Fathers Day Promo: Buy Any Reel, Get Omnia PRO Free. Learn More

20% Off Xzone Lures, Through 06/17. Save Now

20% Off All St. Croix Mojo Bass Rods, Through 06/28. Save Now

PRO Members: Get 2X Credit Back On All Fishing Line. Learn More

Built to Serve Tee + PRO = $20 Donated Per Order → Shop Now

Save Up To $500 on Select Minn Kota, Through 06/18. Save Now

Buy One, Get One FREE P-Line Tactical Fluorocarbon. Learn More

PRO members get free shipping, rewards & local lake data! Join Today

Markdowns on popular products - See all bargain offers

Omnia Fishing
  • Search Site
Omnia Fishing

Cedar Lake (8)

Published: Updated:

Spring Fishing Patterns on Cedar Lake (8)

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Crappie52-62
  • Staging in slightly deeper water (12-18 feet) near spawning areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawn
  • Moving between brush piles and fish cribs during feeding periods, beginning transition to shallower water as temperatures rise
  • Brush piles and fish cribs in 12-18 foot depth range adjacent to spawning flats
  • Secondary points with gradual slopes leading to spawning bays
  • Deeper edges of emerging weed growth in 8-12 foot range
  • Crappie Spider Rigging
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)
  • Small minnows gathering in pre-spawn areas
  • Early season insects and larvae
  • Young of year perch
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Pink Colors
  • Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth Bass45-55
  • Bass are in pre-spawn mode, staging on drop-offs near eventual spawning areas, actively feeding but still temperature dependent
  • Fish are transitioning from winter patterns, becoming more active with warming trends and showing increased reaction to moving baits
  • 8-12 foot drop-offs adjacent to spawning flats
  • Main lake points with access to deeper water
  • Humps near spawning bays with good bluegill presence
  • Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses in 8-12 foot range
  • Spinnerbaits slow-rolled along depth transitions
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked through staging areas
  • Bluegill congregating near emerging weed growth
  • Small baitfish moving shallow with warming trends
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
  • Green Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Smallmouth Bass45-55
  • Transitioning from winter deep water areas to staging areas near spawning flats, becoming more active with warming temperatures
  • Beginning to feed more aggressively as metabolism increases, targeting concentrated bait schools
  • Deep water transitions adjacent to spawning flats (8-15 feet)
  • Man-made fish cribs and brush piles in 10-22 foot range
  • Rocky points and shorelines leading to spawning areas
  • Blade Baits worked slowly along depth transitions
  • Drop Shot with light line in clear water around structure
  • Ned Rigs worked methodically through staging areas
  • Bluegill concentrations near structure
  • Small baitfish schools in transitional areas
  • Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
  • Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Walleye42-48
  • Pre-spawn walleyes staging near spawning areas, moving between deeper staging areas and shallow spawning zones based on water temperature and light conditions
  • Feeding activity increases during low light periods, with fish more active in shallower water during dawn and dusk
  • Fish transitioning between wintering areas and spawning grounds, using structural elements like points and breaks as migration routes
  • Sandy areas with rocks in shallow water (potential spawning sites)
  • 8-12 foot breaks and drop-offs serving as migration routes
  • Points and structure edges adjacent to spawning areas
  • Blade Baits worked slowly along breaks and points
  • Live Bait Rigs with minnows near staging areas
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') during low light periods
  • Small baitfish (predominantly minnows)
  • Young-of-year panfish
  • Crawfish becoming active in warming waters
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Purple Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)Crappie58-72
  • Crappie actively staging for spawn, transitioning between pre-spawn staging areas and shallow spawning zones
  • Fish relating heavily to structure, particularly fish cribs and brush, while preparing for spawning activity
  • Showing increased feeding activity with warming water temperatures, responding well to both vertical and pitched presentations
  • Fish cribs in 10-22 foot range serving as pre-spawn staging areas
  • Shallow protected areas with structure for active spawning
  • Transitional areas between deep cribs and shallow spawning zones
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') over fish cribs located with electronics
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) pitched to shallow areas
  • Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) for spawning fish
  • Small baitfish in 2-3 inch range
  • Aquatic insects becoming more active in warming water
