How to Fish Center Hill Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques | Omnia Fishing

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Center Hill Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Apr 17, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Center Hill Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-65	Bass are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are relating to shoreline structures and following shad movements, particularly active during cloudy conditions as evidenced by fishing reports	Boulder fields and rocky areas near shoreline, especially 5 feet from bank as noted in reports Ledges adjacent to spawning flats where pre-spawn staging is occurring Creek channel intersections with shallow flats providing migration routes	Bladed Jigs worked in warming water areas as search baits Swim Jigs around boulder fields and shoreline structure Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) when shad are active near surface Ned Rigs with TRD Craw when fish become less aggressive	Shad schooling in shallow areas and near banks Minnows around rocky structure Crawfish becoming active in rocky areas as water warms	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	52-62	Smallmouth bass are transitioning to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are moving from winter deep water haunts to shallower transition areas, particularly focusing on points and ledges as staging locations	Main lake points transitioning into spawning bays Ledges adjacent to spawning flats Creek channel intersections with points	Ned Rigs worked slowly along bottom transitions Bladed Jigs with crawfish trailers around points Football Jigs worked along ledges	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small minnows in transitional areas	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Trout	45-58	Pre-spawn trout are actively feeding in the upper water column, taking advantage of warming surface temperatures and increased insect activity Fish are transitioning from winter patterns to more aggressive feeding behavior, particularly during dawn and dusk periods Trout are utilizing rock structures and overhanging trees as staging areas, making methodical feeding movements	Rock piles and ledges in 8-15 foot depth range Shoreline areas with overhanging trees providing shade and terrestrial insects Protected coves with emerging vegetation	Inline Spinners worked slowly near structure Soft Jerkbaits with subtle twitches Live Bait Rigs under bobbers near cover	Emerging aquatic insects Small baitfish/minnows Terrestrial insects falling from overhanging vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Largemouth bass are in pre-spawn to spawning phases, actively moving into shallow areas and relating to shoreline cover Fish are exhibiting aggressive feeding behavior near the surface, especially around laydowns as noted in recent reports	Shoreline laydowns and fallen timber in protected coves Rocky points and shallow flats near spawning areas Protected coves with abundant shallow cover	Hard Topwater (Popping) - matching recent successful reports Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for working laydowns Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly around cover	Shad - confirmed as primary forage in recent reports Crawfish - active in rocky areas during spring	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-65	Actively transitioning between pre-spawn staging and spawning behavior, with fish moving from deeper points to shallower spawning areas near creek mouths and timber Showing aggressive feeding patterns in 2-6 foot depths while maintaining access to deeper water (30-40 feet), particularly around structural transitions	Creek mouths with nearby channel ledges Shorelines with small trees in 2-6 foot water adjacent to deeper drops Points leading into spawning pockets Laydowns in protected spawning areas	Spinnerbaits retrieved at moderate pace in shallow water Hard Topwater (Popping) around points and creek mouths Shakey Heads worked around laydowns and timber	Shad congregating around creek mouths Crawfish becoming active in warming shallows	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Trout	45-58	Actively feeding near rock structures and overhanging trees, showing deliberate feeding behavior with preference for slow retrieves Targeting both insects and minnows in the upper water column, taking advantage of moderate water clarity for sight-feeding	Rock piles and ledges providing ambush points Shoreline areas with overhanging trees offering shade and terrestrial insect supply Complex shoreline structures in coves and points	Inline Spinners with slow retrieve near structure Spoons worked methodically around rock walls Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) mimicking prevalent baitfish	Insects, particularly emerging aquatic species and terrestrial insects falling from overhanging vegetation Minnows congregating near rock structure Small baitfish utilizing shoreline cover	Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	65-72	Post-spawn largemouth bass are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are relating to points and lead-in banks as transition areas, requiring slow presentations as noted in recent reports	Main lake points and associated lead-in banks as confirmed by recent fishing reports Secondary points near spawning pockets where fish are transitioning Rocky areas with good access to deeper water, as supported by lake structure analysis	Drop Shot with slow presentation, as verified by recent success Shakey Heads worked slowly along points and transitions Carolina Rigs for covering point transitions effectively	Shad, as confirmed by recent fishing reports and lake profile analysis Crawfish, particularly around rocky areas as indicated by lake profile	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	62-72	Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding to recover energy, moving from spawning areas to early summer locations along channel ledges and points Fish are utilizing the 15-25 foot depth range, making frequent movements up to shallower structure to feed during optimal temperature periods	Creek channel ledges with adjacent spawning flats Main lake points with chunk rock in 15-25 foot range Standing timber areas near deep water access	Drop Shot worked slowly along channel edges and points Tubes dragged and hopped on rocky structure Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked parallel to channel breaks	Crawfish emerging from winter patterns Small shad schools beginning to form Young of year baitfish becoming active in shallower areas	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Trout	48-62	Fish are actively feeding post-spawn, using shallow to mid-depth zones (5-15 feet) during early morning and evening hours Moving between rock structures and overhanging trees, opportunistically feeding on both aquatic and terrestrial insects Showing preference for slower presentations, particularly during midday when they become more selective	Rock piles and ledges in 5-15 foot depth range, especially those near deeper water access Shoreline areas with overhanging trees and complex structure Points and coves with mixed rock and vegetation in moderate depth	Inline Spinners worked with slow, steady retrieves near structure Soft Jerkbaits with twitching action and longer pauses Live Bait Rigs suspended under bobbers near cover	Small baitfish (primarily shad and minnows) Aquatic insects and emerging patterns Terrestrial insects falling from overhanging vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	66-83	Largemouth bass are transitioning to deeper summer patterns, actively feeding around ledges and points in 20-30 foot range while making periodic shallow moves to feed during lower light conditions Fish are utilizing both deep structure and shallow cover (laydowns) as ambush points, with increased activity during periods of less boat traffic	Main lake points with small feeding flats in 20-30 foot range Main lake pockets with laydowns Ledges adjacent to creek channels	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) with 1/4oz tungsten weight, worked slowly along bottom Carolina Rigs on points and ledges Hard Topwater (Popping) during low light periods	Shad schooling in deeper water near points and ledges Insects around shallow cover and laydowns	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	78-85	Smallmouth bass are holding deep (20-30+ feet) and actively feeding on suspended shad schools Fish are making feeding movements between deep structure and shallower areas during periods of reduced light