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

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Cave Run Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Apr 18, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Cave Run Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-62	Bass are transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding on crawfish and shad near structure Fish are schooling and relating closely to transition areas between deeper water and shallow spawning flats Showing increased feeding activity as they prepare for spawn, following both crawfish and baitfish patterns	Deep banks adjacent to shallow spawning flats with stumps or timber River channel edges near potential spawning areas Shallow flats with significant structure, especially stumps and brush	Lipless Crankbaits worked through stump fields and along channel edges Hard Jerkbaits worked slowly around schooling fish Bladed Jigs around shallow structure and transition areas	Crawfish emerging from winter areas and becoming more active Shad schools in pre-spawn staging areas Small baitfish relating to structure	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	Crappie are transitioning from deeper winter areas to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding during warming trends Fish are gathering around brush piles in the 6-10 foot range, showing increased feeding activity but may slow during cold fronts	Brush piles in 6-10 foot depth range, particularly those near spawning flats Secondary points and creek channels leading to spawning areas Protected coves with woody cover	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with underspin heads Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) around brush piles Hover/Mid-Strolling near staging areas	Shad (primary forage based on lake profile) Small baitfish in staging areas	Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	45-58	Pre-spawn muskies are beginning to move from winter deep-water haunts to warmer, shallower staging areas near spawning locations Fish are becoming more active and aggressive as water temperatures rise, with feeding periods increasing in frequency and duration Movement patterns focus on transitional areas between deep wintering holes and shallow spawning bays	Points and channel bends adjacent to shallow spawning bays Submerged vegetation edges in 8-15 feet of water Brush piles and woody cover near river channel transitions	Hard Jerkbaits worked slowly with long pauses Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along vegetation edges Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along channel edges	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn staging areas Bass moving shallow for early spring feeding Various baitfish species following warming trends	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Bass moving from pre-spawn staging areas to shallow spawning flats, actively defending nesting sites in protected areas Males establishing and guarding nests while females move between deeper staging areas and spawning flats	Protected coves with hard bottom and sparse vegetation near deeper water access Shallow flats near stumps and brush piles Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around visible cover and bedding areas Soft Jerkbaits for cruising pre-spawners Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') along migration routes	Crawfish emerging as primary forage in rocky areas Small bluegill beginning to become active in shallows Shad starting to move into spawning areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappie are moving from deeper winter areas to shallow staging areas in 6-10 feet, preparing for spawn. Fish are becoming increasingly active and aggressive as water temperatures rise Fish are relating heavily to brush piles and woody cover during pre-spawn staging, with movement patterns following defined migration routes to spawning flats	Brush piles and woody cover in 6-10 foot range along migration routes to spawning areas Protected shallow bays and coves with stable temperatures Submerged vegetation edges near spawning flats	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs	Shad moving into shallower water Small baitfish gathering in pre-spawn areas Emerging insects and larvae in warming shallows	Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	48-65	Muskie are moving into shallow spawning areas, typically 3-8 feet deep, near emerging vegetation and warming bays Fish become more active as water temperatures rise, with pre-spawn feeding followed by spawning behavior Post-spawn females will stage near drop-offs adjacent to spawning areas for recovery	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation and brush piles Points and drop-offs adjacent to spawning areas River channel edges near shallow flats	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) Spinnerbaits Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6')	Shad gathering in warming shallows Bass moving into similar spawning areas Minnows concentrated in emerging vegetation	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	68-78	Post-spawn bass are actively recovering and beginning to establish summer patterns, moving from shallow spawning areas to nearby feeding zones Fish are targeting abundant shad and crawfish, often feeding aggressively during early morning and late evening periods	Submerged grass flats adjacent to spawning areas Brush piles and stumps in 8-15 foot depth range Secondary points with access to deeper water	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked parallel to grass edges Texas Rigs (Worming) through brush piles and stump fields Spinnerbaits around points and vegetation edges	Shad moving into post-spawn patterns Crawfish active in rocky and hard bottom areas Small bluegill beginning to spawn in shallow areas	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	65-72	Moving from shallow spawning areas to deeper post-spawn recovery areas, transitioning between 8-15 feet Relating heavily to submerged vegetation and brush piles as they recover from spawn and resume active feeding	Submerged brush piles adjacent to spawning flats in 8-15 foot range Edges of submerged vegetation near deeper water Secondary points with good structure near spawning bays	Crappie Spider Rigging Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')	Shad (primary forage based on lake reports) Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish Juvenile yellow perch	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	55-68	Post-spawn muskie are actively recovering and beginning to feed aggressively, particularly during dawn and dusk periods Fish are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to nearby feeding zones, utilizing grass flats and brush piles as ambush points	Grass flats adjacent to deeper water access Points with submerged brush piles near river channels Shallow coves with emerging vegetation	Spinnerbaits worked along grass edges and over vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) retrieved at moderate speeds Trolling Shallow (0-9') along transitions between grass and deeper water	Shad schools beginning to form in warming waters Bass moving into similar post-spawn patterns Various minnow species in shallow areas	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-82	Bass are actively feeding in and around submerged vegetation and brush piles, taking advantage of abundant shad populations Fish are establishing summer feeding patterns with activity peaks during early morning and evening hours	Grass flats with submerged vegetation, particularly edges and openings Brush piles, especially those adjacent to deeper water Points and irregular shoreline features with vegetation	Ned Rigs worked slowly through grass flats and vegetation edges Shakey Heads targeted at brush piles and timber Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for working through thick vegetation	Shad schools around vegetation Crawfish in harder bottom areas near structure	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Crappie	72-78	Crappie are holding tight to man-made structure, particularly docks, using them as ambush points and shade during summer heat Fish are likely suspending at specific depths where temperature and oxygen levels are optimal, typically around the thermocline	Docks with deep water