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

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Burke Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 24, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Burke Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-62	Bass are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, following warming trends but not yet committed to spawning locations Fish are actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawn, with increased activity during warmer parts of the day	Deep water adjacent to spawning flats, particularly near pier ends and ledges Secondary points leading into spawning coves with submerged vegetation Deeper sections of creek channels with brush piles	Bladed Jigs worked slowly along depth transitions Football Jigs dragged on deeper ledges Lipless Crankbaits around emerging vegetation	Shad schools in pre-spawn staging areas Bluegill beginning to move towards shallower areas	Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Snakehead	60-68	Snakehead becoming more active as water warms, moving from winter brush pile areas toward shallower vegetation and shoreline areas for pre-spawn staging Aggressive feeding behavior increasing to build energy reserves for spawning, with most active periods during warmer afternoons	Sparse vegetation edges near deeper brush piles where fish transition from winter to spring patterns Protected coves with emerging vegetation, especially those with complex shorelines Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water, particularly those warming first in spring	Lipless Crankbaits worked through sparse vegetation and over transitional areas Bladed Jigs along vegetation edges and through emerging grass Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly near brush piles and along vegetation edges	Bluegill beginning to become more active in warming shallows Various small fish species congregating around emerging vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-65	Bass are actively engaged in spawning behavior, with fish staging on points and moving into shallow protected areas when water temperatures stabilize around 60°F Fish are relating heavily to emerging vegetation, particularly hydrilla beds, using these areas as transition zones between deeper staging areas and spawning flats	Protected shallow flats with emerging vegetation, particularly areas with hydrilla growth Points adjacent to spawning flats where pre-spawn fish are staging Dam area with potential bedding areas and stable water conditions	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for sight fishing bedding bass Grass Jigs worked through emerging vegetation Bladed Jigs (Chatterbaits) ripped through grass beds	Crawfish becoming active in warming shallows Bluegill moving into spawning areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Snakehead	60-68	Snakehead becoming increasingly active as water warms, moving into shallow vegetated areas for spawning. Males aggressively guarding nesting sites while females actively feeding to support egg development. Fish transitioning from winter brush pile locations to shallow vegetation, particularly in areas with early-growing hydrilla and emerging vegetation	Shallow vegetation edges near deeper winter holdover areas Protected coves with emerging vegetation, especially those with hydrilla Areas where sparse vegetation meets slightly deeper water, providing spawning territory	Bladed Jigs worked through sparse vegetation Lipless Crankbaits retrieved just above vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through transition areas	Bluegill moving shallow for their own spawning preparation Small panfish in emerging vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	72-78	Post-spawn bass actively feeding and recovering, moving between shallow grass areas and adjacent deeper water around 20ft Fish showing aggressive feeding behavior with willingness to chase moving baits like chatterbaits and swimbaits Multiple depth patterns emerging with fish utilizing both shallow grass and deeper hard bottom areas	Sparse grass areas in shallow water Hard bottom areas in 20 foot depth range Grass lines and transitional areas between shallow and deep water	Bladed Jigs worked through sparse vegetation Drop Shot on hard bottom areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) for aggressive fish Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) in thicker grass areas	Bluegill in shallow grass areas Baitfish relating to grass edges	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Snakehead	60-70	Snakehead become increasingly active post-spawn, moving from deeper brush piles to shallower vegetation areas as temperatures warm Fish are aggressively feeding to recover from spawn, primarily targeting bluegill in and around vegetation edges	Edges of submerged hydrilla beds near shoreline points Shallow brush piles adjacent to vegetation Sparse grass areas with nearby deeper water access	Bladed Jigs worked through sparse vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled along grass edges Lipless Crankbaits retrieved through vegetation transitions	Bluegill concentrating in emerging vegetation Small panfish moving shallow with warming water	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	75-85	Bass are transitioning between deeper and shallower water throughout the day, showing pressure sensitivity and preference for smaller profile baits Fish are relating to submerged vegetation edges and actively feeding on both shad and bluegill, with increased activity during lower light periods	Deep edges of submerged vegetation in 15-20 foot range Points and irregular shoreline features with vegetation Open water areas where shad balls are present	Texas Rigs (Worming) with smaller profile baits Bladed Jigs worked through vegetation Underspins around bait balls Drop Shot with finesse presentations	Shad schooling in open water Bluegill relating to vegetation Smaller baitfish in general	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Shad Colors
Summer	Northern Snakehead	72-78	Highly active in dense vegetation areas, particularly hydrilla beds, actively hunting bluegill and shad Most aggressive during early morning and evening hours, moving to slightly deeper edges during mid-day heat	Dense hydrilla beds near shoreline points and coves Vegetation edges adjacent to deeper water Shallow brush piles near vegetation	Frogs/Toads worked across vegetation mats Bladed Jigs through sparse vegetation patches Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) on vegetation edges Buzzbaits during low light periods	Bluegill in vegetation Shad schools in late summer Various small panfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Burke Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	55-72	Fish are following shad schools and transitioning from summer vegetation patterns as hydrilla dies off in September Actively feeding to build up reserves for winter, with increased activity during cloudy days and around prime feeding periods Moving between shallow feeding areas and nearby deep-water sanctuary spots throughout the day	Deep brush piles adjacent to remaining vegetation