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Carver Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 29, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Carver Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-58	Staging in pre-spawn areas near shallow vegetation pockets, making frequent movements between deeper staging areas and shallow feeding zones Actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, with increased activity during warming trends	Weed edges adjacent to shallow vegetation pockets Storm drain and river inlets providing warmer water Docks near shallow flats serving as staging points	Lipless Crankbaits worked through sparse vegetation Bladed Jigs along weed edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around dock posts and vegetation	Bluegill beginning to move shallow Young of year panfish in vegetation pockets	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	Staging in pre-spawn areas near spawning flats, actively feeding during warming trends Moving between deeper weed edges and shallow cover as water temperatures fluctuate Most active during dawn and dusk periods due to stained water conditions	Docks in 3-5 feet of water adjacent to spawning flats Storm drain inlets where current concentrates baitfish Weed edges in 8-15 feet serving as staging areas	Crappie Dock Shooting with light jigs for precise presentation around cover Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') along dock posts and edges Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) for working weed edges	Small insects gathering around shallow cover Young-of-year baitfish concentrating near storm drains Small crustaceans in weed edges	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-48	Walleye are transitioning from winter patterns to spawning areas, actively feeding during low-light periods Fish are moving along the weed edge and towards current areas as water temperatures rise	Storm drain inlets/outlets where current creates feeding stations Weed edges in 8-15 foot depth range Dock areas providing shade and ambush points	Blade Baits worked slowly along current areas and structure Live Bait Rigs with minnows near weed edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') in current areas	Small Crappies gathering in spawning areas Minnows concentrated near current areas Insects and larvae near weed edges	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-65	Bass moving shallow (2-6 feet) seeking warmer water and spawning areas, particularly in vegetation pockets Males actively guarding nests while females stage on nearby deeper structure Increased aggression and territorial behavior around spawning sites	Shallow vegetation pockets, especially those near the weed edge 15 feet from shore Protected areas between docks where spawning pockets develop Storm drain inlets providing warmer water and potential spawning areas	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting visible beds and vegetation pockets Wacky Rigs worked slowly around spawning areas and dock edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for pre-spawn females on adjacent structure	Bluegill gathering in similar spawning areas Small baitfish relating to emerging vegetation Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappie are actively spawning in shallow water (3-5 feet), concentrating around dock areas and nearby cover Fish are most active during dawn/dusk periods due to stained water conditions (1.1m secchi)	Dock edges and pilings in 3-5 feet of water Weed edges adjacent to spawning areas Storm drain inlets where current concentrates forage	Crappie Dock Shooting - targeting fish tight to dock structures Spinnerbaits (beetle spins) worked parallel to dock edges Bobbers with small jigs suspended near spawning beds	Small insects and aquatic larvae Small minnows concentrated around docks and structure	Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Moving into shallow spawning areas near inflowing water sources and storm drains, with increased activity during low-light periods Staging in pre-spawn locations along the weed edge in 15-foot depths, moving shallow as water warms	Storm drain inlets and river channel areas in 3-8 foot depths Weed edge transitions in 15-foot depths for staging fish Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water for active spawners	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow, deliberate presentations Live Bait Rigs with minnows near bottom structure Blade Baits worked slowly along staging areas	Spawning minnows in shallow areas Small crappie in transitional areas Juvenile panfish near weed edges	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Post-spawn bass actively feeding in shallow water, particularly around vegetation pockets and weed edges Fish using weed edge as primary travel corridor, moving in and out of pockets to ambush prey	Weed edge pockets 15 feet from shore Boardwalk area on east end of lake for sight fishing Shallow vegetation patches near shore	Wacky Rigs worked slowly in vegetation pockets Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentations in thick cover Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) along weed edges	Bluegill concentrating in shallow vegetation Young of year panfish around weed edges	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	62-72	Post-spawn crappies are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are moving between docks and weed edges during feeding periods, with peak activity during dawn and dusk due to stained water conditions	Deeper dock edges in 6-10 feet where they intersect with weed lines Storm drain areas where current concentrates baitfish Outer weed edges in 12-15 feet of water	Crappie Dock Shooting with small plastics targeting shaded areas under docks Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along weed edges with small jigs Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') near dock posts and storm drain areas	Small insects and larvae transitioning from spawn period Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge Small crustaceans in weed edges	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	48-58	Post-spawn walleye are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer feeding patterns, actively feeding during low-light periods along weed edges and current areas Fish are utilizing the 15-foot weed edge as a primary feeding zone, particularly during dawn and dusk transitions	Weed edges adjacent to current areas from storm drain inlets/outlets Dock areas providing shade-line ambush points River channel edges where they intersect with weed edges	