access, especially those near channel swings Submerged vegetation edges adjacent to deeper water Brush piles in 8-15 foot depth range	Crappie Dock Shooting Bobbers Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')	Shad Minnows	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Muskie	72-82	Muskies are establishing deeper holding patterns near thermocline depths, making periodic moves to shallow feeding zones during prime periods Fish are actively hunting along grass edges and near brush piles, especially during dawn/dusk periods	Deep weed edges adjacent to river channels where cooler water provides comfort zones Brush piles and stump fields near points that provide access to both shallow and deep water Grass flats during low-light periods, especially those near deep-water access	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along weed edges and channel breaks Large Hair Jigs (Preacher) worked through brush piles and over deep structure Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) during dawn/dusk shallow feeding periods	Shad schools suspended near thermocline Bass relating to brush piles and vegetation	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Cave Run Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	55-72	Bass are actively feeding on shad and minnows, following baitfish migrations to shallower areas and relating heavily to vegetation and structure Fish are exhibiting a mix of aggressive and selective feeding patterns, with some fish holding tight to cover while others actively chase bait in open water	Matted grass areas, especially those near deeper water access Brush piles and submerged timber Culverts and man-made structure	Drop Shot worked around brush piles and deeper structure Hard Jerkbaits worked with pauses near matted grass edges Shakey Heads around hard structure like culverts	Minnows - primary forage based on recent reports Shad - seasonal migration patterns	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Crappie	58-68	Crappie are actively schooling and feeding on shad, following baitfish movements to deeper structure as temperatures cool Fish are transitioning from summer dock patterns to fall staging areas, concentrating around drop-offs and deep brush piles	Deep brush piles adjacent to creek channels in 15-25 foot range Points and drop-offs near major coves where shad schools congregate Deeper dock edges where structure meets deeper water	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along depth changes to locate active schools Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') once schools are located Crappie Spider Rigging for systematic coverage of brush piles and structure	Shad schools moving into creek arms and coves Young-of-year baitfish congregating around structure	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Muskie	52-65	Muskies are aggressively feeding to build fat reserves for winter, following large baitfish schools near deep structure Fish are making regular movements between deep staging areas and shallower feeding zones, particularly around points	Main lake points with quick access to deep water Deep water adjacent to river channels Grass flats near deep water transitions	Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) Trolling Deep (20'+) Large Hair Jigs (Preacher)	Shad schools congregating near points Bass utilizing similar structure Large minnows in transitional areas	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	38-45	Largemouth bass are concentrating near deep water structure, particularly around the dam area, seeking stable winter temperatures Fish are exhibiting more lethargic feeding patterns, typically responding to slower-moving presentations	Dam area with access to deep water Deep brush piles and timber near primary lake points Steep rocky banks with quick access to deep water	Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses between twitches Drop Shot worked slowly around deep structure Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended fish	Shad concentrated in deeper water Winter-active minnows near structure	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Crappie	38-45	Crappie are schooling in deeper water, typically suspended near significant structure or channels, with feeding activity concentrated during dawn and dusk periods Fish are relating closely to vertical structure and showing preference for areas with quick access to both deep water and feeding zones	Deep brush piles and submerged timber in 15-25 foot range near channel edges Suspended schools near deep dock posts and marina areas Deep creek channel bends with vertical structure	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Damiki Rig Ice Fishing Jigs	Suspended shad schools in deeper water Small baitfish seeking warmth near deeper structure	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Muskie	38-48	Muskies become more lethargic but will still feed opportunistically, concentrating near deep structure adjacent to shallower feeding areas Most active during warmer parts of day, especially around sudden weather changes that trigger feeding windows	Deep river channel bends with nearby wood cover and stumps Points and drop-offs adjacent to shallow feeding flats Brush piles in 15-25 foot depth range near deep water access	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along channel edges and points Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around brush piles and wood cover Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly near structure	Shad schools concentrating in deeper water Bass holding on deep structure	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Cave Run Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Deep banks adjacent to shallow spawning flats with stumps or timber	River channel edges near potential spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Brush piles in 6-10 foot depth range, particularly those near spawning flats	Secondary points and creek channels leading to spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	Points and channel bends adjacent to shallow spawning bays	Submerged vegetation edges in 8-15 feet of water
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected coves with hard bottom and sparse vegetation near deeper water access	Shallow flats near stumps and brush piles
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Brush piles and woody cover in 6-10 foot range along migration routes to spawning areas	Protected shallow bays and coves with stable temperatures
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation and brush piles	Points and drop-offs adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Submerged grass flats adjacent to spawning areas	Brush piles and stumps in 8-15 foot depth range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Submerged brush piles adjacent to spawning flats in 8-15 foot range	Edges of submerged vegetation near deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	Grass flats adjacent to deeper water access	Points with submerged brush piles near river channels
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Grass flats with submerged vegetation, particularly edges and openings	Brush piles, especially those adjacent to deeper water
Summer	Crappie	Docks with deep water access, especially those near channel swings	Submerged vegetation edges adjacent to deeper water
Summer	Muskie	Deep weed edges adjacent to river channels where cooler water provides comfort zones	Brush piles and stump fields near points that provide access to both shallow and deep water
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Matted grass areas, especially those near deeper water access	Brush piles and submerged timber
Fall	Crappie	Deep brush piles adjacent to creek channels in 15-25 foot range	Points and drop-offs near major coves where shad schools congregate
Fall	Muskie	Main lake points with quick access to deep water	Deep water adjacent to river channels
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Dam area with access to deep water	Deep brush piles and timber near primary lake points
Winter	Crappie	Deep brush piles and submerged timber in 15-25 foot range near channel edges	Suspended schools near deep dock posts and marina areas
Winter	Muskie	Deep river channel bends with nearby wood cover and stumps	Points and drop-offs adjacent to shallow feeding flats