  • Pink Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth Bass58-68
  • Bass transitioning to spawning areas in 2-6 foot depths, particularly in protected coves and areas with firm bottom
  • Males actively guarding nests while females move between staging areas and spawning flats
  • Feeding activity increases during pre-spawn, becomes more territorial during actual spawn
  • Protected shallow coves with firm bottom and sparse vegetation
  • Adjacent drop-offs in 8-12 foot range for staging areas
  • Weed edges near spawning flats serving as transition zones
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip)
  • Soft Jerkbaits
  • Wacky Rigs
  • Bluegill are primary forage during this period
  • Small baitfish relating to warming shallows
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Green Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)Smallmouth Bass55-62
  • Actively spawning in shallow water (1-6 feet) on sandy/rocky bottom areas when water temperatures reach high 50s to low 60s
  • Males guarding nests aggressively, making them territorial and more likely to strike defensive baits
  • Sandy flats with scattered rocks in 1-6 feet of water
  • Protected shallow bays with hard bottom
  • Transition areas near spawning flats where pre-spawn fish stage
  • Drop Shot with light worms worked slowly across spawning beds
  • Tubes dragged slowly on bottom in spawning areas
  • Ned Rigs worked methodically through potential spawning zones
  • Crayfish emerging from winter dormancy
  • Small bottom-dwelling prey fish
  • Pink Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
  • Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)Walleye42-52
  • Walleye are actively staging and moving into shallow spawning areas with hard bottom and rock, particularly in 2-8 foot depths during nighttime and low light periods
  • Fish transition between spawning areas and slightly deeper water (8-12 feet) during post-spawn recovery, using drops and breaks as migration routes
  • Sandy areas with rocks in shallow water, particularly near shoreline points for spawning
  • 8-12 foot drops and breaks adjacent to spawning areas
  • Protected areas near points with access to deeper water
  • Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom transitions
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow, subtle presentations
  • Blade Baits worked methodically through staging areas
  • Small perch gathering in shallow spawning areas
  • Minnows concentrated around rocky areas and transitions
  • Young-of-year panfish beginning to emerge in shallows
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Purple Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)Crappie65-72
  • Post-spawn crappie are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper summer habitat, suspending near brush piles and fish cribs in 10-15 foot depth ranges
  • Fish are actively feeding to recover from spawn, showing increased interest in small baitfish patterns and responding well to both aggressive and finesse presentations
  • Brush piles and fish cribs positioned in 10-15 foot depths, especially those near spawning flats
  • Secondary points and channel swings with access to deeper water
  • Deeper weed edges forming in 8-10 foot depths with nearby deeper water access
  • Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) with small swimbaits to cover water and locate active fish
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around identified brush piles and cribs
  • Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) when fish are more scattered during feeding periods
  • Small baitfish and juvenile perch
  • Aquatic insects and larvae
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Pink Colors
  • Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth Bass62-72
  • Post-spawn bass actively feeding along weed edges and transitions, recovering energy after spawning
  • Fish showing aggressive feeding behavior with multiple strikes reported on swimbaits
  • Bass utilizing 8-12 foot drops as primary feeding zones with movement between shallow and mid-depth areas
  • Weed edges in 8-12 foot range, especially where they intersect with depth changes
  • Points and humps with emerging vegetation
  • Man-made structure (fish cribs and brush piles) in 10-22 foot range serving as recovery areas
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along weed edges and transitions
  • Texas Rigs (Worming) worked through emerging vegetation
  • Spinnerbaits parallel to weed edges for actively feeding fish
  • Bluegill in and around vegetation
  • Young of the year baitfish beginning to emerge
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Green Colors
  • Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Smallmouth Bass62-72
  • Post-spawn smallmouth are actively recovering and beginning to feed aggressively, moving from shallow spawning areas to transitional structure in 8-15 foot depth range
  • Fish are utilizing man-made structure like fish cribs and brush piles as primary holding areas, making feeding forays to nearby flats
