How to Fish Cass Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

Cass Lake

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

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Cass Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-62	Pre-spawn bass are transitioning from winter areas to spawning flats, staging on adjacent structure and actively feeding to build energy reserves Fish are more active during warmer afternoons, especially on cloudy days, and will move shallower as water temperatures rise Bass are particularly aggressive during this period, willing to chase moving baits when conditions are right	Secondary points and channel swings adjacent to spawning flats Emerging cabbage beds in 4-8 feet of water Protected bays with early-growing vegetation	Lipless Crankbaits worked through emerging vegetation Bladed Jigs around secondary points and emerging grass Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly over transitional areas	Bluegill beginning to move shallow Baitfish schools in pre-spawn transition areas Early season crawfish becoming active in rocky areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-54	Pre-spawn walleyes are staging near spawning areas, making feeding movements into shallower water during low light periods Fish are actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, with increased activity during dawn and dusk	Sand-to-rock transition areas in 8-12 feet of water near spawning sites Rocky points and ledges with access to deeper water Protected bays with gravel or rock bottom	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow, deliberate movements Live Bait Rigs with minnows near bottom transitions Blade Baits worked slowly along depth changes	Minnows congregating near spawning areas Small Perch in transitional areas Juvenile Baitfish schools	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	42-52	Pre-spawn perch transitioning from winter areas to shallow spawning locations, actively feeding in preparation for spawn Moving in large schools along points and transition areas leading to shallow reed beds	Points leading into shallow reed areas (3-8 feet) Sand points with emerging vegetation Transition areas between deep winter holes and spawning flats	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Small minnows concentrated near emerging vegetation Juvenile perch in transition areas Aquatic invertebrates becoming active in warming shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Burbot	38-52	Pre-spawn burbot are becoming more active in shallower waters (15-30 feet) as they transition from winter patterns, especially during dawn and dusk periods Fish are actively feeding to recover from winter spawning energy expenditure, targeting perch and other baitfish near structural transitions	Rock to sand transitions in 20-30 foot depth range, especially near steep breaks Deep water access points near main lake points Deeper holes adjacent to shallow flats where perch congregate	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Live Bait Rigs Structure Jigs	Yellow Perch Baitfish (Minnows)	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	42-54	Actively moving from winter depths to shallow spawning areas, particularly focusing on areas with emerging vegetation and warmer water Increased feeding activity as water temperatures rise, with aggressive strikes during pre-spawn feeding period Most active during overcast conditions, staging near drop-offs with access to shallow spawning areas	Shallow reed and cabbage beds in 3-8 feet of water, especially near drop-offs Irregular drop-offs along the east shore where fish stage before moving shallow Protected bays with emerging vegetation where water warms first	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly along vegetation edges Spinnerbaits retrieved steadily through emerging weed growth Live Bait Rigs with large minnows near drop-off edges	Large Perch congregating in 8-12 foot transitions Spring-spawning minnows moving shallow Bluegills beginning to move toward warmer shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Pre-spawn to spawning largemouth bass transitioning into shallow areas, particularly reed beds for spawning Fish are actively feeding on bluegills while preparing for spawn, with increased activity during warmer parts of the day	Reed beds in 2-4 feet of water, especially those adjacent to deeper water Secondary points with emerging vegetation in 4-8 feet Protected shallow bays with warmer water temperatures	Wacky Rigs worked slowly through spawning areas and reed edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for targeting thick reed sections Soft Jerkbaits for covering water between spawning areas	Bluegill concentrating in shallow spawning areas Small baitfish moving into warming shallows	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	54-76	Walleye are actively spawning or in immediate post-spawn phase, with fish congregating in traditional spawning areas and gradually transitioning to feeding locations Fish are most active during low-light periods, especially dawn and dusk, showing typical light-sensitive behavior noted in lake profile	Rocky points and adjacent flats in 8-12 feet of water, as indicated by recent fishing reports Sand-to-rock transition areas near spawning locations Protected bays with moderate depth transitions	Bobbers with live bait, confirmed effective by recent fishing reports Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along structural elements Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with minnow-tipped jigs	Minnows, as confirmed by recent fishing reports Perch, noted in lake profile as part of natural forage base	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	45-52	Moving from winter deep