How to Fish Cecil M Harden Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

Cecil M Harden Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Apr 23, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Cecil M Harden Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-62	Bass are actively migrating along river channels towards spawning areas, utilizing ledges and transition points as staging areas Feeding is becoming more aggressive as water warms, with fish moving shallower and utilizing ambush points along migration routes	River channels with adjacent steep ledges Secondary points near spawning pockets Riprap areas along migration routes	Spinnerbaits worked along channel edges and ledges Lipless Crankbaits parallel to migration routes Bladed Jigs around transition areas	Crawfish emerging in warming waters Small baitfish in pre-spawn staging areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	Crappie are staging in pre-spawn areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are moving from deeper winter areas toward shallow spawning zones, using channel ledges as migration routes Due to turbid conditions (1.1m clarity), fish will stay relatively shallow, typically in 4-12 foot depth range	Brush piles adjacent to spawning flats in 8-12 feet of water Deep dock edges near channel swings Submerged vegetation edges where present, especially near creek channels	Crappie Spider Rigging Crappie Dock Shooting Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Hover/Mid-Strolling	Shad (primary forage in pre-spawn) Juvenile Bluegill Small minnows gathering in warming shallows	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	58-68	Pre-spawn bluegills are transitioning from winter patterns to spawning areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves Fish are moving into shallower water as temperatures warm, particularly focusing on areas with emerging vegetation and stable bottom composition	Protected shallow coves with emerging vegetation in 2-4 feet of water Boat docks and brush piles in 4-6 feet of water Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly near cover Live Bait Rigs under bobbers near emerging vegetation Micro Crankbaits parallel to dock edges	Small insects and larvae Tiny crustaceans Small aquatic worms	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	52-62	White bass are beginning their pre-spawn staging, following main creek channels and gathering near tributary mouths in preparation for spawning runs Fish are actively feeding in schools, using their lateral line sense in the turbid conditions to track shad and ambush prey along channel edges and rocky points	Main creek channel mouths and staging areas near tributaries Rocky points and rip rap areas adjacent to deeper water Channel edge drop-offs in 8-15 foot depth range	Spinnerbaits worked along channel edges and points, utilizing flash and vibration in turbid conditions Blade Baits worked vertically through schools when located on electronics Lipless Crankbaits retrieved steadily through staging areas	Shad schools congregating near channel edges and points Small baitfish gathering in tributary areas	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-58	Smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter depths to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are following migration routes along river channels and points, moving progressively shallower as water warms	Rocky points and transition areas adjacent to river channels Brush piles in 8-15 foot depth range near spawning flats Rip rap areas that warm quickly in spring sun	Blade Baits worked slowly along channel edges and points Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) targeting brush piles and rocky structure Tubes dragged slowly across rocky areas	Crawfish emerging from winter hibernation Shad schools in pre-spawn patterns Bluegill beginning to move shallow	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Largemouth bass are in spawning mode, moving from pre-spawn staging areas to spawning flats. The fish are territorial and actively protecting nesting areas Bass are utilizing shallow rock piles and other hard-bottom areas for spawning, as evidenced by recent fishing reports	Rock piles in spawning flats, particularly in 2-6 foot depth range River channel edges and ledges serving as pre-spawn staging areas Protected coves with hard bottom composition	Texas Rigs (Worming) - proven effective in recent reports for working around rock piles Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) - ideal for precise presentations to spawning bass Shakey Heads - effective for pre-spawn fish on channel edges	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Bluegill in shallow cover areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappie moving into shallow spawning areas (2-8 feet) near brush, vegetation, and docks as water temperatures stabilize Males establishing and guarding nests while females stage slightly deeper, making multiple trips to spawning areas	Protected shallow coves with brush piles and submerged vegetation in 2-8 feet Dock areas adjacent to spawning flats Channel swings near spawning areas where females stage	Crappie Dock Shooting - effective for reaching fish under docks and structure Bobbers - ideal for maintaining precise depth control in shallow spawning areas Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) - great for picking apart shallow cover	Small bluegills and juvenile panfish Young shad	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Actively spawning in shallow protected areas, with males guarding nests in colonies Increased aggression and territorial behavior around nesting sites Feeding opportunistically on insects and small crustaceans between spawning activities	Protected shallow coves with firm bottom near boat docks (1-4 feet) Brush piles and submerged vegetation in 2-5 foot range Secondary points with mixed rock and vegetation in spawning depth	Bobbers with light line and finesse presentations Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly through spawning areas Live Bait Rigs with small hooks for selective harvest	Small insects and larvae Tiny crustaceans Small aquatic worms	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	58-65	White bass are actively migrating up creek channels and river systems for spawning, moving in large schools along defined routes Fish are staging near drop-offs adjacent to spawning areas, making periodic