or wind-driven activity	Deep river channels and ledges near creek mouths (25-35 feet) Standing timber areas adjacent to deep water Deep points and steep banks with rock structure	Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked along channel edges and timber Carolina Rigs dragged slowly through deep structure Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked through suspended bait schools	Shad schools suspended in deep water Crawfish on deep rocky structure	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Summer	Trout	58-68	Trout seeking thermal refuge in deeper, cooler water during summer heat, primarily active during early morning and late evening Suspended near thermocline during day, moving shallower to feed during low light periods	Deep rock piles and ledges near thermocline depth (15-25 feet) Shaded areas under overhanging trees during morning/evening periods Points and drop-offs with access to both shallow and deep water	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with consistent slow retrieve Drop Shot with small profiled baits Spybaits worked slowly through suspended fish	Small baitfish suspended in cooler water Aquatic insects near thermocline Terrestrial insects during low light periods	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Center Hill Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Bass are actively chasing baitfish in shallow coves and near rocky structures, showing aggressive feeding behavior before winter Fish are relating heavily to rock structure and showing mixed feeding patterns between crawfish and baitfish	Rocky areas and boulder fields in 2-6 foot depth range Creek channels and cuts with adjacent rock structure Shallow coves with baitfish presence	Lipless Crankbaits worked along rocky bottom with moderate retrieve Texas Rigs worked slowly around rock piles and creek cuts Ned Rigs worked around boulder areas	Minnows and shad schooling in shallow areas Crawfish in rocky areas	Natural Shad Colors Green Colors Natural Craw Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	65-78	Actively chasing shad schools in mid-depth areas, particularly around main lake points and creek mouths Beginning transition from summer deep water patterns to more aggressive feeding in preparation for winter	Main lake points with deep water access Creek mouths and channel ledges Back of major creeks near bait schools	Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked along point transitions Spinnerbaits around bait schools Drop Shot on deeper structure when fish are less active	Shad schools Minnows Crawfish on rocky structure	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Trout	52-65	Trout are becoming more active as water temperatures cool, moving into shallower areas to feed more aggressively before winter Fish are following baitfish schools and targeting areas with concentrations of fall insects Feeding periods are extended during daylight hours compared to summer, with peaks during morning and evening	Rock piles and ledges in 15-25 foot depth range Points and drop-offs near shoreline structure Areas near overhanging trees where terrestrial insects are falling	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with consistent, moderate speed Inline Spinners worked slowly through the water column Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with steady retrieve	Small baitfish schools congregating in cooling waters Terrestrial insects falling from shoreline vegetation Aquatic insects in pre-winter emergence patterns	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	45-52	Largemouth bass are holding tight to deep vertical structure like bluff walls and steep points, making selective feeding movements Fish are concentrating near shad schools in deeper water, with brief activity periods during stable weather	Main lake bluff walls, especially those with rock slides or transitions Deep points with access to channel swings Rock piles and boulder fields near deep water access	Underspins worked slowly along bluff walls Ned Rigs dragged on rocky transitions Shallow diving crankbaits worked parallel to points	Shad schooling in deeper water Alewife along bluff walls	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	38-45	Smallmouth bass are holding tight to steep rocky structure and moving minimally to conserve energy in cold water Feeding windows are shorter and less aggressive, with fish preferring slower-moving presentations	45-degree rocky banks on secondary points in the first third of major creeks Ledges adjacent to deep water Chunk rock areas with vertical structure	Drop Shot with short leader worked extremely slow Shallow diving crankbaits on light line and slow gear ratio reels Tubes dragged slowly along bottom structure	Crawfish in rocky areas Threadfin shad that occasionally pass by structure	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Trout	38-45	Trout remain relatively active in winter open water, preferring deeper water columns (15-25 feet) during midday but moving shallower during low-light periods Feeding patterns become more methodical and selective, with fish showing preference for slower-moving prey and smaller portions	Deep rock piles and ledges in 15-25 foot range offering stable winter temperatures Transition areas between deep structure and shallow feeding zones Protected coves with deep water access, especially those with remaining standing timber or structure	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with slow, deliberate movements Drop Shot with small profile baits worked methodically Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') at reduced speeds	Small baitfish (particularly suspended schools) Winter-hardy aquatic insects Smaller fish seeking thermal refuge in similar areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Center Hill Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Boulder fields and rocky areas near shoreline, especially 5 feet from bank as noted in reports	Ledges adjacent to spawning flats where pre-spawn staging is occurring
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points transitioning into spawning bays	Ledges adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Trout	Rock piles and ledges in 8-15 foot depth range	Shoreline areas with overhanging trees providing shade and terrestrial insects
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shoreline laydowns and fallen timber in protected coves	Rocky points and shallow flats near spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Creek mouths with nearby channel ledges	Shorelines with small trees in 2-6 foot water adjacent to deeper drops
Spring (Spawn)	Trout	Rock piles and ledges providing ambush points	Shoreline areas with overhanging trees offering shade and terrestrial insect supply
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points and associated lead-in banks as confirmed by recent fishing reports	Secondary points near spawning pockets where fish are transitioning
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Creek channel ledges with adjacent spawning flats	Main lake points with chunk rock in 15-25 foot range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Trout	Rock piles and ledges in 5-15 foot depth range, especially those near deeper water access	Shoreline areas with overhanging trees and complex structure
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points with small feeding flats in 20-30 foot range	Main lake pockets with laydowns
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Deep river channels and ledges near creek mouths (25-35 feet)	Standing timber areas adjacent to deep water
Summer	Trout	Deep rock piles and ledges near thermocline depth (15-25 feet)	Shaded areas under overhanging trees during morning/evening periods
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Rocky areas and boulder fields in 2-6 foot depth range	Creek channels and cuts with adjacent rock structure
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points with deep water access	Creek mouths and channel ledges
Fall	Trout	Rock piles and ledges in 15-25 foot depth range	Points and drop-offs near shoreline structure
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Main lake bluff walls, especially those with rock slides or transitions	Deep points with access to channel swings
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	45-degree rocky banks on secondary points in the first third of major creeks	Ledges adjacent to deep water
Winter	Trout	Deep rock piles and ledges in 15-25 foot range offering stable winter temperatures	Transition areas between deep structure and shallow feeding zones

