Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Largemouth Bass | 51-60 | - Bass are transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy for spawning. Fish are relating heavily to submerged vegetation in 8-10 foot zones
- Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior during stable weather, with a preference for slower presentations during cold fronts or north winds
| - Flats with submerged vegetation in 8-10 foot depth range, particularly areas with new growth hydrilla
- Shallow flats in 3-5 foot range, especially during warming trends
- Grass edges adjacent to deeper water, particularly in areas where vegetation is beginning to emerge
| - Bladed Jigs slow-rolled through grass, keeping contact with vegetation
- Lipless Crankbaits yo-yoed through emerging vegetation
- Spinnerbaits worked slowly along grass edges
- Wacky Rigs as a follow-up bait for missed strikes
| - Perch moving shallow with warming trends
- Crawfish becoming active in grass beds
| - Natural Baitfish Colors
- Natural Craw Colors
- Dark Neutrals
|
Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Yellow Perch | 36-41 | - Schools of pre-spawn perch are actively feeding while staging in moderate depths (7-14 feet), preparing for spawning
- Fish are showing clear depth preferences, starting deeper and moving progressively shallower as they prepare to spawn
- Strong schooling behavior present, with large concentrations of fish following baitfish movements
| - Submerged vegetation in 7-10 feet of water
- Ledges between deep and shallow water
- Protected coves with gradual depth transitions
| - Drop Shot with small soft plastics
- Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')
- Live Bait Rigs
| - Minnows
- Insects
- Small invertebrates
| - Natural Baitfish Colors
- Metallic Colors
- Light Neutral Colors
|
Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Smallmouth Bass | 48-58 | - Smallmouth bass are transitioning into pre-spawn patterns, actively feeding but requiring slower presentations as noted in reports
- Fish are staging near spawning areas and feeding opportunistically on perch, with increased activity during warmer parts of the day
| - Rock piles in pre-spawn staging areas
- Ledges adjacent to potential spawning flats
- Points with rocky structure leading to spawning bays
| - Football Jigs worked slowly along rock piles
- Hard Jerkbaits with extended pauses
- Tubes dragged slowly across rocky structure
| - Perch - primary forage as confirmed by fishing reports
- Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas
| - Natural Baitfish Colors
- Natural Craw Colors
|
Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Lake Trout | 42-48 | - Lake Trout are transitioning from winter depths to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to prepare for spawning
- Fish are following thermal preferences between 42-48°F, moving between deep and shallow water based on daily temperature changes
| - Deep ledges and drop-offs in 40-60 foot range where fish stage during pre-spawn
- Points and structural elements adjacent to deeper water that provide access to multiple depth ranges
- Steep shoreline areas with quick access to deep water refuges
| - Trolling Mid Depth (10-19')
- Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')
- Soft Body Swimbaits (Large)
| - Alewife schools suspending in the water column
- Other pelagic baitfish congregating near thermal boundaries
| - Natural Baitfish Colors
- Metallic Colors
- Light Neutral Colors
|
Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Trout | 45-55 | - Trout are transitioning from winter depths to shallower pre-spawn locations, following temperature gradients and becoming more active as metabolism increases
- Fish are staging near tributary mouths and along shoreline transitions, making feeding forays into slightly shallower water as conditions warm
| - Creek mouths and tributary inflows where warmer water is entering the system
- Transitional areas between deep winter haunts and shallow spawning zones, particularly along points and breaks
- Rocky shorelines and emerging weed edges in 15-25 foot depth range
| - Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with controlled depth and speed to target transitional zones
- Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked methodically through staging areas
- Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses to mimic struggling baitfish
| - Alewife schools concentrating near temperature breaks
- Emerging baitfish in warming shallow areas
- Small fish species gathering near tributary mouths
| - Natural Baitfish Colors
- Metallic Colors
- Light Neutral Colors
|
Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Salmon | 42-52 | - Salmon are transitioning from winter depths to pre-spawn staging areas, following baitfish schools and utilizing thermal edges near creek mouths