moves shallow when conditions are right	Main creek and river channels, particularly focusing on the edges and drop-offs Rocky points and rip rap areas near spawning tributaries Shallow flats adjacent to deep water migration routes	Inline Spinners worked along channel edges and drop-offs Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily through spawning areas Spinnerbaits paralleling channel breaks and points	Shad schools moving along migration routes Small baitfish gathering in spawning areas	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Smallmouth bass are in pre-spawn to spawning mode, moving from deeper wintering areas to shallow spawning flats near rocky structure Males actively guarding nests in protected areas, while females stage on nearby drop-offs between spawning periods	Rocky points and rip-rap areas adjacent to spawning flats Protected coves with gravel or rocky bottom Channel swings near shallow flats	Tubes worked slowly along rocky transitions Ned Rigs dragged through spawning areas Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to shoreline structure	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small bluegill in shallow areas Shad schools in pre-spawn staging areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	68-78	Post-spawn largemouth bass are actively feeding and schooling on rocky points, beginning their transition to summer patterns Fish are utilizing both shallow dock areas and deeper rocky structure, showing a mix of depths as they recover from spawn	Rocky points, especially those with deeper water access Permanent docks in shallow water areas River channel ledges where fish stage during transition	Football Jigs dragged along rocky points Structure Jigs worked around dock posts and edges Drop Shot rigs for suspended fish near points Carolina Rigs dragged through transition areas	Crawfish - primary forage during this period as evidenced by fishing reports Bluegill - secondary forage around docks and shallow cover	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	65-75	Post-spawn crappie are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are suspending near cover in 8-15 foot depths, especially around brush piles and dock edges Feeding activity is most aggressive during early morning and evening periods	Brush piles adjacent to spawning flats in 8-15 feet of water Dock edges with deep water access Submerged vegetation edges near channel swings	Crappie Dock Shooting Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9')	Small shad (1-2 inches) Young-of-year bluegill Small minnows	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Post-spawn bluegill are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily targeting insects and small crustaceans in shallow to moderate depths Fish are establishing summer feeding patterns, relating heavily to cover and structure in the upper water column due to limited light penetration	Boat docks and surrounding brush in 1-6 foot depth range Submerged vegetation edges in protected coves Rocky points with nearby deeper water access	Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly around cover Live Bait Rigs under bobbers near structure Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding tight to dock structures	Small insects and larvae Tiny crustaceans Small baitfish fry	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	62-72	Post-spawn white bass are actively feeding and regaining energy, forming loose schools that chase shad in open water and along channel edges Fish are transitioning from spawning areas back to main lake structures, using creek channels as migration routes	Main lake points and channel edges where shad schools congregate Rocky points and riprap areas that provide ambush points Creek channel intersections with the main river channel	Spinnerbaits worked along channel edges and through bait schools Lipless Crankbaits retrieved at medium speeds through schooling areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked at various depths to match shad	Shad schools beginning to form in post-spawn patterns Small baitfish congregating near points and channel edges	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-68	Post-spawn smallmouth bass are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Limited visibility (3.6 ft Secchi) has fish relating to shallower structure where they can effectively sight-feed Fish are showing aggressive reaction strikes on moving baits, particularly around brush piles	Brush piles in transitional depths, especially those near spawning flats Rocky points and shorelines with good access to deeper water Main lake points and channel swings where fish stage during post-spawn recovery	Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked along brush piles and channel edges Spinnerbaits worked through shallow brush and along rocky banks Swim Jigs mimicking bluegill near brush piles and rocky structure	Bluegill, especially around brush piles and shallow structure Crawfish emerging from rocky areas Shad schools starting to form in transitional areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	78-83	Bass are relating to deeper structure (10-15 ft) during summer heat, using docks and boulders as shade refuges throughout the day Fish are showing signs of pressure and requiring finesse presentations, particularly during midday hours Feeding activity concentrated during lower light periods with fish holding tight to structure during peak sunlight	Shaded sides of docks in 10-15 foot range Boulder fields and rock piles in intermediate depths Rip rap areas with access to deeper water	Drop Shot with finesse presentations in deeper structure Ned Rigs around pressured fish and hard structure Structure Jigs worked slowly around docks and shade areas	Shad in open water and around structure Crawfish around rocky structure and rip rap	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Pink Colors
