secondary points with nearby deep water access, especially those with woody cover. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+), Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Crappie Spider Rigging. Primary forage: Minnows, specifically confirmed in recent fishing reports, Shad, indicated by lake profile patterns. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Bull Shoals Lake in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 42-52°F. Walleye moving into shallow spawning areas at night, particularly around rocky points and gravel beds Light-sensitive behavior intensifies during spawn, with peak activity during dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours Fish staging in pre-spawn areas near spawning grounds during daylight hours Key locations: Rocky points and shallow gravel beds in 2-8 feet of water for active spawning; Adjacent deeper breaks in 15-25 feet for daytime staging; Protected coves with firm bottom composition near main lake points. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom transitions, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') during low light periods, Blade Baits worked through staging areas. Primary forage: Minnows concentrating in spawning areas, Shad schools in adjacent deeper water. Best bait colors: Purple Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch White Bass on Bull Shoals Lake in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 58-68°F. Aggressive spawning behavior with fish moving into tributary arms and shallow flats, often visible chasing bait in 2-8 feet of water Schooling activity increases as fish group up for spawning, making them easier to locate when found Feeding becomes more aggressive pre and post-spawn, with fish actively pursuing shad in shallow water Key locations: Tributary arms and creek channels with gravel or rocky substrate; Main lake points adjacent to spawning areas; Secondary points in major creek arms. Best techniques: Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked at varying speeds parallel to spawning areas, Inline Spinners cast and retrieved through surfacing schools, Spinnerbaits worked along channel swings and points. Primary forage: Shad (primary forage moving shallow), Small baitfish in spawning areas, Young of year baitfish emerging in warming waters. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Bull Shoals Lake in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 72-78°F. Post-spawn bass are transitioning from spawning areas to summer locations, actively feeding to recover energy Early morning shad spawn activity creating intense feeding periods near shoreline cover Fish moving between shallow and deeper water throughout the day, with deeper locations preferred during bright conditions Key locations: Main lake points, especially those with good bottom structure and boulders; Flooded brush in 15-25 foot range; Creek channel swing points during transition periods. Best techniques: Hard Topwater (Popping) during early morning shad spawn, Football Jigs worked slowly on main lake points, Bladed Jigs around brush piles, Shakey Heads for tough conditions in deeper water. Primary forage: Shad (primary forage with active spawn occurring), Crawfish (active in rocky areas), Bluegill (secondary forage around brush and cover). Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Craw Colors, Green Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Bull Shoals Lake in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 58-68°F. Actively feeding on both shad and crawfish, with increased activity during morning and evening periods due to clear water conditions Transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, suspending near points and ledges to follow bait schools Key locations: Main lake points and ledges in 15-25 foot depth range adjacent to spawning flats; Rocky creek arm transitions where deep water meets structure; Steep rip rap banks with access to deeper water. Best techniques: Drop Shot with small profile baits worked slowly along depth transitions, Football Jigs dragged along rocky bottom structure, Tubes worked with a hop-and-drop presentation on points. Primary forage: Shad schools suspending near structure, Crawfish active on rocky structures, Small perch along transitional areas. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Craw Colors, Green Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Bull Shoals Lake in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 62-72°F. Post-spawn crappie are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper structure, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are beginning to school and suspend near brush piles and creek channel edges in 10-20 foot depths Key locations: Brush piles positioned along creek channels in 10-30 foot depths; Secondary points with submerged vegetation near deeper water; Creek arm intersections with the main lake body. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Crappie Spider Rigging, Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling). Primary forage: Small shad schools beginning to form in open water, Minnows around brush pile areas and vegetation. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Chartreuse Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Bull Shoals Lake in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 52-65°F. Post-spawn walleye are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily during dawn/dusk periods due to light sensitivity in clear water (3.1m Secchi) Fish are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, holding on structure adjacent to spawning areas Key locations: Main lake points and humps with access to both shallow and deep water; Complex shoreline areas with multiple structural elements providing ambush points; Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper summer holding areas. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along structure transitions, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') during low light periods, Trolling Shallow (0-9') parallel to shoreline structure. Primary forage: Shad schools moving along shoreline areas, Small minnows in transitional areas, Young of year baitfish beginning to emerge. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Purple Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch White Bass on Bull Shoals Lake in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 62-72°F. Post-spawn white bass are actively feeding and regaining energy, typically schooling in large groups to hunt shad Fish are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to main lake points and channel swings, following baitfish movements Most aggressive feeding occurs during early morning and late evening, with schools actively chasing bait to the surface Key locations: Main lake points adjacent to spawning bays where fish stage to intercept baitfish; Channel swings with depth transitions from 15-30 feet; Secondary points with access to deeper water. Best techniques: Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked at varying depths to match baitfish schools, Inline Spinners cast and retrieved through surfacing schools, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are holding deeper. Primary forage: Shad schools recovering from winter patterns, Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge, Small bluegill in shallow areas. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Bull Shoals Lake in Summer?