- Fish are becoming more active with warming trends, making frequent vertical movements between deep and shallow water as they track optimal temperature zones
| - Creek mouth areas and associated drop-offs where pre-spawn staging occurs
- Deep ledges dropping to 90 feet that provide thermal refuge and ambush points
- Points and steep breaks adjacent to shallow spawning flats
| - Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with clean breaks to cover water and target transitioning fish
- Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are marked on electronics
- Spoons worked through suspended bait schools
| - Alewife schools suspending in the water column
- Perch along transitional breaks
| - Natural Baitfish Colors
- Metallic Colors
- Purple Colors
|
Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Panfish / Bluegill | 38-55 | - Pre-spawn panfish staging in and around submerged vegetation, actively feeding on small invertebrates and baitfish in 40°F water
- Fish showing preference for shallow zones with vegetation, becoming more active during warmer parts of the day
| - Submerged vegetation in 5-15 foot depth range, particularly on outer edges
- Shallow flats with emerging vegetation near deeper water access
- Protected coves and bays where water warms faster
| - Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly through vegetation
- Micro Crankbaits retrieved steadily along weed edges
- Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with small soft plastics
| - Small invertebrates in vegetation
- Yellow perch fry
- Emerging aquatic insects
| - Light Neutral Colors
- Natural Baitfish Colors
|
Spring (Spawn) | Largemouth Bass | 54-73 | - Fish are in various spawn stages, with some actively spawning in shallow vegetation and around docks, while others are staging in pre-spawn areas or guarding fry
- Most active in shallow water (3-8 feet) during spawning period, particularly around vegetation and dock structures
- Showing aggressive defense behavior around beds, but can be skittish when directly pressured
| - Submerged vegetation in 5-7 feet of water, especially isolated grass patches
- Docks adjacent to spawning flats
- Matted grass with holes and pockets
| - Wacky Rigs worked slowly around vegetation and dock edges
- Drop Shot with precise presentations near beds
- Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) in thick vegetation
- Bladed Jigs in shallow dirty water areas
| - Bluegill gathering in spawning areas
- Perch in slightly deeper water near vegetation
| - Green Colors
- Natural Craw Colors
- Chartreuse Colors
|
Spring (Spawn) | Yellow Perch | 36-50 | - Schools gathering in shallow to moderate depths (7-14 feet) during pre-spawn, actively feeding before spawning
- Moving between submerged vegetation and adjacent open water areas, following baitfish schools
| - Submerged vegetation in 7-14 foot depth range
- Protected coves and bays with gradual slopes
- Areas near dock structures with access to deeper water
| - Drop Shot with small minnow imitations
- Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9')
- Live Bait Rigs with minnows
| - Shiners and small baitfish
- Aquatic insects emerging in spring
- Small invertebrates near vegetation
| - Natural Baitfish Colors
- Metallic Colors
- Light Neutral Colors
|
Spring (Spawn) | Smallmouth Bass | 53-62 | - Actively seeking spawning areas in shallow rocky areas, particularly around points and protected bays where water warms first
- Males aggressively defending nests in 2-8 foot depths, while females stage slightly deeper on nearby structure
- Feeding activity increases during pre-spawn, with fish becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise
| - Rocky points and sheltered bays with gravel or rock bottom
- Secondary points with scattered rock piles in 5-15 foot depths
- Protected coves with gradual slopes and mixed rock/gravel substrate
| - Tubes worked slowly along rocky areas
- Ned Rigs dragged through potential spawning areas
- Soft Jerkbaits worked with long pauses near staging areas
| - Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy
- Small perch in shallow areas
- Various minnow species gathering in warming shallows
| - Natural Craw Colors
- Natural Baitfish Colors
- Dark Neutrals
|
Spring (Spawn) | Lake Trout | 42-48 | - Lake Trout moving into shallower spawning areas (20-40 feet) near rock/rubble structures as water temperatures cool
- Actively feeding pre-spawn to build energy reserves, particularly during early morning and late evening periods
- Congregating in groups around prime spawning locations, especially near steep breaks and rocky points
| - Rocky points and reefs in 20-40 foot depth range with access to deeper water
- Steep ledges with rubble or boulder substrate
- Shallow bays with rocky substrate adjacent to deep-water access
| - Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')