  • Fish cribs and brush piles in 10-22 foot range adjacent to spawning flats
  • Secondary points with mixed rock and sand near deeper water
  • Dock areas providing shade and ambush points
  • Drop Shot with small finesse baits worked slowly around structure
  • Ned Rigs dragged along transitional areas between spawning flats and deeper structure
  • Tubes worked through rocky areas and near brush piles
  • Bluegill concentrating around dock areas and shallow structure
  • Small baitfish relating to brush piles and cribs
  • Crayfish becoming more active on rocky areas
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
  • Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Walleye46-68
  • Post-spawn walleye recovering in moderate depth transitions, actively feeding during low light periods due to 3.1m Secchi clarity
  • Fish utilizing weed edges and man-made cribs as ambush points, particularly active during dawn and dusk
  • Moving along 8-12 foot breaks and points during feeding periods, following baitfish schools
  • 8-12 foot breaks near spawning areas for post-spawn recovery
  • Submerged fish cribs in 10-22 foot range
  • Weed edges adjacent to deeper water
  • Points with access to both shallow and deep water
  • Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along breaks and transitions
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around cribs and structure
  • Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along weed edges and points
  • Lipless Crankbaits parallel to emerging weed growth
  • Crappie and Bluegill concentrations
  • Young of the year perch
  • Minnow species relating to newly establishing weed growth
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Metallic Colors
  • Purple Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
SummerCrappie72-82
  • Holding on deep brush piles and cribs in 10-22 foot depth range, suspending near structure during daylight hours
  • Moving between brush piles based on light conditions and feeding periods, with more active periods during dawn and dusk
  • Fish cribs and brush piles in 10-22 foot depth range
  • Deeper weed edges near brush pile areas
  • Suspended zones above deeper brush piles during low light periods
  • Finesse Jigs worked vertically through brush pile zones
  • Crappie Spider Rigging along brush pile edges
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with light tackle
  • Small baitfish relating to brush piles
  • Aquatic insects around structure
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Metallic Colors
  • Purple Colors
SummerLargemouth Bass65-82
  • Bass are actively feeding in early morning and evening, seeking cooler water and shade during midday heat
  • Fish are relating heavily to weed edges and man-made structure, moving between shallow and deep water depending on time of day
  • Aggressive feeding periods around bluegill spawning beds and near brush piles
  • Deep weed edges in 12-15 foot range adjacent to points
  • Fish cribs and brush piles in 10-22 foot range
  • Shaded dock areas with access to deeper water
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip)
  • Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+)
  • Drop Shot
  • Spinnerbaits
  • Bluegill
  • Young of the year baitfish
  • Crawfish
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Green Colors
  • Natural Craw Colors
SummerSmallmouth Bass68-78
  • Actively feeding on bluegills around dock structures, using shade and cover as ambush points
  • Moving between shallow and moderate depths throughout the day, with increased activity during lower light periods
  • Docks and pontoon lifts in shallow water
  • Man-made fish cribs and brush piles in 10-22 foot range
  • Rocky points and transitions near developed shoreline
  • Ned Rigs worked slowly around dock posts and lifts
  • Drop Shot targeting suspended fish near deeper structure
  • Tubes dragged along bottom near structure transitions
  • Bluegill
  • Young of the year baitfish
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Green Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
SummerWalleye65-78
  • Walleye will be moving deeper during bright daylight hours due to moderate water clarity (3.1m Secchi), becoming most active during low light periods near structure
  • Fish are relating strongly to weed edges and man-made cribs in 10-22 foot range, using these areas as primary feeding zones
  • Weed edges adjacent to deeper breaks in 8-12 foot range
  • Fish cribs positioned in 10-22 foot depth range
  • Deep points with access to submerged vegetation
  • Live Bait Rigs worked along weed edges and near structure
  • Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with crankbaits during low light periods
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around fish cribs and structure
  • Crappie and bluegill concentrating near weed edges and cribs
  • Young-of-year perch starting to school near structure
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Purple Colors
  • Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Cedar Lake (8)