water locations to shallow spawning areas near reeds and vegetation in 3-8 feet of water Forming pre-spawn schools around points and transition areas leading to spawning grounds Actively feeding during warming trends, especially during mid-morning to early afternoon	Points leading into shallow reed areas Protected bays with emerging vegetation in 3-8 feet Sand-bottom transition areas near spawning grounds	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Small minnows Young of year perch Aquatic insects	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Burbot	33-45	Burbot are actively spawning in late winter to early spring, gathering in groups over rocky or gravel areas Post-spawn burbot begin transitioning to nocturnal feeding patterns, moving to deeper water during daylight hours	Rocky to sand bottom transitions in 15-25 foot depth range Deep ledges and drop-offs near spawning areas Structure-rich areas with access to deep water basins	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Live Bait Rigs Structure Jigs	Yellow Perch Small Baitfish Crayfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-54	Pike are actively moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly around reed beds, wild rice, and cabbage edges immediately after ice-out Fish are less focused on feeding and more on spawning, but will make opportunistic strikes at prey that comes close Most active during warmer parts of the day when water temperatures rise slightly	Shallow reed beds and wild rice edges in 2-6 feet of water Cabbage bed edges adjacent to spawning areas Protected bays with emerging vegetation	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through spawning areas Spinnerbaits retrieved with steady, slow presentation Live Bait Rigs with large minnows suspended under bobbers near spawning areas	Perch moving through spawning areas Smaller pike Various minnow species gathering in the shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-72	Bass are moving between shallow vegetation and cover, more active during overcast conditions and relating heavily to emergent vegetation Fish are opportunistically feeding on crawfish while transitioning between spawning areas and early summer patterns	Tight clumps of reeds and matted vegetation in shallow water Edges of lily pad fields Mixed vegetation in 4-12 foot depth transitions	Wacky Rigs worked slowly around vegetation edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) into thick cover Swim Jigs through scattered vegetation	Crawfish actively moving in shallow areas Bluegill beginning to establish in vegetation	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	52-58	Post-spawn walleyes are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily targeting perch in 8-12 feet of water Fish are showing preference for sandy points, likely using these areas as staging zones to ambush prey	Sandy points in 8-12 foot depth range Sand-to-rock transition areas near points Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays	Soft Jerkbaits worked with snap-and-pause retrieve Live Bait Rigs with minnows Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked along point contours	Perch Small Minnows	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	48-62	Post-spawn perch are actively feeding to recover energy, moving from shallow spawning areas to transitional depths Fish are schooling in loose groups near weed edges and sand/vegetation transitions Feeding periods are most active during morning and evening hours, with fish moving between shallow and mid-depth zones	Points leading into shallow reed areas in 5-10 feet of water Sand-to-weed transitions near shallow bays Emerging weed beds adjacent to deeper water	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Small minnows gathering in warming shallows Juvenile perch in weed edges Emerging aquatic insects near vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Burbot	42-54	Post-spawn burbot transitioning from winter spawning areas to early spring feeding patterns, becoming more active during dawn and dusk periods Moving between deep holding areas (20-30ft) and feeding zones along structure during low light conditions	Deep rock-to-sand transitions near ledges and drop-offs in 20-30 foot range Deep structural elements adjacent to feeding flats where perch congregate Basin edges where deep water meets the first major break from shallow areas	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Live Bait Rigs Structure Jigs	Yellow Perch Minnows	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	54-62	Actively feeding in shallow water (2-8 feet) near emerging vegetation and spawning areas Most aggressive during early morning and overcast conditions, utilizing weed edges and points as ambush locations	Shallow cabbage and reed edges in 2-8 feet of water Irregular drop-offs along east shore near vegetation Points and bays with emerging vegetation	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve Inline Spinners near vegetation transitions	Perch concentrating in 8-12 foot ranges Spawning minnows in shallow areas Bluegill moving to warming shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	68-75	Bass are actively feeding in shallow vegetation, particularly during cloudy conditions, with aggressive topwater strikes on bluegill and other forage Fish are holding tight to thick vegetation (reeds and lily pads) in 4 feet or less, using these areas as ambush points	Thick lily pad fields, especially those adjacent to deeper water Dense reed patches in 4 feet or less Windblown main lake vegetation	Frogs/Toads worked slowly across pads and reeds Buzzbaits along edges of vegetation Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) in thicker cover	Bluegill concentrated in pad fields Various