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling in shallow areas and near banks	Minnows around rocky structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small minnows in transitional areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Trout	Emerging aquatic insects	Small baitfish/minnows
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad - confirmed as primary forage in recent reports	Crawfish - active in rocky areas during spring
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad congregating around creek mouths	Crawfish becoming active in warming shallows
Spring (Spawn)	Trout	Insects, particularly emerging aquatic species and terrestrial insects falling from overhanging vegetation	Minnows congregating near rock structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad, as confirmed by recent fishing reports and lake profile analysis	Crawfish, particularly around rocky areas as indicated by lake profile
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter patterns	Small shad schools beginning to form
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Trout	Small baitfish (primarily shad and minnows)	Aquatic insects and emerging patterns
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling in deeper water near points and ledges	Insects around shallow cover and laydowns
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools suspended in deep water	Crawfish on deep rocky structure
Summer	Trout	Small baitfish suspended in cooler water	Aquatic insects near thermocline
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Minnows and shad schooling in shallow areas	Crawfish in rocky areas
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools	Minnows
Fall	Trout	Small baitfish schools congregating in cooling waters	Terrestrial insects falling from shoreline vegetation
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling in deeper water	Alewife along bluff walls
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish in rocky areas	Threadfin shad that occasionally pass by structure
Winter	Trout	Small baitfish (particularly suspended schools)	Winter-hardy aquatic insects

Bait Colors by Season for Center Hill Lake

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

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