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
FallCrappie52-65
  • Crappie are transitioning to deeper water, concentrating around fish cribs and brush piles in 15-22 foot range, forming tight schools
  • Feeding activity increases as fish bulk up for winter, with most active periods during dawn and dusk
  • Deep fish cribs and brush piles in 15-22 foot range
  • Deeper edges of weed lines where they meet structure
  • Deep water transitions near primary points
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')
  • Crappie Spider Rigging
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)
  • Small baitfish (primarily young-of-year)
  • Remaining summer insects
  • Small crustaceans
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Metallic Colors
  • Purple Colors
FallLargemouth Bass52-65
  • Actively feeding on baitfish in preparation for winter, following schools of forage to deeper structure
  • Moving between deep structure (cribs/brush piles) and adjacent flats during prime feeding periods
  • Becoming more concentrated around key structural elements as water cools
  • Deep brush piles and fish cribs in 15-22 foot range
  • Points and drop-offs adjacent to deeper water
  • Remaining green weed edges near deep water access
  • Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+)
  • Football Jigs
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Large)
  • Drop Shot
  • Bluegill concentrating near remaining vegetation and brush piles
  • Baitfish schools suspended near points and drops
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Green Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
FallSmallmouth Bass52-65
  • Actively feeding and following baitfish schools to build energy reserves for winter
  • Moving between deep structure (10-22 feet) and shallower feeding zones based on baitfish location
  • More aggressive feeding during low-light periods, especially on overcast days
  • Deep fish cribs and brush piles in 10-22 foot range
  • Secondary points near deep water access
  • Dock areas with nearby deep water escape routes
  • Drop Shot with slow, subtle movements near structure
  • Blade Baits worked vertically through baitfish schools
  • Tubes dragged slowly along bottom near structure
  • Bluegill schooling near deep structure
  • Young-of-year baitfish in open water
  • Crayfish near rocky structure
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Purple Colors
FallWalleye48-62
  • Walleye are actively feeding to build up reserves for winter, following baitfish schools and utilizing structure as ambush points
  • Fish are transitioning to deeper water as temperatures cool, but make feeding moves to shallow areas during low light periods
  • Deep weed edges near drop-offs in 12-22 foot range
  • Fish cribs positioned along depth changes
  • Points and breaks adjacent to deeper water
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')
  • Blade Baits
  • Live Bait Rigs
  • Crappies and small bluegills congregating in deeper water
  • Young-of-year perch schools
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Metallic Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
WinterCrappie38-45
  • Crappie are suspended near deep structure (fish cribs and brush piles) in the 15-22 foot range, schooling tightly for warmth and feeding efficiency
  • Feeding activity is most intense during early morning and late afternoon periods, with fish moving slightly higher in the water column during these prime times
  • Deep fish cribs and brush piles in 15-22 foot range
  • Suspended zones above deep structure
  • Deep basin edges adjacent to structure
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')
  • Drop Shot
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)
  • Small minnows
  • Micro invertebrates
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Metallic Colors
  • Pink Colors
WinterWalleye34-45
  • Active feeding periods around dawn and dusk, especially near deep structure and fish cribs in 18-22 foot range
  • Suspending near schools of baitfish in deeper water, moving up to feed during low light conditions
  • Deep fish cribs in 18-22 foot range that concentrate baitfish
  • Sharp breaks and depth changes near deeper basin areas
  • Deep points extending into main lake basin
  • Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+)
  • Blade Baits
  • Ice Fishing Spoons
  • Suspended crappies in deeper water
  • Schools of young-of-year bluegills
  • Deep-water baitfish schools
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Metallic Colors
  • Purple Colors
IceCrappie34-39
  • Crappies are actively using fish cribs and brush piles in 15-22 foot depth range, particularly concentrating along the edges of these structures
  • Fish are showing selective feeding patterns, requiring bait changes to trigger strikes, suggesting moderate but deliberate feeding activity
  • Edges of fish cribs in 15-22 foot depth range, especially areas between two cribs
  • Brush piles with nearby deep water access
  • Man-made structure networks in moderate depth ranges
  • Ice Fishing Spoons tipped with minnow heads or waxies
  • Ice Fishing Jigs worked along structure edges
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with precise structure positioning
  • Minnows - primary winter forage
  • Insects/waxworms - secondary food source
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Metallic Colors
  • Pink Colors
IceWalleye33-39
  • Walleye concentrate near deep structure adjacent to feeding flats, moving between 15-22 foot depths during prime feeding periods
  • Most active during dawn and dusk periods, with brief feeding windows during the day beneath the ice
  • Fish relate strongly to the fish cribs in 10-22 foot range as these attract baitfish schools
  • Fish cribs in 10-22 foot depth range, especially those near depth transitions
  • Deep breaks and drop-offs adjacent to feeding flats
  • Weed edges that remain green under the ice, particularly in 8-12 foot range
  • Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements, particularly effective when tipped with minnows
  • Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive flash for attracting fish from greater distances
  • Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set along depth transitions with live minnows
  • Crappies and small bluegills concentrated near structure
  • Juvenile perch schooling near weed edges
  • Small baitfish relating to fish cribs and deep breaks
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Purple Colors
  • Metallic Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Cedar Lake (8)

