How to Fish Bull Shoals Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

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Bull Shoals Lake

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

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Bull Shoals Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-62	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	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	Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) slow rolled parallel to structure Shakey Heads worked slowly along bluff walls	Shad - primary forage based on multiple reports Bluegill - secondary forage especially in shallower areas	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	50-58	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	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	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	Shad schools suspended in open water Crawfish becoming active on rocky structure	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	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	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	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Spider Rigging Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling)	Shad schools suspending near structure Small minnows in emerging vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	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	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	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	Shad schools concentrated in pre-spawn staging areas Small minnows near rocky structures Yellow perch in transition areas	Natural Shad Colors Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	52-62	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	Main lake points and channel swings near tributary entrances Secondary points leading into spawning creeks Steep banks and bluffs adjacent to spawning areas	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	Schooling shad moving into pre-spawn staging areas Small baitfish congregating near creek mouths Young-of-year baitfish in warming shallow areas	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	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	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	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	Crawfish actively moving in rocky areas as water warms Shad schools suspending near spawning pockets and points	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	62-70	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	Deep ledges where post-spawn fish are schooling Brush piles along original shoreline contours Main lake points with access to deeper water	Tubes spiraled down through suspended schools of fish Swim Jigs worked through brush piles Spinnerbaits during cloudy or rainy conditions	Shad - primary forage noted in multiple reports Crawfish - indicated by successful natural-colored baits	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	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	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	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Spider Rigging	Minnows, specifically confirmed in recent fishing reports Shad, indicated by lake profile patterns	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	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	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	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom transitions Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') during low light periods Blade Baits worked through staging areas	Minnows concentrating in spawning areas Shad schools in adjacent deeper water	Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	58-68	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	Tributary arms and creek channels with gravel or rocky substrate Main lake points adjacent to spawning areas Secondary points in major creek arms	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	Shad (primary forage moving shallow) Small baitfish in spawning areas Young of year baitfish emerging in warming waters	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	72-78	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	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	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	Shad (primary forage with active spawn occurring) Crawfish (active in rocky areas) Bluegill (secondary forage around brush and cover)	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-68	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	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	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	Shad schools suspending near structure Crawfish active on rocky structures Small perch along transitional areas	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	62-72	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	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	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Spider Rigging Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling)	Small shad schools beginning to form in open water Minnows around brush pile areas and vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	52-65	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	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	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	Shad schools moving along shoreline areas Small minnows in transitional areas Young of year baitfish beginning to emerge	Natural Shad Colors Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	62-72	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	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	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	Shad schools recovering from winter patterns Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge Small bluegill in shallow areas	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	78-89	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	Main lake points, especially those near deep water access Brush piles in 15-25 foot depth range Deep banks with laydowns and natural cover	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	Shad - primary forage based on multiple reports Minnows - secondary forage mentioned in reports	Natural Shad Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	65-78	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	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	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	Shad schools suspended in open water Crawfish along rocky structure	Natural Shad Colors Green Colors
Summer	Crappie	72-82	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	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	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Spider Rigging Hover/Mid-Strolling	Minnows Shad	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Walleye	68-78	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	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	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') Drop Shot Live Bait Rigs Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')	Shad Minnows	Natural Shad Colors Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	White Bass	68-82	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	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	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	Shad schools near surface during early morning Suspended baitfish in open water	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Bull Shoals Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	68-77	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	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	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	Shad - primary forage based on multiple recent reports showing bait balls and surface feeding activity Crawfish - secondary forage particularly around rocky areas and ledges	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	58-68	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	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	Football Jigs worked slowly along bottom structure Drop Shot with finesse presentations for suspended fish Tubes dragged along rocky structure	Crawfish relating to rocky structure Shad schools in open water and around structure	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Green Colors
Fall	Crappie	55-68	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	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	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Spider Rigging Hover/Mid-Strolling	Shad schools moving into deeper water Small minnows relating to brush pile structures	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Walleye	52-65	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	Main lake points with access to deep water Humps and offshore structure near baitfish schools Secondary points in major creek arms	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits	Shad schools congregating in creek arms and along points Minnows relating to structure	Natural Shad Colors Purple Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	White Bass	58-72	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	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	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	Shad schools migrating into creeks and along points Small baitfish congregating near structure	Natural Shad Colors Metallic 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	41-55	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	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	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	Shad, particularly during winter die-offs Crawfish in rocky areas	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	52-58	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	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	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	Shad - primary winter forage, congregating in large schools Suspended Baitfish - various species holding in deep water	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Crappie	42-48	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	River channels with adjacent flats where shad are congregating Deep water staging areas near channel edges Dock areas with deep water access	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	Shad schools concentrated in deep water Small baitfish suspending near structure	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Walleye	38-45	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	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	Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses between twitches Spoons worked vertically along structure edges Medium Diving Crankbaits worked slowly along points and transitions	Minnows concentrated near structure Crawfish in rocky areas and around points	Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors
Winter	White Bass	42-48	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	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	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Blade Baits Spoons	Schooling Shad in deep water Small baitfish suspended in the water column	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Bull Shoals Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Creek channel swings with nearby brush in 15-25 foot range	Backs of coves with muddy water from wind or runoff
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Open water areas with suspended baitfish schools in 20-60 ft depth range	Deep main lake points and rock structures adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Brush piles positioned along creek channel edges in 10-20 foot depths	Protected coves with emerging vegetation in 5-15 foot depths
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Main lake points and transition areas between deep winter holding areas and spawning grounds	Rocky shorelines and gravel areas in 8-15 foot depths
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Main lake points and channel swings near tributary entrances	Secondary points leading into spawning creeks
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Flooded brush on the outer edges of spawning pockets, especially near deeper water access	Points leading into spawning pockets with boulder or rock structure
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Deep ledges where post-spawn fish are schooling	Brush piles along original shoreline contours
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	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
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	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
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Tributary arms and creek channels with gravel or rocky substrate	Main lake points adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points, especially those with good bottom structure and boulders	Flooded brush in 15-25 foot range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points and ledges in 15-25 foot depth range adjacent to spawning flats	Rocky creek arm transitions where deep water meets structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Brush piles positioned along creek channels in 10-30 foot depths	Secondary points with submerged vegetation near deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Main lake points and humps with access to both shallow and deep water	Complex shoreline areas with multiple structural elements providing ambush points
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Main lake points adjacent to spawning bays where fish stage to intercept baitfish	Channel swings with depth transitions from 15-30 feet
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points, especially those near deep water access	Brush piles in 15-25 foot depth range
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points with access to deep water, especially those near bait schools	Deep rock structure and ledges in 20-60 foot range
Summer	Crappie	Brush piles in 10-19 foot depth range, particularly those near creek channel edges	Main lake points with submerged brush or timber
Summer	Walleye	Deep main lake points with access to both shallow and deep water	Humps and offshore structure in 15-25 foot range
Summer	White Bass	Main lake points and channel swings where baitfish schools congregate	Open water areas with surface activity, especially during early morning
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Creek arms with active bait schools, particularly in the mid-lake area	Channel swings with adjacent brush piles in 15-25 foot range
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Rip rap banks in 20-30 foot depth range with access to deeper water	Main lake points and steep rocky transitions near baitfish schools
Fall	Crappie	Deep brush piles positioned along channel edges in 15-25 foot depth range	Main lake points adjacent to river channels where shad schools concentrate
Fall	Walleye	Main lake points with access to deep water	Humps and offshore structure near baitfish schools
Fall	White Bass	Main lake points adjacent to deep water, especially those near channel swings	Creek channel intersections where baitfish schools congregate
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points with gradual drop-offs into deeper water	Brush piles in 15-25 foot range, especially those near channel swings
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Deep main lake areas where bait schools are congregating (21+ feet)	Rocky points and ledges adjacent to deep water
Winter	Crappie	River channels with adjacent flats where shad are congregating	Deep water staging areas near channel edges
Winter	Walleye	Main lake humps with access to both shallow and deep water	Points adjacent to deep water, especially those with complex structure
Winter	White Bass	Deep main lake points adjacent to channel swings (30-60 feet)	Steep bluff walls near deep water access