Water temp 78-89°F. Bass are actively feeding on shad in 10-30ft water range, with surface feeding activity particularly in early morning and evening hours Fish are relating heavily to structure (brush piles, points, laydowns) but making frequent moves to chase bait schools With water temperatures in the 80s, fish are establishing both deep and shallow patterns, moving deeper during midday heat Key locations: Main lake points, especially those near deep water access; Brush piles in 15-25 foot depth range; Deep banks with laydowns and natural cover. Best techniques: Hard Body Swimbaits and glide baits for actively feeding fish, Football Jigs worked on main lake points, Drop Shot for deeper, pressured fish, Topwater baits during low light periods. Primary forage: Shad - primary forage based on multiple reports, Minnows - secondary forage mentioned in reports. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Green Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Bull Shoals Lake in Summer?

Water temp 65-78°F. Actively feeding on shad schools in 20-60 ft depth ranges, with increased activity during morning and evening periods due to clear water conditions Suspending in the water column following bait schools, utilizing deep structure as reference points Key locations: Main lake points with access to deep water, especially those near bait schools; Deep rock structure and ledges in 20-60 foot range; Creek arm points where shad schools congregate. Best techniques: Drop Shot with finesse worms worked slowly through suspended fish, Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) along points and ledges, Spybaits for suspended fish following bait schools. Primary forage: Shad schools suspended in open water, Crawfish along rocky structure. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Green Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Bull Shoals Lake in Summer?

Water temp 72-82°F. Crappie are structure-oriented, actively feeding around brush piles in mid-depth zones, suspending near cover during daylight hours Fish are showing strong schooling behavior, relating to baitfish (minnows) movements and utilizing brush piles as primary staging areas Key locations: Brush piles in 10-19 foot depth range, particularly those near creek channel edges; Main lake points with submerged brush or timber; Creek arm intersections with significant structure. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Crappie Spider Rigging, Hover/Mid-Strolling. Primary forage: Minnows, Shad. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Bull Shoals Lake in Summer?

Water temp 68-78°F. Walleye are primarily active during low-light periods (dawn/dusk) and at night due to light sensitivity in clear water (3.1m Secchi) Fish are likely suspending in deeper water (15-25ft) during day, moving shallower to feed during lower light conditions Strongly relating to main lake structure and following shad movements in the water column Key locations: Deep main lake points with access to both shallow and deep water; Humps and offshore structure in 15-25 foot range; Deep weedlines adjacent to primary points. Best techniques: Trolling Mid Depth (10-19'), Drop Shot, Live Bait Rigs, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'). Primary forage: Shad, Minnows. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Purple Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch White Bass on Bull Shoals Lake in Summer?

Water temp 68-82°F. Aggressive surface feeding activity in early morning, targeting schooling baitfish near the surface Moving between deep and shallow water throughout the day, following baitfish schools and temperature preferences Key locations: Main lake points and channel swings where baitfish schools congregate; Open water areas with surface activity, especially during early morning; Deep water adjacent to structural elements where fish retreat during midday heat. Best techniques: Hard Topwater (Walking) worked aggressively during early morning surface feeding activity, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for actively feeding fish following bait schools, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish move deeper during bright conditions. Primary forage: Shad schools near surface during early morning, Suspended baitfish in open water. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Bull Shoals Lake in Fall?

Water temp 68-77°F. Bass are actively chasing shad schools in creek arms and along channel swings, with most aggressive feeding occurring during early morning hours Fish are transitioning between shallow feeding zones (0-5ft) and deeper structure (15-25ft), following bait movements throughout the day Key locations: Creek arms with active bait schools, particularly in the mid-lake area; Channel swings with adjacent brush piles in 15-25 foot range; Main lake points with rock transitions. Best techniques: Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked around bait schools, Hard Topwater (Prop) during early morning hours, Structure Jigs worked slowly along channel edges and brush piles. Primary forage: Shad - primary forage based on multiple recent reports showing bait balls and surface feeding activity, Crawfish - secondary forage particularly around rocky areas and ledges. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Craw Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Bull Shoals Lake in Fall?

Water temp 58-68°F. Smallmouth bass actively feeding on crawfish along rocky structure in 20-30 foot depth ranges, showing somewhat lethargic behavior indicating transitional fall pattern Fish likely to be most active during lower light conditions given clear water, following both crawfish and suspended baitfish schools Key locations: Rip rap banks in 20-30 foot depth range with access to deeper water; Main lake points and steep rocky transitions near baitfish schools; Creek arm structure with rock-to-deep water access. Best techniques: Football Jigs worked slowly along bottom structure, Drop Shot with finesse presentations for suspended fish, Tubes dragged along rocky structure. Primary forage: Crawfish relating to rocky structure, Shad schools in open water and around structure. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Natural Shad Colors, Green Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Bull Shoals Lake in Fall?