Summer	Crappie	75-83	Suspending near brush piles and dock edges around the thermocline depth, primarily feeding during early morning and late evening Moving between deep and shallow water daily, following shad schools and utilizing man-made structure as ambush points	Suspended brush piles near river channel edges, especially those close to the thermocline Dock edges with deep water access, particularly those with brush or vegetation nearby Submerged vegetation edges where they intersect with deeper water	Crappie Spider Rigging - allows precise depth control and multiple bait presentations in the turbid water Crappie Dock Shooting - effective for reaching crappie holding tight under docks during hot conditions Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') - ideal for working suspended brush piles and dock edges	Shad schools suspending near structure and thermocline Bluegill relating to dock edges and vegetation Young-of-year baitfish around brush piles	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	72-85	Actively feeding in shallow areas near structure, particularly around boat docks and brush piles during morning and evening hours Staying in upper water column due to turbid conditions (3.6ft visibility), with feeding patterns concentrated in 1-6 foot depth range	Boat docks with adjacent rock structure Brush piles in 3-6 foot depth range Submerged vegetation in shallow coves	Finesse Hair Jigs worked with light twitching action near structure Bobbers with live bait (nightcrawlers) suspended at 2-4 feet Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around dock posts and brush	Small minnows Aquatic insects Small crustaceans	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	White Bass	72-85	Actively schooling and chasing shad in open water, especially during early morning and evening hours Moving between main channel edges and nearby structure throughout the day, using lateral line sense in turbid conditions	Main river channel edges adjacent to points where current concentrates bait Rocky points and rip rap areas, especially those near deeper water Shallow flats near channel swings where shad schools congregate	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to channel edges and points Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved at varied speeds to match bait activity Lipless Crankbaits worked through schooling activity areas	Shad schools in open water and along structure edges Small baitfish relating to rocky structure	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	75-83	Smallmouth bass are transitioning to deeper, cooler water during midday (75-83°F temperatures), but remain active near shaded structure and during low-light periods Fish are actively feeding but concentrating in areas where the 3.6ft visibility allows effective sight-feeding, particularly around shallow structure during morning/evening	Rocky points and rip-rap areas with adjacent deep water access Brush piles near river channel edges Shaded dock areas with rocky substrate	Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked along channel edges and points Drop Shot near brush piles and along ledges Tubes worked through rocky areas Spinnerbaits during low light periods around shallow structure	Crawfish in rocky areas Shad suspended near structure Bluegill around brush piles and docks	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Cecil M Harden Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	61-68	Bass are actively chasing shad in the water column, with feeding activity concentrating around rip rap and ledges as evidenced by recent reports Fish are making transitions between summer and winter areas, using steep breaks and structure as ambush points for migrating baitfish	Rip rap areas, especially those near deeper water as indicated by multiple successful reports Steep ledges close to shore, particularly those with access to deeper water Rock piles and stumps in transitional depths	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') with paused retrieve as specifically mentioned in successful reports Hard Topwater (Walking) for active fish chasing shad Lipless Crankbaits worked in deeper breaks around 15 feet Wacky Rigs and Texas Rigs as proven backup techniques when reaction baits slow down	Shad - primary forage based on multiple fall reports and lake profile Crawfish - secondary forage particularly around rock structure	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	55-68	Crappie are actively feeding in preparation for winter, following baitfish schools and relating to structure in the mid-depth ranges Fish are transitioning from summer patterns to fall feeding, becoming more concentrated around key structure and showing increased activity during low-light periods	Deep brush piles near river channel edges (8-15 feet) Deeper dock edges with nearby access to channel swings Remaining patches of submerged vegetation adjacent to deeper water	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Spider Rigging	Shad schools congregating in creek arms and channel edges Young-of-year bluegill around remaining vegetation and brush	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	55-68	Bluegill are transitioning from shallow summer patterns to deeper, more concentrated schools as water cools Feeding activity increases during fall as fish build energy reserves for winter, with most active periods during warmer afternoon hours	Brush piles and submerged vegetation in 4-8 foot depth range Boat docks with deep water access Rocky points and shoreline transitions near deeper water	Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly through cover Live Bait Rigs with small worms or insects Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around structure	Small aquatic insects and larvae Tiny crustaceans and zooplankton Small minnows and fry	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	White Bass	58-72	White bass are actively schooling and chasing shad in the turbid water, with feeding activity concentrated around channel edges and points Fish are following baitfish movements to shallower flats and creek arms as water temperatures cool	Main river channel edges where they intersect with points or creek mouths Rocky points and rip rap areas where bait schools concentrate Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water where shad schools are present	Blade Baits worked vertically along channel edges and points Spinnerbaits retrieved parallel to structure in the turbid water Lipless Crankbaits burned through schools of surfacing bait	Shad schools concentrated in creek arms and around points Small baitfish utilizing shallow flats	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	55-68	Smallmouth bass are actively feeding on baitfish in preparation for winter, following shad schools and targeting them along channel edges and points Fish are moving between shallow and mid-depth zones, especially during low-light periods, taking advantage of the turbid water conditions	Main lake points and rocky structures intersecting with river channels Brush piles positioned along depth changes in 8-15 foot range Shallow rock piles and rip rap areas during overcast conditions	Blade Baits worked along channel edges with yo-yo retrieves Spinnerbaits parallel to rocky banks and through baitfish schools Football Jigs dragged along rocky bottom transitions	Shad schools congregating in creek arms and along channel edges Crawfish remaining active on rocky structures Bluegill relating to brush piles and woody cover	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals

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 congregating in deeper, more stable water near the dam and main lake points, typically moving slowly and conserving energy Fish are relating closely to bottom structure and responding to slow-moving, vertical presentations that stay in the strike zone longer	Main lake points with flat shelves adjacent to deeper water, particularly near the dam Deep brush piles and rock piles in 15-25 foot range Channel swing areas with vertical structure	Blade Baits worked with a slow yo-yo retrieve Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with heavy jigs Drop Shot with small profile baits worked slowly	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water Smaller bluegill in deeper brush piles	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Crappie	38-45	Crappie are suspending near deep brush piles and channel ledges, schooling tightly in winter Feeding activity is concentrated during prime warming periods, typically mid-afternoon when water temperatures peak Fish are moving slower and require slower, more subtle presentations in the cold water	Deep brush piles adjacent to river channels (15-25 feet) Vertical structure along channel ledges and drops Deep dock edges with vertical posts (especially in protected coves)	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with subtle movements Hover/Mid-Strolling around suspended schools Damiki Rig when fish are tightly schooled and showing on electronics	Suspended shad schools in deeper water Small bluegill near deep structure	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	45-55	Suspending near deep brush piles and man-made structures, moving into shallower feeding zones during warmer parts of the day Schooling more tightly in winter, with reduced but consistent feeding activity focused on smaller prey items	Deeper brush piles near the edges of coves in 8-15 feet of water Marina docks and boat docks with deep water access Rocky points that transition from shallow to deeper water	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Finesse Hair Jigs Live Bait Rigs	Small aquatic insects and larvae Tiny crustaceans Small minnows	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	White Bass	42-52	White bass school tightly in deeper water, typically following shad schools and relating to channel edges and deep structure Feeding activity is most intense during low-light periods, with fish moving up in the water column to feed on suspended shad	Deep river channels and drop-offs, particularly where they intersect with points or structural changes Rocky points and rip rap areas adjacent to deeper water Deep water areas where shad schools are congregating	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with blade baits or spoons near suspended bait schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly along channel edges Underspins retrieved at varying speeds through suspended bait schools	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water Small baitfish following similar winter patterns	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	38-45	Smallmouth bass are concentrating in predictable wintering locations, typically suspending near steep breaks and channel edges where they can easily move up or down in the water column Fish are generally less active but will feed opportunistically during warming trends, particularly during mid-afternoon periods	Deep river channels and adjacent ledges, particularly where rock structure is present Brush piles positioned near deep water access, especially those in 15-25 foot range Rocky points that extend into deeper water, providing quick access to various depths	Blade Baits worked vertically with slow lifts and drops along channel edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with controlled movements near structure Tubes dragged slowly along bottom near rocky structure	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water Smaller bluegill relating to brush piles Dormant crawfish occasionally emerging from rocky areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns

Key Seasonal Structures in Cecil M Harden Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	River channels with adjacent steep ledges	Secondary points near spawning pockets
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Brush piles adjacent to spawning flats in 8-12 feet of water	Deep dock edges near channel swings
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow coves with emerging vegetation in 2-4 feet of water	Boat docks and brush piles in 4-6 feet of water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Main creek channel mouths and staging areas near tributaries	Rocky points and rip rap areas adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and transition areas adjacent to river channels	Brush piles in 8-15 foot depth range near spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Rock piles in spawning flats, particularly in 2-6 foot depth range	River channel edges and ledges serving as pre-spawn staging areas
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Protected shallow coves with brush piles and submerged vegetation in 2-8 feet	Dock areas adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow coves with firm bottom near boat docks (1-4 feet)	Brush piles and submerged vegetation in 2-5 foot range
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Main creek and river channels, particularly focusing on the edges and drop-offs	Rocky points and rip rap areas near spawning tributaries
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and rip-rap areas adjacent to spawning flats	Protected coves with gravel or rocky bottom
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Rocky points, especially those with deeper water access	Permanent docks in shallow water areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Brush piles adjacent to spawning flats in 8-15 feet of water	Dock edges with deep water access