small baitfish relating to vegetation edges	Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Summer	Walleye	65-72	Walleye are exhibiting classic summer patterns, actively feeding during dawn and dusk periods around structural transitions, particularly in the 8-16 foot depth range Fish are relating strongly to irregular drop-offs and transitions between rock and sand, using these areas as primary feeding zones	Irregular drop-offs along shorelines in 12-16 feet of water, especially where sand transitions to rock Rock to sand transition areas around 16 feet deep Ledges in 8-12 feet of water, particularly during low light periods	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with crankbaits parallel to break lines Live Bait Rigs with leeches or minnows along bottom transitions Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked along ledges	Perch - particularly jumbo sized, as evidenced in recent catches Minnows in the 2-4 inch range relating to structural elements	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Summer	Yellow Perch	65-78	Active feeding in early morning and evening around weed edges and submerged vegetation in 8-15 feet of water Schools moving between deeper holes and shallow feeding areas throughout the day, following baitfish movements Seeking cooler, well-oxygenated water near thermocline during mid-day heat	Weed edges and points with submerged vegetation in 8-15 feet Sand points with nearby deep-water access Submerged bars with vegetation where baitfish congregate	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with light jigs near weed edges Live Bait Rigs using minnows or small leeches Micro Crankbaits worked parallel to weed edges	Small minnows concentrated around weed edges Juvenile perch in and around vegetation Aquatic insects near weed beds	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Burbot	45-55	Moving to deeper, cooler water (typically 20-35 feet) during daylight hours due to summer temperatures and light sensitivity Remaining near bottom structure during day, becoming more active in evening and night hours when water temperatures are cooler	Deep ledges and drop-offs where rock transitions to sand bottom, especially in 25-35 foot range Deep structural elements near primary basin areas Deep water access points near complex shoreline features	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Live Bait Rigs Structure Jigs	Yellow Perch Baitfish/Minnows	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Northern Pike	68-75	Pike are actively patrolling weed edges and cabbage beds during early morning and evening, with decreased activity during bright midday periods Fish are relating strongly to structure transitions between vegetation and deeper water, using these areas as primary hunting zones	Outer edges of cabbage beds and wild rice in 8-12 foot depth range Irregular drop-offs along east shore, particularly where vegetation meets deeper water Points and bays with mixed vegetation in 5-15 foot depths	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges with occasional pauses Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) burned just above vegetation tops Inline Spinners retrieved steadily through gaps in vegetation	Perch, particularly concentrated around vegetation edges Bluegill populations in and around shallow vegetation Various minnow species utilizing weed cover	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Cass Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	64-75	Bass are in full fall feeding mode, actively pursuing forage in and around shallow vegetation, particularly during mid-day periods when water temperatures are optimal Fish are relating strongly to reed and lily pad edges, especially where these areas mix with other vegetation types like wild rice and cabbage	Reed beds mixed with wild rice and cabbage in 4-6 feet of water Lily pad edges adjacent to deeper water (8-12 feet) Dense vegetation mats in protected bays and shallow flats	Frogs/Toads worked over thick vegetation mats and pad fields Grass Jigs flipped into dark spots within reed and rice mixture Wacky Rigs worked along vegetation edges in slightly deeper water	Bluegill congregating around vegetation edges Crawfish active in reed and rice areas Minnows relating to vegetation edges	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Fall	Walleye	48-58	Walleye are transitioning to deeper water, following baitfish schools and actively feeding to build up reserves for winter. Fish become more aggressive during feeding windows, especially during overcast days and low-light periods. Fish are congregating around primary structural elements and showing increased schooling behavior, making location more predictable once found.	Deep rock-to-sand transition areas near points and ledges in 15-25 feet of water Mid-depth flats adjacent to deep water breaks Main lake points with access to deep water	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Live Bait Rigs Trolling Mid Depth (10-19')	Perch schools concentrating near structure Baitfish schools (shiners and small minnows) in transitional areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Yellow Perch	62-65	Actively feeding on minnows over submerged bars and vegetation in 5-10 foot depths, with increased schooling behavior Most active during moderate temperature periods (62-65°F), showing preference for horizontal movements while chasing baitfish	Submerged bars with vegetation in 5-10 feet of water Points and irregular features near baitfish schools Shallow to mid-depth vegetation edges where baitfish concentrate	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') trolled at 1.3 mph Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') with 30' of line out Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') when