- Trolling Mid Depth (10-19')
- Soft Body Swimbaits (Large)
| - Alewife schools congregating in pre-spawn areas
- Smaller Lake Trout (cannibalistic feeding)
- Various pelagic baitfish species
| - Natural Baitfish Colors
- Metallic Colors
- Light Neutral Colors
|
Spring (Spawn) | Trout | 45-55 | - Trout are moving into shallower transitional areas near creek mouths and points as water temperatures begin to warm, staging for spawning activity
- Fish are becoming more active and aggressive as they prepare for spawning, with increased feeding during dawn and dusk periods
| - Creek mouths and tributary inflows where warmer water is entering the system
- Rocky points and shorelines with gravel substrate for spawning
- Transitional areas between deep winter haunts and spawning grounds
| - Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses to imitate struggling baitfish
- Inline Spinners retrieved at moderate speeds through transitional areas
- Live Bait Rigs near creek mouths and along gradual slopes
| - Alewife moving into shallower water
- Small baitfish congregating near creek mouths
- Emerging insects and larvae near warming shallows
| - Natural Baitfish Colors
- Metallic Colors
- Light Neutral Colors
|
Spring (Spawn) | Salmon | 42-52 | - Staging near creek mouths and tributaries for spawning activity, making short feeding movements during temperature-stable periods
- Moving between deep and shallow water based on daily temperature fluctuations, primarily staying in the upper 20 feet during stable conditions
| - Creek mouths and tributary areas where spawning runs begin
- Steep drop-offs near spawning tributaries providing staging areas
- Protected bays with moderate depth adjacent to deeper water
| - Trolling Shallow (0-9') with suspended baits near staging areas
- Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') when fish are holding in specific spots
- Hard Jerkbaits worked slowly in the upper water column
| - Alewife schools in transitional areas
- Small perch in shallow bays
- Baitfish schools near creek mouths
| - Natural Baitfish Colors
- Metallic Colors
- Purple Colors
|
Spring (Spawn) | Panfish / Bluegill | 65-75 | - Actively moving into shallow spawning areas (2-6 feet) during daylight hours, with males building and guarding nests
- Feeding opportunistically between spawning activities, particularly during early morning and evening periods
- Concentrating in protected areas with firm bottom composition for nest building
| - Protected shallow bays with firm bottom and sparse vegetation in 2-6 feet
- Areas adjacent to docks in 5-6 feet of water
- Weed edges in 5-15 foot range near spawning flats
| - Bobbers with light jigs worked slowly over spawning areas
- Live Bait Rigs with small offerings near nest sites
- Micro Crankbaits worked parallel to weed edges for pre-spawn fish
| - Small insects and larvae
- Tiny crustaceans
- Small minnows around weed edges
| - Natural Baitfish Colors
- Light Neutral Colors
- Purple Colors
|
Spring (Post-Spawn) | Largemouth Bass | 58-75 | - Post-spawn largemouth are actively transitioning to summer patterns, covering significant water as they move between spawning areas and deeper summer haunts
- Fish are showing selective feeding behavior, requiring precise bait placement and minimal disturbance as noted in reports
- Activity levels vary throughout the day, with fish relating strongly to cover and actively feeding on bluegill and perch
| - Inside weed edges and pockets in 8-15 foot depth range
- Docks in 3-10 feet of water, especially those near deeper water access
- Topped-out grass patches with columns for vertical presentations
| - Drop Shot with minimal action, allowing bait to sit with occasional light shimmies
- Bladed Jigs worked along weed edges for covering water
- Wacky Rigs pitched to visible cover and dock areas
| - Bluegill concentrating around docks and vegetation
- Perch relating to weed edges and deeper structure
| - Green Colors
- Natural Baitfish Colors
- Dark Neutrals
|
Spring (Post-Spawn) | Yellow Perch | 48-62 | - Post-spawn perch are actively feeding and regaining energy, forming loose schools in slightly deeper water than during spawn
- Schools are following baitfish movements and relating to submerged vegetation edges for both feeding and cover
| - Weed edges and emerging vegetation in 12-20 feet of water
- Secondary points and drop-offs adjacent to spawning areas
- Open water areas where schools of baitfish are present, often indicated by diving gulls
| - Drop Shot with small minnow imitations worked slowly along weed edges
- Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') when fish are spotted on electronics
- Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for actively feeding schools
| - Shiners and small baitfish schools
- Small invertebrates near vegetation