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter areas and becoming more active	Shad schools in pre-spawn staging areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad (primary forage based on lake profile)	Small baitfish in staging areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn staging areas	Bass moving shallow for early spring feeding
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging as primary forage in rocky areas	Small bluegill beginning to become active in shallows
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shad moving into shallower water	Small baitfish gathering in pre-spawn areas
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	Shad gathering in warming shallows	Bass moving into similar spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad moving into post-spawn patterns	Crawfish active in rocky and hard bottom areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad (primary forage based on lake reports)	Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	Shad schools beginning to form in warming waters	Bass moving into similar post-spawn patterns
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools around vegetation	Crawfish in harder bottom areas near structure
Summer	Crappie	Shad	Minnows
Summer	Muskie	Shad schools suspended near thermocline	Bass relating to brush piles and vegetation
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Minnows - primary forage based on recent reports	Shad - seasonal migration patterns
Fall	Crappie	Shad schools moving into creek arms and coves	Young-of-year baitfish congregating around structure
Fall	Muskie	Shad schools congregating near points	Bass utilizing similar structure
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Shad concentrated in deeper water	Winter-active minnows near structure
Winter	Crappie	Suspended shad schools in deeper water	Small baitfish seeking warmth near deeper structure
Winter	Muskie	Shad schools concentrating in deeper water	Bass holding on deep structure

Bait Colors by Season for Cave Run Lake

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

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