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage based on multiple reports	Bluegill - secondary forage especially in shallower areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools suspended in open water	Crawfish becoming active on rocky structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad schools suspending near structure	Small minnows in emerging vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Shad schools concentrated in pre-spawn staging areas	Small minnows near rocky structures
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Schooling shad moving into pre-spawn staging areas	Small baitfish congregating near creek mouths
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish actively moving in rocky areas as water warms	Shad schools suspending near spawning pockets and points
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad - primary forage noted in multiple reports	Crawfish - indicated by successful natural-colored baits
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Minnows, specifically confirmed in recent fishing reports	Shad, indicated by lake profile patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Minnows concentrating in spawning areas	Shad schools in adjacent deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Shad (primary forage moving shallow)	Small baitfish in spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad (primary forage with active spawn occurring)	Crawfish (active in rocky areas)
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools suspending near structure	Crawfish active on rocky structures
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Small shad schools beginning to form in open water	Minnows around brush pile areas and vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Shad schools moving along shoreline areas	Small minnows in transitional areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools recovering from winter patterns	Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage based on multiple reports	Minnows - secondary forage mentioned in reports
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools suspended in open water	Crawfish along rocky structure
Summer	Crappie	Minnows	Shad
Summer	Walleye	Shad	Minnows
Summer	White Bass	Shad schools near surface during early morning	Suspended baitfish in open water
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage based on multiple recent reports showing bait balls and surface feeding activity	Crawfish - secondary forage particularly around rocky areas and ledges
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish relating to rocky structure	Shad schools in open water and around structure
Fall	Crappie	Shad schools moving into deeper water	Small minnows relating to brush pile structures
Fall	Walleye	Shad schools congregating in creek arms and along points	Minnows relating to structure
Fall	White Bass	Shad schools migrating into creeks and along points	Small baitfish congregating near structure
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Shad, particularly during winter die-offs	Crawfish in rocky areas
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Shad - primary winter forage, congregating in large schools	Suspended Baitfish - various species holding in deep water
Winter	Crappie	Shad schools concentrated in deep water	Small baitfish suspending near structure
Winter	Walleye	Minnows concentrated near structure	Crawfish in rocky areas and around points
Winter	White Bass	Schooling Shad in deep water	Small baitfish suspended in the water column

Bait Colors by Season for Bull Shoals Lake

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