- Young of the year fish beginning to emerge
| - Natural Baitfish Colors
- Metallic Colors
- Light Neutral Colors
|
Spring (Post-Spawn) | Smallmouth Bass | 62-69 | - Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding to recover energy, showing aggressive behavior towards baitfish in shallow to mid-depth zones
- Fish are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer locations, utilizing rock piles and submerged vegetation as staging areas
| - Rock piles in 8-15 foot depth range, especially those near spawning flats
- Submerged vegetation edges adjacent to deeper water
- Points and ledges with rocky structure serving as transition routes
| - Drop Shot with slow, subtle presentations for neutral fish
- Bladed Jigs worked through and around vegetation
- Soft Jerkbaits worked with erratic retrieves around rock piles
| - Minnows gathering around rock piles and vegetation edges
- Shad schools in slightly deeper water
- Crawfish becoming active on rocky structure
| - Chartreuse
- Natural Baitfish Colors
- Natural Craw Colors
|
Spring (Post-Spawn) | Lake Trout | 42-52 | - Post-spawn Lake Trout are actively feeding to recover energy, following baitfish schools in the upper water column as spring turnover allows them to utilize shallower waters
- Fish are transitioning from winter patterns to early summer patterns, making frequent vertical movements to stay within optimal temperature zones
| - Main lake points and ledges in 30-60 foot range where thermal boundaries intersect with structure
- Steep shoreline breaks near spawning areas in 20-40 foot range
- Suspended over deep basin areas where baitfish schools congregate
| - Trolling Mid Depth (10-19')
- Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')
- Soft Body Swimbaits (Large)
| - Alewife schools congregating in transitional areas
- Pelagic baitfish suspended in the water column
- Smelt moving through similar depth ranges
| - Natural Baitfish Colors
- Metallic Colors
- Light Neutral Colors
|
Spring (Post-Spawn) | Trout | 45-58 | - Actively transitioning from winter deep water patterns to shallower feeding zones, following warming water and baitfish movements
- Feeding more aggressively as metabolism increases with warming temperatures, particularly during early morning and evening periods
| - Creek mouth transitions where warmer runoff creates temperature breaks
- Points and ledges adjacent to deep water in the 20-40 foot range
- Steep shoreline breaks where fish can quickly adjust their depth based on comfort zones
| - Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with varied speeds to trigger reaction strikes
- Hard Jerkbaits worked with longer pauses to imitate struggling baitfish
- Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly through transition areas
| - Alewife schooling in transitional depths
- Small baitfish gathering near creek mouths
- Juvenile perch moving into warming shallows
| - Natural Baitfish Colors
- Metallic Colors
- Light Neutral Colors
|
Spring (Post-Spawn) | Salmon | 45-58 | - Post-spawn salmon recovering in cooler, oxygen-rich zones while beginning to actively feed
- Moving between deep ledges and suspended zones following baitfish schools
- Most active during early morning and late evening, following daily baitfish movements
| - Deep ledges dropping to 90 feet near creek mouths
- Suspended zones in 30-50 foot depths where baitfish schools concentrate
- Points and structures adjacent to deep water that funnel baitfish
| - Trolling Deep (20'+) with downriggers along ledges and thermal breaks
- Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') during low light periods
- Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are marked on electronics
| - Alewife schools suspended in cooler water
- Perch along transitional depths
- Various baitfish schools following thermal edges
| - Natural Baitfish Colors
- Metallic Colors
- Purple Colors
|
Spring (Post-Spawn) | Panfish / Bluegill | 62-72 | - Post-spawn bluegills are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily targeting insects and small invertebrates around vegetation
- Fish are establishing feeding patterns in shallow to moderate depths (5-15 feet) as water temperatures stabilize
- Showing increased aggression and territorial behavior around prime feeding areas, especially near weed edges and dock structures
| - Weed edges and transitions in 5-15 foot depth range
- Docks with 5-6 feet of water providing shade and cover
- Protected shallow flats with emerging vegetation
| - Bobbers with light jigs suspended near weed edges
- Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding under docks
- Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around vegetation
| - Small aquatic insects and larvae
- Tiny crustaceans and invertebrates
- Small minnows and young-of-year fish
| - Natural Baitfish Colors
- Light Neutral Colors
- Purple Colors
|