fish are more concentrated	Minnows/small baitfish in shallow to mid-depth ranges Smaller yellow perch (cannibalistic feeding)	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Burbot	45-55	Burbot begin increasing their activity as water temperatures cool, transitioning to more aggressive feeding patterns, especially during dusk and nighttime hours Fish are moving from deeper summer haunts to transitional areas near drop-offs and rock-to-sand transitions, following concentrations of yellow perch and baitfish	Deep rock-to-sand transition areas near ledges, particularly in 20-35 foot depth range Steep drop-offs adjacent to mid-depth flats where perch congregate Deep structural elements near complex shoreline features, especially in bays with access to deep water	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Live Bait Rigs Structure Jigs	Yellow Perch Baitfish/Minnows	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	54-64	Pike are actively feeding in shallow areas, particularly around vegetation edges, taking advantage of abundant forage before winter Showing increased activity during overcast conditions, utilizing reed beds and cabbage edges as ambush points	Shallow reeds with mixed cabbage and wild rice edges (2-6 feet) Irregular drop-offs along east shore where vegetation meets deeper water Points and bays with vegetation complexes providing ambush locations	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked through and along vegetation edges Spinnerbaits retrieved steadily through shallow cover Inline Spinners cast parallel to weed edges	Perch (primary forage based on lake reports) Bluegill and various minnow species	Light Neutral Colors Warm Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Walleye	38-45	Active feeding during dawn and dusk, seeking forage in deep water basins and along structure transitions Concentrating near bottom in predictable locations, especially where hard bottom meets softer substrate More aggressive feeding during warmer winter days, following schools of baitfish	Deep basins adjacent to structural elements (20-30 feet) Sand-to-rock transition areas in 15-25 feet Deep points and ledges where current flow concentrates baitfish	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Blade Baits Spoons	Perch schooling in deeper water Deep-water dwelling minnows Suspended baitfish schools	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Winter	Yellow Perch	34-42	Perch transition to slow, lethargic feeding patterns with concentrated schooling behavior in deeper basins and protected areas Fish become increasingly selective, preferring smaller presentations with subtle movements	Deep basins adjacent to points and reed beds in 15-25 foot depth range Protected bays with moderate depth and remaining vegetation Transition areas between sand and mud bottom compositions	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Ice Fishing Jigs Damiki Rig	Small minnows and juvenile perch Aquatic invertebrates near remaining vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Burbot	34-42	Active during nighttime and low-light periods, moving from deep holding areas to shallower feeding zones near structural elements Pre-spawn behavior with increased aggressiveness and movement toward spawning areas around rock-to-sand transitions	Deep ledges and drop-offs (20-30 feet) adjacent to rock-to-sand transitions Deep basin areas near structural elements where depths exceed 30 feet Areas where rocky points meet deep water, especially near perch concentrations	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Ice Fishing Spoons Live Bait Rigs	Yellow Perch, particularly concentrated around structural elements Various minnow species in deeper water	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	54-62	Pike are actively feeding in mid-depth ranges, taking advantage of perch schools and transitioning between shallow vegetation edges and deeper drop-offs Most aggressive during overcast conditions, with increased feeding activity during low-light periods	Deep weedline edges adjacent to drop-offs, particularly along the irregular east shore Remaining cabbage beds in 8-12 foot range where perch are concentrated Points and inside turns where vegetation meets deeper water	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked parallel to weed edges Spinnerbaits slow-rolled through transitions Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with spoons near perch schools	Perch, especially concentrated in 8-12 foot depth range Bluegill in remaining vegetation Various minnow species transitioning to deeper water	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Ice	Walleye	34-39	Walleye are concentrated in predictable winter locations, typically relating to structural elements like points and sand-to-rock transitions Fish become most active during dawn and dusk periods, with a secondary bite window during overcast conditions Metabolisms are slower, requiring more subtle and methodical presentations	Deep sand-to-rock transition areas in 18-25 foot range Main lake points adjacent to deep basins Steep breaks near primary structural elements	Ice Fishing Jigs worked slowly with live bait Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging followed by long pauses Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to locate active fish	Perch schooling near bottom structure Small minnows suspended off structural elements Juvenile ciscoes in deeper water columns	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Yellow Perch	34-39	Yellow perch are schooling near points leading into shallow reed areas, showing pre-spawn transitional behavior Fish are actively feeding on small prey items with periodic interest in larger forage like minnows	