Points and creek channels leading to deeper water Shallow flats where shad are schooling	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to transitional areas Spinnerbaits around remaining vegetation edges Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly through brush piles	Shad schooling in open water and along channel edges Bluegill relating to remaining vegetation Crawfish active on hard bottom areas	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Northern Snakehead	58-72	Moving from summer vegetation patterns to deeper brush piles, becoming more concentrated in specific areas as water cools Aggressive feeding behavior to build reserves for winter, actively pursuing shad schools and bluegill	Brush piles near deep water access, especially those adjacent to dying vegetation Points and coves with remaining vegetation where shad schools congregate Transition areas between sparse and dense grass, particularly near deeper water	Lipless Crankbaits worked through dying vegetation and over brush piles Bladed Jigs retrieved steadily along grass edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked near shad schools	Shad schools gathering in coves and near points Bluegill relating to remaining vegetation and brush piles Various small baitfish concentrating in deeper areas	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	38-48	Bass are concentrating around deep, stable structure like brush piles, seeking consistent temperatures and reduced light penetration Feeding periods are shorter and more focused during stable weather patterns, with fish typically more active during warmer afternoon periods	Deep brush piles near channel swings or creek bends Deeper sections of steep banks with remaining vegetation Secondary points with access to deep water	Ned Rigs worked slowly along bottom structure Drop Shot with small profile baits near brush piles Football Jigs dragged slowly through deeper structure	Smaller baitfish concentrated in deeper water Crawfish becoming more active during warmer afternoon periods	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Northern Snakehead	38-52	Northern Snakehead concentrate in deeper brush pile areas during winter, likely positioning near structure for ambush opportunities while conserving energy Fish remain active but less aggressive, responding well to noise-producing baits that can trigger reaction strikes	Brush piles in deeper water, particularly those near channel bends or deeper flats Transitions between brush piles and sparse grass areas where remaining vegetation provides ambush cover Protected coves with wood cover that maintain slightly warmer water temperatures	Bladed Jigs worked slowly through and around brush piles Lipless Crankbaits retrieved with a yo-yo action near structure Blade Baits worked vertically near brush pile edges	Bluegill seeking shelter in brush piles Small baitfish congregating near deeper structure	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Burke Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Deep water adjacent to spawning flats, particularly near pier ends and ledges	Secondary points leading into spawning coves with submerged vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Snakehead	Sparse vegetation edges near deeper brush piles where fish transition from winter to spring patterns	Protected coves with emerging vegetation, especially those with complex shorelines
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow flats with emerging vegetation, particularly areas with hydrilla growth	Points adjacent to spawning flats where pre-spawn fish are staging
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Snakehead	Shallow vegetation edges near deeper winter holdover areas	Protected coves with emerging vegetation, especially those with hydrilla
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Sparse grass areas in shallow water	Hard bottom areas in 20 foot depth range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Snakehead	Edges of submerged hydrilla beds near shoreline points	Shallow brush piles adjacent to vegetation
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Deep edges of submerged vegetation in 15-20 foot range	Points and irregular shoreline features with vegetation
Summer	Northern Snakehead	Dense hydrilla beds near shoreline points and coves	Vegetation edges adjacent to deeper water
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Deep brush piles adjacent to remaining vegetation	Points and creek channels leading to deeper water
Fall	Northern Snakehead	Brush piles near deep water access, especially those adjacent to dying vegetation	Points and coves with remaining vegetation where shad schools congregate
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Deep brush piles near channel swings or creek bends	Deeper sections of steep banks with remaining vegetation
Winter	Northern Snakehead	Brush piles in deeper water, particularly those near channel bends or deeper flats	Transitions between brush piles and sparse grass areas where remaining vegetation provides ambush cover

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools in pre-spawn staging areas	Bluegill beginning to move towards shallower areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Snakehead	Bluegill beginning to become more active in warming shallows	Various small fish species congregating around emerging vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish becoming active in warming shallows	Bluegill moving into spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Snakehead	Bluegill moving shallow for their own spawning preparation	Small panfish in emerging vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in shallow grass areas	Baitfish relating to grass edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Snakehead	Bluegill concentrating in emerging vegetation	Small panfish moving shallow with warming water
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling in open water	Bluegill relating to vegetation
Summer	Northern Snakehead	Bluegill in vegetation	Shad schools in late summer
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling in open water and along channel edges	Bluegill relating to remaining vegetation
Fall	Northern Snakehead	Shad schools gathering in coves and near points	Bluegill relating to remaining vegetation and brush piles
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Smaller baitfish concentrated in deeper water	Crawfish becoming more active during warmer afternoon periods
Winter	Northern Snakehead	Bluegill seeking shelter in brush piles	Small baitfish congregating near deeper structure

Bait Colors by Season for Burke Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Snakehead	Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Snakehead	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Snakehead	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Shad Colors
Summer	Northern Snakehead	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Northern Snakehead	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Northern Snakehead	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals

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