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along weed edges and current seams Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with steady retrieve parallel to structure Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') during low light periods	Crappies concentrating in shallow areas during spawn Various insects and larvae emerging in spring conditions Small baitfish relating to current areas and dock structures	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-85	Bass are holding on key structure around river/storm drain inlets, actively feeding during periods of water movement Fish positioning along defined weed edges and man-made structure, using these as ambush points in the turbid conditions	River and storm drain inlets/outlets with current flow Weed edges extending to 15 feet from shore Dock areas adjacent to deeper water	Texas Rigs (Worming) with slow sink and pop retrieve Swim Jigs worked along weed edges Shakey Heads near dock posts and current areas	Bluegill around docks and vegetation Crawfish near river channel structure	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Crappie	72-82	Crappie are suspending near deep weed edges and dock structures during daylight hours, becoming more active during dawn/dusk periods due to the stained water conditions Fish are relating strongly to shade during bright days, utilizing dock shadows and thick vegetation as ambush points	Deep weed edges in 12-15 feet where vegetation meets the lake basin Shaded areas under and between docks, especially those near the weed edge Storm drain areas where current creates ambush points	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along weed edges with small jigs Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding tight to dock structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') in shaded areas during peak feeding periods	Small baitfish concentrated around vegetation edges Aquatic insects emerging from vegetation Young-of-year panfish in shallow vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Walleye	68-78	Walleye actively feeding along weed edges and river channel areas during lower light periods, moving to deeper adjacent areas during bright conditions Fish showing preference for bottom-oriented presentations in 15-foot depths, particularly near structure transitions	River channel edges in 15-foot depth range Weed edges extending to 15 feet Dock areas with proximity to deeper water	Drop Shot with subtle rod movements Live Bait Rigs worked along bottom transitions Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near structure	Crappies Various small baitfish along weed edges	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Carver Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	52-65	Actively feeding on bluegill and other panfish, following baitfish schools in preparation for winter Moving between deeper weed edges and dock areas, particularly during afternoon feeding periods	Deep weed edges near the 15-foot river channel intersections Docks with direct access to deeper water Storm drain inlets where current creates ambush points	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges and between docks Texas Rigs (Worming) dragged along deeper structure Lipless Crankbaits burned through sparse vegetation	Bluegill concentrating near remaining vegetation Young-of-year panfish schooling near deeper structure	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	52-65	Crappie are transitioning to deeper water, actively feeding to build up reserves for winter. They're schooling more tightly and following baitfish movements Most active during low-light periods (dawn/dusk) due to stained water conditions, with feeding patterns concentrated around structure edges	Deep weed edges at 12-15 feet where vegetation meets the lake bottom Storm drain areas where current concentrates baitfish Deeper dock edges in 8-12 feet of water	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along weed edges to locate active schools Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') once schools are located Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding tight to deeper dock structures	Small baitfish schools concentrating near structure Juvenile panfish relating to weed edges Remaining insects near vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Walleye	48-62	Walleye actively feeding on concentrated baitfish schools, especially during low-light periods Fish transitioning between shallow and mid-depth areas, following forage movements	Weed edge transitions in 15-foot depth range Current areas near storm drain inlets/outlets Dock areas with shade lines during daytime	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Drop Shot Blade Baits	Crappies Small baitfish near storm drains Insects near weed edges	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Crappie	38-45	Crappie are suspending in deeper water near the weed edge and around dock pilings in 10-15 feet of water Less active feeding during midday, with increased activity during dawn and dusk periods due to low light penetration in stained water	Deep weed edges near the 15-foot contour where vegetation meets the basin Deeper dock pilings, especially those near the weed edge Storm drain areas where current breaks create warmer water pockets	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with slow, subtle presentations Crappie Spider Rigging with multiple baits at different depths to locate suspended fish Hover/Mid-Strolling near the weed edge to cover water efficiently	Small baitfish congregating near deeper structure Inactive insects near weed edges Young-of-year panfish in deeper water	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Walleye	38-45	Walleye actively feeding in concentrated areas near structure, especially during low-light periods in the stained water conditions Fish relating to deeper edges of weed lines and current areas, moving between feeding stations along river channels	River channel edges and storm drain current areas where baitfish concentrate Deep weed edges in 15-foot depth range Dock areas providing shade lines and ambush points	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Live Bait Rigs	Crappies and small panfish Baitfish concentrations in current areas	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Crappie	34-39	Crappie will school tightly in deeper basins near remaining weed edges, typically suspending 1-3 feet off bottom Most active feeding periods occur during early morning and late afternoon, with a notable decrease in activity during bright midday periods	Deep weed edges adjacent to basin areas in 12-15 foot range Storm drain areas where current