Water temp 55-68°F. Crappie are transitioning to deeper water, following schools of shad and actively feeding to build up reserves for winter Fish are schooling more tightly and suspending near deep brush piles and channel edges in 15-25 foot range Key locations: Deep brush piles positioned along channel edges in 15-25 foot depth range; Main lake points adjacent to river channels where shad schools concentrate; Deeper creek arms where baitfish schools are staging. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Crappie Spider Rigging, Hover/Mid-Strolling. Primary forage: Shad schools moving into deeper water, Small minnows relating to brush pile structures. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Bull Shoals Lake in Fall?

Water temp 52-65°F. Walleye actively feeding during low-light periods, moving between deep and shallow water to follow baitfish Following shad schools along main lake structure, with increased shallow water activity during overcast conditions Key locations: Main lake points with access to deep water; Humps and offshore structure near baitfish schools; Secondary points in major creek arms. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Trolling Mid Depth (10-19'), Blade Baits. Primary forage: Shad schools congregating in creek arms and along points, Minnows relating to structure. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Purple Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch White Bass on Bull Shoals Lake in Fall?

Water temp 58-72°F. White bass are actively schooling and following shad migrations to shallower creek arms and main lake points, exhibiting aggressive feeding behavior as they fatten up for winter Fish are moving between different depth ranges throughout the day, often surfacing to feed during low-light periods and moving deeper as sun gets higher Key locations: Main lake points adjacent to deep water, especially those near channel swings; Creek channel intersections where baitfish schools congregate; Shallow flats in the backs of major creek arms where shad are migrating. Best techniques: Blade Baits worked vertically along channel edges when fish are deeper, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily through bait schools, Spoons jigged vertically when fish are holding deeper on structure. Primary forage: Shad schools migrating into creeks and along points, Small baitfish congregating near structure. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Bull Shoals Lake in Winter?

Water temp 41-55°F. Suspending near large bait schools in 15-30 foot range, with increased activity during shad die-offs Moving between brush piles and points following baitfish, typically holding in 15-20 foot depth range Showing reduced activity levels with water temperatures in low 40s, requiring slower presentations Key locations: Main lake points with gradual drop-offs into deeper water; Brush piles in 15-25 foot range, especially those near channel swings; Protected docks in deeper water, particularly during cold fronts. Best techniques: Umbrella Rigs worked slowly through suspended fish and around brush piles, Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses around points and bait schools, Finesse Jigs worked slowly around deeper structure. Primary forage: Shad, particularly during winter die-offs, Crawfish in rocky areas. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Craw Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Bull Shoals Lake in Winter?

Water temp 52-58°F. Smallmouth bass are suspending in deeper water following large schools of shad, with increased activity during low light periods especially at dusk Fish are maintaining deep winter positions in 21+ feet of water, actively feeding when bait schools rise in the water column Key locations: Deep main lake areas where bait schools are congregating (21+ feet); Rocky points and ledges adjacent to deep water; Creek arm drops with suspended bait. Best techniques: Damiki Rig - match the depth of suspended bait schools, Blade Baits - effective for actively feeding fish around bait schools, Drop Shot - when fish are holding slightly below bait schools. Primary forage: Shad - primary winter forage, congregating in large schools, Suspended Baitfish - various species holding in deep water. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Bull Shoals Lake in Winter?

Water temp 42-48°F. Crappie are schooling with shad in deep water, particularly along river channel edges and adjacent flats Fish are suspending in large schools and actively feeding on concentrated baitfish schools Key locations: River channels with adjacent flats where shad are congregating; Deep water staging areas near channel edges; Dock areas with deep water access. Best techniques: Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) with active sonar to target visible schools, Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are holding tight to structure, Damiki Rig for suspended fish once schools are located. Primary forage: Shad schools concentrated in deep water, Small baitfish suspending near structure. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Bull Shoals Lake in Winter?

Water temp 38-45°F. Strong nocturnal feeding patterns with peak activity during dusk, dark, and early morning periods in shallower water Light-sensitive behavior requiring deeper holding areas during daylight hours with movement to structure-rich feeding zones in low light Key locations: Main lake humps with access to both shallow and deep water; Points adjacent to deep water, especially those with complex structure; Shallow feeding flats near deep-water access points. Best techniques: Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses between twitches, Spoons worked vertically along structure edges, Medium Diving Crankbaits worked slowly along points and transitions. Primary forage: Minnows concentrated near structure, Crawfish in rocky areas and around points. Best bait colors: Purple Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Natural Craw Colors.

How do you catch White Bass on Bull Shoals Lake in Winter?

Water temp 42-48°F. White bass school tightly in deeper water (30-60 feet) near main lake points and channel swings, following shad schools Feeding activity becomes more concentrated during stable weather patterns, with fish making vertical movements based on bait location Key locations: Deep main lake points adjacent to channel swings (30-60 feet); Steep bluff walls near deep water access; Deep creek channel intersections with the main lake. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+), Blade Baits, Spoons. Primary forage: Schooling Shad in deep water, Small baitfish suspended in the water column. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.