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Boat docks and surrounding brush in 1-6 foot depth range	Submerged vegetation edges in protected coves
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Main lake points and channel edges where shad schools congregate	Rocky points and riprap areas that provide ambush points
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Brush piles in transitional depths, especially those near spawning flats	Rocky points and shorelines with good access to deeper water
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shaded sides of docks in 10-15 foot range	Boulder fields and rock piles in intermediate depths
Summer	Crappie	Suspended brush piles near river channel edges, especially those close to the thermocline	Dock edges with deep water access, particularly those with brush or vegetation nearby
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Boat docks with adjacent rock structure	Brush piles in 3-6 foot depth range
Summer	White Bass	Main river channel edges adjacent to points where current concentrates bait	Rocky points and rip rap areas, especially those near deeper water
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and rip-rap areas with adjacent deep water access	Brush piles near river channel edges
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Rip rap areas, especially those near deeper water as indicated by multiple successful reports	Steep ledges close to shore, particularly those with access to deeper water
Fall	Crappie	Deep brush piles near river channel edges (8-15 feet)	Deeper dock edges with nearby access to channel swings
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Brush piles and submerged vegetation in 4-8 foot depth range	Boat docks with deep water access
Fall	White Bass	Main river channel edges where they intersect with points or creek mouths	Rocky points and rip rap areas where bait schools concentrate
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points and rocky structures intersecting with river channels	Brush piles positioned along depth changes in 8-15 foot range
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points with flat shelves adjacent to deeper water, particularly near the dam	Deep brush piles and rock piles in 15-25 foot range
Winter	Crappie	Deep brush piles adjacent to river channels (15-25 feet)	Vertical structure along channel ledges and drops
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deeper brush piles near the edges of coves in 8-15 feet of water	Marina docks and boat docks with deep water access
Winter	White Bass	Deep river channels and drop-offs, particularly where they intersect with points or structural changes	Rocky points and rip rap areas adjacent to deeper water
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Deep river channels and adjacent ledges, particularly where rock structure is present	Brush piles positioned near deep water access, especially those in 15-25 foot range

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging in warming waters	Small baitfish in pre-spawn staging areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad (primary forage in pre-spawn)	Juvenile Bluegill
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae	Tiny crustaceans
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools congregating near channel edges and points	Small baitfish gathering in tributary areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter hibernation	Shad schools in pre-spawn patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Bluegill in shallow cover areas
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small bluegills and juvenile panfish	Young shad
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae	Tiny crustaceans
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools moving along migration routes	Small baitfish gathering in spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small bluegill in shallow areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish - primary forage during this period as evidenced by fishing reports	Bluegill - secondary forage around docks and shallow cover
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Small shad (1-2 inches)	Young-of-year bluegill
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae	Tiny crustaceans
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools beginning to form in post-spawn patterns	Small baitfish congregating near points and channel edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Bluegill, especially around brush piles and shallow structure	Crawfish emerging from rocky areas
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad in open water and around structure	Crawfish around rocky structure and rip rap
Summer	Crappie	Shad schools suspending near structure and thermocline	Bluegill relating to dock edges and vegetation
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Small minnows	Aquatic insects
Summer	White Bass	Shad schools in open water and along structure edges	Small baitfish relating to rocky structure
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish in rocky areas	Shad suspended near structure
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage based on multiple fall reports and lake profile	Crawfish - secondary forage particularly around rock structure
Fall	Crappie	Shad schools congregating in creek arms and channel edges	Young-of-year bluegill around remaining vegetation and brush
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Tiny crustaceans and zooplankton
Fall	White Bass	Shad schools concentrated in creek arms and around points	Small baitfish utilizing shallow flats
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools congregating in creek arms and along channel edges	Crawfish remaining active on rocky structures
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water	Smaller bluegill in deeper brush piles
Winter	Crappie	Suspended shad schools in deeper water	Small bluegill near deep structure
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Tiny crustaceans
Winter	White Bass	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water	Small baitfish following similar winter patterns
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water	Smaller bluegill relating to brush piles

Bait Colors by Season for Cecil M Harden Lake

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