SeasonSpeciesPrimary StructureSecondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)CrappieBrush piles and fish cribs in 12-18 foot depth range adjacent to spawning flatsSecondary points with gradual slopes leading to spawning bays
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth Bass8-12 foot drop-offs adjacent to spawning flatsMain lake points with access to deeper water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Smallmouth BassDeep water transitions adjacent to spawning flats (8-15 feet)Man-made fish cribs and brush piles in 10-22 foot range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)WalleyeSandy areas with rocks in shallow water (potential spawning sites)8-12 foot breaks and drop-offs serving as migration routes
Spring (Spawn)CrappieFish cribs in 10-22 foot range serving as pre-spawn staging areasShallow protected areas with structure for active spawning
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth BassProtected shallow coves with firm bottom and sparse vegetationAdjacent drop-offs in 8-12 foot range for staging areas
Spring (Spawn)Smallmouth BassSandy flats with scattered rocks in 1-6 feet of waterProtected shallow bays with hard bottom
Spring (Spawn)WalleyeSandy areas with rocks in shallow water, particularly near shoreline points for spawning8-12 foot drops and breaks adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)CrappieBrush piles and fish cribs positioned in 10-15 foot depths, especially those near spawning flatsSecondary points and channel swings with access to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth BassWeed edges in 8-12 foot range, especially where they intersect with depth changesPoints and humps with emerging vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)Smallmouth BassFish cribs and brush piles in 10-22 foot range adjacent to spawning flatsSecondary points with mixed rock and sand near deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)Walleye8-12 foot breaks near spawning areas for post-spawn recoverySubmerged fish cribs in 10-22 foot range
SummerCrappieFish cribs and brush piles in 10-22 foot depth rangeDeeper weed edges near brush pile areas
SummerLargemouth BassDeep weed edges in 12-15 foot range adjacent to pointsFish cribs and brush piles in 10-22 foot range
SummerSmallmouth BassDocks and pontoon lifts in shallow waterMan-made fish cribs and brush piles in 10-22 foot range
SummerWalleyeWeed edges adjacent to deeper breaks in 8-12 foot rangeFish cribs positioned in 10-22 foot depth range
FallCrappieDeep fish cribs and brush piles in 15-22 foot rangeDeeper edges of weed lines where they meet structure
FallLargemouth BassDeep brush piles and fish cribs in 15-22 foot rangePoints and drop-offs adjacent to deeper water
FallSmallmouth BassDeep fish cribs and brush piles in 10-22 foot rangeSecondary points near deep water access
FallWalleyeDeep weed edges near drop-offs in 12-22 foot rangeFish cribs positioned along depth changes
WinterCrappieDeep fish cribs and brush piles in 15-22 foot rangeSuspended zones above deep structure
WinterWalleyeDeep fish cribs in 18-22 foot range that concentrate baitfishSharp breaks and depth changes near deeper basin areas
IceCrappieEdges of fish cribs in 15-22 foot depth range, especially areas between two cribsBrush piles with nearby deep water access
IceWalleyeFish cribs in 10-22 foot depth range, especially those near depth transitionsDeep breaks and drop-offs adjacent to feeding flats