Points leading into shallow reed areas Transition areas between deeper water and emerging vegetation Secondary points with access to both shallow and deep water	Ice Fishing Jigs with small tungsten presentations Ice Fishing Spoons for active jigging presentation Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with live minnows for larger perch	Small invertebrates and larvae Small minnows Young-of-year perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Burbot	33-39	Burbot are highly active during ice fishing season as this coincides with their spawning period, making them more aggressive and likely to feed Most active during evening and night hours, moving up from deep water to feed near structural elements Congregating near distinct bottom transitions and ledges for spawning activity	Deep ledges and drop-offs, especially where rock transitions to sand bottom Deep basins adjacent to structural elements Rock-sand transitions in 20-35 foot depth range	Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging motion Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set near bottom in deep water Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows or cut bait	Yellow Perch, especially concentrations of smaller perch Various Minnow Species Juvenile Whitefish or Cisco	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	34-39	Pike are actively feeding near bottom structure and weed edges, particularly during prime feeding windows in morning and evening Fish are following schools of perch and other forage fish, concentrating in areas with good ambush opportunities	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, especially remaining cabbage beds in 8-12 foot range Irregular drop-offs along east shore where perch congregate Points and inside turns near deep water access	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned at various depths Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with large profile baits	Jumbo Perch in 8-12 foot depth range Bluegills concentrated near remaining vegetation Schools of smaller minnows	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Cass Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points and channel swings adjacent to spawning flats	Emerging cabbage beds in 4-8 feet of water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Sand-to-rock transition areas in 8-12 feet of water near spawning sites	Rocky points and ledges with access to deeper water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Points leading into shallow reed areas (3-8 feet)	Sand points with emerging vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Burbot	Rock to sand transitions in 20-30 foot depth range, especially near steep breaks	Deep water access points near main lake points
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow reed and cabbage beds in 3-8 feet of water, especially near drop-offs	Irregular drop-offs along the east shore where fish stage before moving shallow
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Reed beds in 2-4 feet of water, especially those adjacent to deeper water	Secondary points with emerging vegetation in 4-8 feet
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points and adjacent flats in 8-12 feet of water, as indicated by recent fishing reports	Sand-to-rock transition areas near spawning locations
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Points leading into shallow reed areas	Protected bays with emerging vegetation in 3-8 feet
Spring (Spawn)	Burbot	Rocky to sand bottom transitions in 15-25 foot depth range	Deep ledges and drop-offs near spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow reed beds and wild rice edges in 2-6 feet of water	Cabbage bed edges adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Tight clumps of reeds and matted vegetation in shallow water	Edges of lily pad fields
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Sandy points in 8-12 foot depth range	Sand-to-rock transition areas near points
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Points leading into shallow reed areas in 5-10 feet of water	Sand-to-weed transitions near shallow bays
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Burbot	Deep rock-to-sand transitions near ledges and drop-offs in 20-30 foot range	Deep structural elements adjacent to feeding flats where perch congregate
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow cabbage and reed edges in 2-8 feet of water	Irregular drop-offs along east shore near vegetation
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Thick lily pad fields, especially those adjacent to deeper water	Dense reed patches in 4 feet or less
Summer	Walleye	Irregular drop-offs along shorelines in 12-16 feet of water, especially where sand transitions to rock	Rock to sand transition areas around 16 feet deep
Summer	Yellow Perch	Weed edges and points with submerged vegetation in 8-15 feet	Sand points with nearby deep-water access
Summer	Burbot	Deep ledges and drop-offs where rock transitions to sand bottom, especially in 25-35 foot range	Deep structural elements near primary basin areas
Summer	Northern Pike	Outer edges of cabbage beds and wild rice in 8-12 foot depth range	Irregular drop-offs along east shore, particularly where vegetation meets deeper water
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Reed beds mixed with wild rice and cabbage in 4-6 feet of water	Lily pad edges adjacent to deeper water (8-12 feet)
Fall	Walleye	Deep rock-to-sand transition areas near points and ledges in 15-25 feet of water	Mid-depth flats adjacent to deep water breaks
Fall	Yellow Perch	Submerged bars with vegetation in 5-10 feet of water	Points and irregular features near baitfish schools