creates oxygen-rich environments Transitions between weeds and basin areas where suspended schools gather	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements to trigger suspended fish Ice Fishing Spoons for more aggressive presentations during peak feeding times Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to locate active fish	Small invertebrates and zooplankton suspended in water column Smaller baitfish concentrated near remaining weed edges Aquatic insects near bottom substrate	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Walleye	33-39	Walleye become more concentrated during ice season, typically holding in areas adjacent to structural elements and following daily movement patterns based on light conditions Most active feeding periods occur during dawn and dusk, with some activity during cloudy days due to the stained water conditions	Deep edges of weed lines in 15-foot range where they meet river channel areas Storm drain inlets/outlets where current creates feeding stations Concentrated areas near dock structures where baitfish gather	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements near bottom structure Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging to attract fish in stained water Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to pattern fish movement	Crappies concentrating in winter schools Small baitfish relating to structure Dormant crayfish near bottom structure	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns

Key Seasonal Structures in Carver Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Weed edges adjacent to shallow vegetation pockets	Storm drain and river inlets providing warmer water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Docks in 3-5 feet of water adjacent to spawning flats	Storm drain inlets where current concentrates baitfish
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Storm drain inlets/outlets where current creates feeding stations	Weed edges in 8-15 foot depth range
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shallow vegetation pockets, especially those near the weed edge 15 feet from shore	Protected areas between docks where spawning pockets develop
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Dock edges and pilings in 3-5 feet of water	Weed edges adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Storm drain inlets and river channel areas in 3-8 foot depths	Weed edge transitions in 15-foot depths for staging fish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Weed edge pockets 15 feet from shore	Boardwalk area on east end of lake for sight fishing
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Deeper dock edges in 6-10 feet where they intersect with weed lines	Storm drain areas where current concentrates baitfish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Weed edges adjacent to current areas from storm drain inlets/outlets	Dock areas providing shade-line ambush points
Summer	Largemouth Bass	River and storm drain inlets/outlets with current flow	Weed edges extending to 15 feet from shore
Summer	Crappie	Deep weed edges in 12-15 feet where vegetation meets the lake basin	Shaded areas under and between docks, especially those near the weed edge
Summer	Walleye	River channel edges in 15-foot depth range	Weed edges extending to 15 feet
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Deep weed edges near the 15-foot river channel intersections	Docks with direct access to deeper water
Fall	Crappie	Deep weed edges at 12-15 feet where vegetation meets the lake bottom	Storm drain areas where current concentrates baitfish
Fall	Walleye	Weed edge transitions in 15-foot depth range	Current areas near storm drain inlets/outlets
Winter	Crappie	Deep weed edges near the 15-foot contour where vegetation meets the basin	Deeper dock pilings, especially those near the weed edge
Winter	Walleye	River channel edges and storm drain current areas where baitfish concentrate	Deep weed edges in 15-foot depth range
Ice	Crappie	Deep weed edges adjacent to basin areas in 12-15 foot range	Storm drain areas where current creates oxygen-rich environments
Ice	Walleye	Deep edges of weed lines in 15-foot range where they meet river channel areas	Storm drain inlets/outlets where current creates feeding stations

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill beginning to move shallow	Young of year panfish in vegetation pockets
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Small insects gathering around shallow cover	Young-of-year baitfish concentrating near storm drains
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Small Crappies gathering in spawning areas	Minnows concentrated near current areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill gathering in similar spawning areas	Small baitfish relating to emerging vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small insects and aquatic larvae	Small minnows concentrated around docks and structure
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Spawning minnows in shallow areas	Small crappie in transitional areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating in shallow vegetation	Young of year panfish around weed edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Small insects and larvae transitioning from spawn period	Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Crappies concentrating in shallow areas during spawn	Various insects and larvae emerging in spring conditions
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill around docks and vegetation	Crawfish near river channel structure
Summer	Crappie	Small baitfish concentrated around vegetation edges	Aquatic insects emerging from vegetation
Summer	Walleye	Crappies	Various small baitfish along weed edges
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating near remaining vegetation	Young-of-year panfish schooling near deeper structure
Fall	Crappie	Small baitfish schools concentrating near structure	Juvenile panfish relating to weed edges
Fall	Walleye	Crappies	Small baitfish near storm drains
Winter	Crappie	Small baitfish congregating near deeper structure	Inactive insects near weed edges
Winter	Walleye	Crappies and small panfish	Baitfish concentrations in current areas
Ice	Crappie	Small invertebrates and zooplankton suspended in water column	Smaller baitfish concentrated near remaining weed edges
Ice	Walleye	Crappies concentrating in winter schools	Small baitfish relating to structure

Bait Colors by Season for Carver Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Walleye	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns

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