Primary Forage by Season

SeasonSpeciesPrimary ForageSecondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)CrappieSmall minnows gathering in pre-spawn areasEarly season insects and larvae
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth BassBluegill congregating near emerging weed growthSmall baitfish moving shallow with warming trends
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Smallmouth BassBluegill concentrations near structureSmall baitfish schools in transitional areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)WalleyeSmall baitfish (predominantly minnows)Young-of-year panfish
Spring (Spawn)CrappieSmall baitfish in 2-3 inch rangeAquatic insects becoming more active in warming water
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth BassBluegill are primary forage during this periodSmall baitfish relating to warming shallows
Spring (Spawn)Smallmouth BassCrayfish emerging from winter dormancySmall bottom-dwelling prey fish
Spring (Spawn)WalleyeSmall perch gathering in shallow spawning areasMinnows concentrated around rocky areas and transitions
Spring (Post-Spawn)CrappieSmall baitfish and juvenile perchAquatic insects and larvae
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth BassBluegill in and around vegetationYoung of the year baitfish beginning to emerge
Spring (Post-Spawn)Smallmouth BassBluegill concentrating around dock areas and shallow structureSmall baitfish relating to brush piles and cribs
Spring (Post-Spawn)WalleyeCrappie and Bluegill concentrationsYoung of the year perch
SummerCrappieSmall baitfish relating to brush pilesAquatic insects around structure
SummerLargemouth BassBluegillYoung of the year baitfish
SummerSmallmouth BassBluegillYoung of the year baitfish
SummerWalleyeCrappie and bluegill concentrating near weed edges and cribsYoung-of-year perch starting to school near structure
FallCrappieSmall baitfish (primarily young-of-year)Remaining summer insects
FallLargemouth BassBluegill concentrating near remaining vegetation and brush pilesBaitfish schools suspended near points and drops
FallSmallmouth BassBluegill schooling near deep structureYoung-of-year baitfish in open water
FallWalleyeCrappies and small bluegills congregating in deeper waterYoung-of-year perch schools
WinterCrappieSmall minnowsMicro invertebrates
WinterWalleyeSuspended crappies in deeper waterSchools of young-of-year bluegills
IceCrappieMinnows - primary winter forageInsects/waxworms - secondary food source
IceWalleyeCrappies and small bluegills concentrated near structureJuvenile perch schooling near weed edges

Bait Colors by Season for Cedar Lake (8)

SeasonSpeciesBait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Crappie
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Pink Colors
  • Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth Bass
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
  • Green Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Smallmouth Bass
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
  • Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Walleye
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Purple Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)Crappie
  • Pink Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth Bass
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Green Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)Smallmouth Bass
  • Pink Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
  • Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)Walleye
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Purple Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)Crappie
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Pink Colors
  • Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth Bass
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Green Colors
  • Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Smallmouth Bass
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
  • Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Walleye
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Metallic Colors
  • Purple Colors
SummerCrappie
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Metallic Colors
  • Purple Colors
SummerLargemouth Bass
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Green Colors
  • Natural Craw Colors
SummerSmallmouth Bass
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Green Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
SummerWalleye
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Purple Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
FallCrappie
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Metallic Colors
  • Purple Colors
FallLargemouth Bass
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Green Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
FallSmallmouth Bass
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Purple Colors
FallWalleye
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Metallic Colors
WinterCrappie
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Metallic Colors
  • Pink Colors
WinterWalleye
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Metallic Colors
  • Purple Colors
IceCrappie
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Metallic Colors
  • Pink Colors
IceWalleye
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Purple Colors
  • Metallic Colors