Fall	Burbot	Deep rock-to-sand transition areas near ledges, particularly in 20-35 foot depth range	Steep drop-offs adjacent to mid-depth flats where perch congregate
Fall	Northern Pike	Shallow reeds with mixed cabbage and wild rice edges (2-6 feet)	Irregular drop-offs along east shore where vegetation meets deeper water
Winter	Walleye	Deep basins adjacent to structural elements (20-30 feet)	Sand-to-rock transition areas in 15-25 feet
Winter	Yellow Perch	Deep basins adjacent to points and reed beds in 15-25 foot depth range	Protected bays with moderate depth and remaining vegetation
Winter	Burbot	Deep ledges and drop-offs (20-30 feet) adjacent to rock-to-sand transitions	Deep basin areas near structural elements where depths exceed 30 feet
Winter	Northern Pike	Deep weedline edges adjacent to drop-offs, particularly along the irregular east shore	Remaining cabbage beds in 8-12 foot range where perch are concentrated
Ice	Walleye	Deep sand-to-rock transition areas in 18-25 foot range	Main lake points adjacent to deep basins
Ice	Yellow Perch	Points leading into shallow reed areas	Transition areas between deeper water and emerging vegetation
Ice	Burbot	Deep ledges and drop-offs, especially where rock transitions to sand bottom	Deep basins adjacent to structural elements
Ice	Northern Pike	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, especially remaining cabbage beds in 8-12 foot range	Irregular drop-offs along east shore where perch congregate

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill beginning to move shallow	Baitfish schools in pre-spawn transition areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Minnows congregating near spawning areas	Small Perch in transitional areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small minnows concentrated near emerging vegetation	Juvenile perch in transition areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Burbot	Yellow Perch	Baitfish (Minnows)
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Large Perch congregating in 8-12 foot transitions	Spring-spawning minnows moving shallow
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating in shallow spawning areas	Small baitfish moving into warming shallows
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Minnows, as confirmed by recent fishing reports	Perch, noted in lake profile as part of natural forage base
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small minnows	Young of year perch
Spring (Spawn)	Burbot	Yellow Perch	Small Baitfish
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Perch moving through spawning areas	Smaller pike
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish actively moving in shallow areas	Bluegill beginning to establish in vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Perch	Small Minnows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small minnows gathering in warming shallows	Juvenile perch in weed edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Burbot	Yellow Perch	Minnows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Perch concentrating in 8-12 foot ranges	Spawning minnows in shallow areas
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrated in pad fields	Various small baitfish relating to vegetation edges
Summer	Walleye	Perch - particularly jumbo sized, as evidenced in recent catches	Minnows in the 2-4 inch range relating to structural elements
Summer	Yellow Perch	Small minnows concentrated around weed edges	Juvenile perch in and around vegetation
Summer	Burbot	Yellow Perch	Baitfish/Minnows
Summer	Northern Pike	Perch, particularly concentrated around vegetation edges	Bluegill populations in and around shallow vegetation
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill congregating around vegetation edges	Crawfish active in reed and rice areas
Fall	Walleye	Perch schools concentrating near structure	Baitfish schools (shiners and small minnows) in transitional areas
Fall	Yellow Perch	Minnows/small baitfish in shallow to mid-depth ranges	Smaller yellow perch (cannibalistic feeding)
Fall	Burbot	Yellow Perch	Baitfish/Minnows
Fall	Northern Pike	Perch (primary forage based on lake reports)	Bluegill and various minnow species
Winter	Walleye	Perch schooling in deeper water	Deep-water dwelling minnows
Winter	Yellow Perch	Small minnows and juvenile perch	Aquatic invertebrates near remaining vegetation
Winter	Burbot	Yellow Perch, particularly concentrated around structural elements	Various minnow species in deeper water
Winter	Northern Pike	Perch, especially concentrated in 8-12 foot depth range	Bluegill in remaining vegetation
Ice	Walleye	Perch schooling near bottom structure	Small minnows suspended off structural elements
Ice	Yellow Perch	Small invertebrates and larvae	Small minnows
Ice	Burbot	Yellow Perch, especially concentrations of smaller perch	Various Minnow Species
Ice	Northern Pike	Jumbo Perch in 8-12 foot depth range	Bluegills concentrated near remaining vegetation

Bait Colors by Season for Cass Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Burbot	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Burbot	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Burbot	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Summer	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Summer	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Burbot	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Fall	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Burbot	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	Light Neutral Colors Warm Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Winter	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Burbot	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Ice	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Burbot	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors