How to Fish Clear Lake Iowa: Best Patterns & Techniques

Clear Lake Iowa

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 13, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Clear Lake Iowa

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Pre-spawn walleye are transitioning from winter locations to spawning areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves Fish are most active during dawn and dusk periods, but turbid water (1.1m secchi) extends feeding windows into daylight hours	Shallow flats near spawning areas, particularly those with scattered rock or gravel Transition areas between deep winter holes and spawning flats Protected areas between docks, especially on wind-blown shorelines	Trolling Shallow (0-9') with suspended baits along transition areas Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with heavy jigs in wind-blown areas Live Bait Rigs near dock areas and along shallow flats	Perch concentrating in pre-spawn areas White Bass schooling in transitional areas Small Bluegills near dock structures	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-62	Pre-spawn bass are transitioning from winter areas to shallow spawning grounds, focusing on warming areas near emerging vegetation Fish are actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, with increased activity during warmer parts of the day	Reed beds in shallow water, especially on north-facing shorelines that warm faster Protected coves with emerging vegetation Transition areas between deep winter haunts and shallow spawning flats	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to reed edges Spinnerbaits slow-rolled near vegetation Bladed Jigs worked through sparse reeds	Bluegill starting to become more active in the shallows Minnows congregating near warming areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Bluegill are transitioning from winter patterns to more active feeding, gradually moving from deeper wintering areas towards shallow spawning areas Fish are actively feeding during warming trends, particularly during mid-morning to early afternoon when water temperatures peak Groups are staging near emerging vegetation and structure that will later become spawning areas	Shallow flats with emerging vegetation in 3-8 feet of water Transition areas between winter deep water and spawning flats Protected coves and bays that warm faster than main lake areas	Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or worms suspended just above vegetation Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with light jigs near structure Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly through emerging vegetation	Small aquatic insects emerging with warming water Tiny crustaceans in vegetation Small minnows in shallow areas	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	42-52	Yellow perch are transitioning from winter deep water patterns to shallower pre-spawn locations, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Schools are beginning to break into smaller groups, seeking warmer water in protected areas and near emerging vegetation	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 5-12 foot depth range Transition areas between deep winter holes and shallow spawning areas Areas near docks that offer both cover and warming water	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Small minnows gathering in warming shallows Emerging aquatic insects near vegetation Small bluegills in similar staging areas	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	48-58	White bass are staging near spawning areas, actively feeding in preparation for spawn. They're making pre-spawn movements from deeper wintering areas to shallower staging areas, particularly active during dawn and dusk periods. Fish are schooling aggressively, often herding baitfish in areas where deeper water meets shallow flats near potential spawning areas.	Transition areas where submerged vegetation meets deeper water, especially near tributary inflows or creek channels Secondary points and shallow flats adjacent to deeper water Areas with submerged vegetation in 4-8 feet of water, particularly near shoreline points	Blade Baits worked with aggressive vertical jigging along vegetation edges Lipless Crankbaits retrieved steadily through sparse vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked at varying speeds near vegetation edges	Perch (primary forage based on lake reports) Small baitfish schooling near vegetation edges	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	45-58	Pre-spawn muskies are beginning to move from winter areas to spawning locations, actively feeding to build energy reserves. They are particularly active during warming trends and respond well to slower-moving presentations in the turbid conditions. Fish are utilizing emergent reed beds and shallow vegetation as staging areas, making frequent feeding moves during low-light periods.	Emergent reed beds adjacent to deeper water, particularly on north-facing shorelines that warm first Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 2-5 feet of water Points and irregular shoreline features near spawning areas	Large Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through staging areas Spinnerbaits with large blades for added vibration in turbid water Trolling Shallow (0-9') along edges of reed beds and emerging vegetation	Perch congregating in shallow emerging vegetation White bass moving into similar spawning areas Emerging crayfish becoming more active with warming water	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Walleye are actively moving into shallow spawning areas, with peak activity during dawn and dusk periods Fish are staging near spawning areas in pre-spawn, and become less active during the actual spawn Post-spawn fish remain shallow but become more active feeders, particularly around structure	Shallow rocky areas and gravel flats in 2-6 feet of water Areas between docks with firm bottom composition Shallow weed edges adjacent to spawning areas	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom structure Blade Baits worked with subtle lifts near spawning areas Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') along transition areas	Perch in shallow areas White bass moving into similar spawning areas Bluegill starting to become more active in warming shallows	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-65	Bass moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly around emergent vegetation and protected coves Males actively guarding nests while females stage in slightly deeper water nearby Increased aggression and territorial behavior around spawning sites	Protected reed beds in 2-4 feet of water Shallow coves with submerged vegetation Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentations to bedding fish Soft Jerkbaits for staging fish Wacky Rigs for slow presentations in spawning areas	Bluegill gathering in shallow spawning areas Minnows active in warming shallows Small crawfish emerging from winter habitat	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Bluegill actively moving into shallow spawning areas, especially around vegetation edges and protected coves Males aggressively defending nesting sites in colonies, making them more territorial and likely to strike Most active during daylight hours, particularly mid-morning to early afternoon when water temperatures peak	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom and vegetation edges Shallow coves with submerged vegetation in 2-4 feet of water Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Live Bait Rigs with small hooks and light line for spawning bluegill Bobbers suspended 1-3 feet deep over spawning beds Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly through spawning areas	Small insects and larvae near vegetation Zooplankton in shallow water columns Small aquatic invertebrates	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	45-52	Yellow perch congregating in shallow, weedy bays and areas with emerging vegetation for spawning activity Fish moving in large schools, actively feeding during early morning and late evening periods due to turbid conditions	Shallow weedy bays with emerging vegetation in 3-8 foot depth range Protected areas near docks with nearby vegetation Transition areas between shallow spawning areas and deeper staging locations	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly near bottom in spawning areas Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with small presentations Inline Spinners retrieved steadily through shallow vegetation	Small invertebrates in spawning areas Juvenile bluegill in and around vegetation Small minnows relating to emerging weed growth	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	58-65	White bass are making spawning runs into shallower areas, particularly around incoming creeks and tributaries, moving in waves during prime light conditions Fish are aggressive and schooling actively, with males arriving first to spawning areas followed by larger females	Tributary mouths and incoming creek channels where spawning runs occur Shallow flats adjacent to spawning areas with submerged vegetation Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked through spawning areas Inline Spinners cast parallel to transitional areas Lipless Crankbaits worked through vegetation edges	Small shad and minnows in spawning areas Young perch around vegetation Various small baitfish congregating near tributary mouths	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	48-65	Muskies are in pre and post-spawn patterns, moving into shallow reeds and vegetation areas in 2-5 feet of water for spawning Feeding activity increases during low-light periods, with fish becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise	Reed beds and emergent vegetation in 2-5 feet of water Shallow weed edges adjacent to spawning areas Protected bays with vegetation that warm up first in spring	Inline Spinners worked slowly through spawning areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieves parallel to weed edges Spinnerbaits worked around emerging vegetation	Perch congregating in shallow vegetation White bass moving into spawning areas Bluegill beginning to move shallow	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	48-62	Post-spawn walleye are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily during early morning and evening periods, with increased daylight activity due to turbid conditions Fish are holding in shallow water (2-9 feet) near vegetation and dock structures, using these areas as ambush points	Shallow weed edges and submerged vegetation in 2-9 feet of water Docks and nearby transition areas, especially those adjacent to vegetation Shallow flats with emerging vegetation	Trolling Shallow (0-9') with crankbaits along weed edges and between docks Live Bait Rigs worked slowly near structure in 2-7 feet Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') cast toward vegetation edges	Perch concentrated in shallow vegetation White Bass in transitional areas Bluegill around dock structures	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-72	Post-spawn bass are actively feeding to recover energy, transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns Fish are utilizing emerging weed edges and reed lines as primary feeding zones in the turbid conditions	Emergent reed lines adjacent to slightly deeper water Early-growing submerged vegetation in 4-8 foot depth range Secondary points and shallow coves with developing weeds	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around reed edges and emerging vegetation Spinnerbaits parallel to weed edges and through scattered vegetation Swim Jigs worked through and around vegetation patches	Bluegill gathering in warming shallows and around emerging vegetation Minnows schooling along weed edges and in pockets	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Post-spawn bluegill are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily targeting insects and small invertebrates in and around vegetation Fish are moving from spawning areas to early summer feeding zones, typically relating to the outer edges of vegetation in 4-8 feet of water	Outer edges of submerged vegetation in 4-8 feet of water Secondary points with mixed vegetation and rock Dock areas with nearby vegetation	Live Bait Rigs with small leeches or worms suspended just above vegetation Bobbers with small jigs worked slowly through vegetation edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') along dock posts and vegetation edges	Aquatic insects and larvae Small invertebrates Zooplankton	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	52-65	Post-spawn perch actively feeding and recovering, forming loose schools in and around emerging vegetation Most active during early morning and late evening due to turbid conditions (1.1m Secchi), with feeding periods extending longer on overcast days	Newly emerging weed edges in 8-12 foot depth range Protected coves with developing vegetation Dock areas adjacent to deeper water	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Small minnows gathering around emerging vegetation Aquatic invertebrates in weed growth Young-of-year bluegill in shallow areas	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	58-68	Post-spawn white bass transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish forming loose schools in areas adjacent to spawning grounds, gradually moving to main lake structures Most active during low-light periods (early morning/late evening) in the turbid conditions	Weed edges adjacent to spawning tributaries and flats Points and inside turns with submerged vegetation in 5-15 feet Shallow flats with scattered vegetation near deeper water access	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along weed edges Inline Spinners retrieved at moderate speeds through vegetation gaps Lipless Crankbaits worked just above vegetation tops	Young-of-year perch beginning to emerge Small baitfish schools in vegetation Emerging aquatic insects near vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	52-65	Post-spawn muskies are actively recovering and beginning to feed more aggressively, particularly during warming trends Fish are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer locations, often utilizing reed edges and emerging weed growth Feeding activity is most pronounced during low-light periods given the turbid conditions (1.1m Secchi)	Reed edges and emergent vegetation in 2-4 feet of water Points and irregular shoreline features adjacent to spawning areas Early-forming weed edges, especially in bays and protected areas	Spinnerbaits worked slowly along reed edges and emerging vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieves parallel to structure Inline Spinners with stop-and-go retrieves in clearing water	White bass congregating near warming shallows Perch relating to emerging vegetation Bluegill beginning to move shallow	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	Walleye	68-82	Walleye are holding tight to shallow submerged vegetation in 2-5 feet of water during summer, using weeds as ambush points for feeding on minnows Due to the turbid water conditions (1.1m clarity), walleye remain active during daylight hours in shallow water	Thick submerged vegetation in 2-5 feet of water Weed edges adjacent to slightly deeper water Dock areas with nearby vegetation	Ned Rigs worked slowly through vegetation Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') along weed edges Live Bait Rigs near vegetation	Minnows Perch Bluegill	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-85	Bass are actively feeding in and around submerged vegetation, targeting bluegill and other forage fish in the warmer water Fish are showing open-water feeding behavior with aggressive chase patterns, particularly during morning and evening periods	Submerged vegetation edges and patches in 3-8 feet of water Points and coves with vegetation Transition areas between shallow and deeper water with vegetative cover	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked through and over vegetation Swim Jigs along weed edges Frogs/Toads over thick vegetation Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) in heavy cover	Bluegill Minnows	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	72-85	Bluegill actively utilizing dock areas for shade and feeding on insects and small prey during summer Most active during early morning and late evening due to turbid conditions (1.1m secchi depth)	Docks with adjacent vegetation, particularly on the south side Submerged vegetation in shallow zones (2-6 feet) where light penetrates Shaded areas around man-made structure offering cover from sun	Bobbers with small live bait or artificial presentations Crappie Dock Shooting for skittish fish under structures Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around dock posts and vegetation edges	Aquatic insects and larvae Small crustaceans Zooplankton	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Yellow Perch	68-78	Schools actively feeding in and around vegetation edges during early morning and late evening, dispersing into smaller groups during bright midday periods Suspending near structure (weeds and docks) in 8-15 foot depth range during summer heat, moving shallower during low light periods	Weed edges in 10-15 foot depth range, especially near points or changes in bottom contour Dock areas with adjacent vegetation, particularly in 8-12 foot depths Shallow weed flats during early morning and evening hours (2-6 foot range)	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Bobbers	Small bluegills and juvenile fish Aquatic invertebrates in weed beds	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Summer	White Bass	68-82	White bass schooling actively in low-light periods, particularly early morning and late evening, chasing baitfish near weed edges and points During midday, schools move to deeper weed edges and scattered vegetation in 8-15 feet of water Aggressive feeding behavior when encountering bait schools, creating surface activity and feeding frenzies	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, especially near points Submerged vegetation in 8-15 feet of water Secondary points with scattered vegetation	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked just above weed tops Lipless Crankbaits retrieved with yo-yo action through scattered weeds Inline Spinners retrieved steadily in low-light periods	Small schooling baitfish Young-of-year perch Small bluegills near weed edges	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Muskie	68-82	Muskies are actively patrolling weed edges in 2-5 feet of water, using vegetation as ambush points during daylight hours Increased feeding activity during low-light periods (early morning/late evening) due to turbid conditions and summer patterns Fish are likely suspending near thick vegetation during midday heat, moving to edges during prime feeding periods	Weed edges in 2-5 feet of water, especially where they intersect with points or irregular shoreline features Submerged vegetation adjacent to deeper water access Points and bays with established weed growth where multiple types of structure intersect	Buzzbaits worked over and along weed edges during low light periods Spinnerbaits parallel to weed edges with erratic retrieves Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked just above vegetation Frogs/Toads across thick vegetation mats during midday	White Bass Perch Bluegill	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Clear Lake Iowa

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Walleye	48-62	Actively feeding during low-light periods, with increased daytime activity due to turbid conditions (1.1m Secchi depth) Transitioning from shallow to moderate depths, following baitfish movements and utilizing structure for ambush points	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water in 2-8 feet depth Points and irregular shoreline features near deeper water Dock areas, especially those near depth changes	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9')	Perch White Bass Bluegill	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	52-68	Bass are actively feeding on minnow schools in preparation for winter, utilizing reed edges and nearby vegetation as ambush points Fish are transitioning from summer patterns to fall feeding, with increased activity during warmer parts of the day	Reed edges and pockets, especially where they meet deeper water Points and coves with remaining vegetation Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water escape routes	Swim Jigs worked steadily through and along reed edges Spinnerbaits parallel to vegetation lines Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for active baitfish feeding periods	Minnows schooling near vegetation Bluegill relating to remaining vegetation	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Bluegill are actively feeding to build energy reserves before winter, congregating around remaining vegetation and structure in mid-depth areas Fish are becoming more structure-oriented and schooling tighter as water temperatures cool, with peak activity during midday warming periods	Edges of dying weed beds in 6-12 foot depth range Deep dock edges where structure meets deeper water Protected coves with remaining green vegetation	Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly through vegetation edges Live Bait Rigs with small jigs tipped with waxworms or spikes Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around dock structures	Small aquatic insects and larvae Zooplankton in remaining vegetation Small crustaceans and freshwater shrimp	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Yellow Perch	48-62	Yellow perch are actively schooling and feeding in preparation for winter, often moving between shallow vegetation and deeper staging areas Most active during early morning and late evening due to the turbid water conditions (1.1m Secchi), with feeding periods extending longer on overcast days	Deep weed edges in 10-19 foot range where vegetation meets harder bottom Dock areas with nearby vegetation, especially those near depth changes Shallow vegetation flats during low-light periods	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Small/Medium Soft Body Swimbaits Live Bait Rigs	Small bluegills and juvenile fish Minnows congregating near vegetation edges Aquatic invertebrates in vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Fall	White Bass	52-68	White bass are actively schooling and feeding on shad and perch in preparation for winter, often moving aggressively through the water column During low light periods (dawn/dusk), fish move shallow to feed in and around vegetation edges and points Schools are following baitfish movements and can be found creating surface feeding frenzies in the turbid water	Vegetation edges adjacent to deeper water where baitfish are congregating Main lake points and shallow flats with submerged vegetation Wind-blown shorelines where baitfish are being pushed	Lipless Crankbaits worked through and above vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for mimicking primary forage Spinnerbaits worked at varying depths to locate active schools	Young-of-year shad schooling in large numbers Yellow Perch relating to vegetation edges Small bluegills in the vegetation	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Fall	Muskie	45-65	Muskies are actively feeding to build up reserves for winter, with increased activity during low-light periods in these turbid conditions Fish are likely relating to dying vegetation edges and transitional areas, moving between shallow and mid-depth zones	Weed edges and dying vegetation in 2-8 feet of water, especially near points or irregular shoreline features Shallow bays with remaining green vegetation, particularly areas with concentrated baitfish Points and irregular shoreline features that intersect with deeper water access	Trolling Shallow (0-9') along weed edges and points with large baits Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked through transitional areas Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges in low light conditions	White Bass congregating in schools Perch relating to remaining vegetation Bluegill in shallow vegetation pockets	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Walleye	38-45	Walleye will be suspending near deeper structure and following baitfish schools in more open water due to cooler temperatures Feeding activity becomes more concentrated during low-light periods, with brief windows during overcast conditions	Deep weed edges transitioning to open water Suspended over deeper basins where baitfish schools congregate Points and breaks adjacent to shallow feeding flats	Blade Baits worked with aggressive vertical snaps and pauses Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with controlled lifts Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along transitional areas	White Bass schools in open water Perch relating to remaining weed edges Suspended Bluegill in transition areas	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	38-45	Suspending near deep structure with minimal movement to conserve energy Feeding periods are shorter and less frequent, typically during warmer parts of the day Groups of bass will congregate in areas with stable temperatures and proximity to food sources	Deep areas adjacent to submerged vegetation Protected coves with reduced wind exposure Points and breaks near deep water access	Blade Baits worked slowly through suspended fish Drop Shot with subtle movements near structure Ned Rigs dragged slowly along bottom Jigging Spoons in deeper water	Sluggish bluegill in and around vegetation Congregated schools of minnows Smaller panfish near structure	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	42-52	Suspended in mid-water column near remaining vegetation and deeper structure, primarily feeding during low-light periods Schools concentrate in areas with remaining green vegetation, moving between different depth zones based on light penetration and temperature changes	Deep weed edges adjacent to flats (8-15 feet) Deeper dock areas with remaining vegetation Protected coves with sustainable vegetation	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Drop Shot Micro Crankbaits	Small aquatic insects Zooplankton Remaining aquatic larvae	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Yellow Perch	28-34	Schools concentrating near deep weed edges during daylight, becoming more active during low-light periods Feeding patterns closely tied to early morning and late evening periods due to turbid water conditions	Deep weed edges in 10-19 foot range Submerged vegetation patches with nearby deeper water access Protected coves with vegetation	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Ice Fishing Jigs	Perch (cannibalistic feeding) Bluegill Small minnows	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Winter	White Bass	38-45	White bass are exhibiting typical winter open-water behavior, concentrating activity during low-light periods (early morning/late evening) near vegetation edges Fish are schooling and actively feeding on perch, though feeding windows are shorter due to cold water conditions	Edges of submerged vegetation in 8-15 foot depth range Points and inside turns near deep water access Secondary drop-offs adjacent to vegetation	Blade Baits worked slowly along vegetation edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with tight, controlled movements Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily near vegetation	Perch Small Baitfish	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Winter	Muskie	35-45	Late-season muskies are typically lethargic but will actively feed during warming trends or stable weather. They often suspend near deep structure adjacent to shallow feeding areas Feeding periods are shorter but more intense, with fish most active during midday when water temperatures are highest	Deep weed edges adjacent to shallow feeding flats (4-12 feet) Main lake points with access to deep water Deep holes near reed beds where prey fish concentrate	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) Blade Baits	White Bass congregating in deeper holes Perch schooling near weed edges Bluegill in remaining green vegetation	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Clear Lake Iowa

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Shallow flats near spawning areas, particularly those with scattered rock or gravel	Transition areas between deep winter holes and spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Reed beds in shallow water, especially on north-facing shorelines that warm faster	Protected coves with emerging vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Shallow flats with emerging vegetation in 3-8 feet of water	Transition areas between winter deep water and spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 5-12 foot depth range	Transition areas between deep winter holes and shallow spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Transition areas where submerged vegetation meets deeper water, especially near tributary inflows or creek channels	Secondary points and shallow flats adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	Emergent reed beds adjacent to deeper water, particularly on north-facing shorelines that warm first	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 2-5 feet of water
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Shallow rocky areas and gravel flats in 2-6 feet of water	Areas between docks with firm bottom composition
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected reed beds in 2-4 feet of water	Shallow coves with submerged vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom and vegetation edges	Shallow coves with submerged vegetation in 2-4 feet of water
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Shallow weedy bays with emerging vegetation in 3-8 foot depth range	Protected areas near docks with nearby vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Tributary mouths and incoming creek channels where spawning runs occur	Shallow flats adjacent to spawning areas with submerged vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	Reed beds and emergent vegetation in 2-5 feet of water	Shallow weed edges adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Shallow weed edges and submerged vegetation in 2-9 feet of water	Docks and nearby transition areas, especially those adjacent to vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Emergent reed lines adjacent to slightly deeper water	Early-growing submerged vegetation in 4-8 foot depth range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Outer edges of submerged vegetation in 4-8 feet of water	Secondary points with mixed vegetation and rock
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Newly emerging weed edges in 8-12 foot depth range	Protected coves with developing vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Weed edges adjacent to spawning tributaries and flats	Points and inside turns with submerged vegetation in 5-15 feet
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	Reed edges and emergent vegetation in 2-4 feet of water	Points and irregular shoreline features adjacent to spawning areas
Summer	Walleye	Thick submerged vegetation in 2-5 feet of water	Weed edges adjacent to slightly deeper water
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Submerged vegetation edges and patches in 3-8 feet of water	Points and coves with vegetation
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Docks with adjacent vegetation, particularly on the south side	Submerged vegetation in shallow zones (2-6 feet) where light penetrates
Summer	Yellow Perch	Weed edges in 10-15 foot depth range, especially near points or changes in bottom contour	Dock areas with adjacent vegetation, particularly in 8-12 foot depths
Summer	White Bass	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, especially near points	Submerged vegetation in 8-15 feet of water
Summer	Muskie	Weed edges in 2-5 feet of water, especially where they intersect with points or irregular shoreline features	Submerged vegetation adjacent to deeper water access
Fall	Walleye	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water in 2-8 feet depth	Points and irregular shoreline features near deeper water
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Reed edges and pockets, especially where they meet deeper water	Points and coves with remaining vegetation
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Edges of dying weed beds in 6-12 foot depth range	Deep dock edges where structure meets deeper water
Fall	Yellow Perch	Deep weed edges in 10-19 foot range where vegetation meets harder bottom	Dock areas with nearby vegetation, especially those near depth changes
Fall	White Bass	Vegetation edges adjacent to deeper water where baitfish are congregating	Main lake points and shallow flats with submerged vegetation
Fall	Muskie	Weed edges and dying vegetation in 2-8 feet of water, especially near points or irregular shoreline features	Shallow bays with remaining green vegetation, particularly areas with concentrated baitfish
Winter	Walleye	Deep weed edges transitioning to open water	Suspended over deeper basins where baitfish schools congregate
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Deep areas adjacent to submerged vegetation	Protected coves with reduced wind exposure
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges adjacent to flats (8-15 feet)	Deeper dock areas with remaining vegetation
Winter	Yellow Perch	Deep weed edges in 10-19 foot range	Submerged vegetation patches with nearby deeper water access
Winter	White Bass	Edges of submerged vegetation in 8-15 foot depth range	Points and inside turns near deep water access
Winter	Muskie	Deep weed edges adjacent to shallow feeding flats (4-12 feet)	Main lake points with access to deep water

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Perch concentrating in pre-spawn areas	White Bass schooling in transitional areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill starting to become more active in the shallows	Minnows congregating near warming areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects emerging with warming water	Tiny crustaceans in vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small minnows gathering in warming shallows	Emerging aquatic insects near vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Perch (primary forage based on lake reports)	Small baitfish schooling near vegetation edges
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	Perch congregating in shallow emerging vegetation	White bass moving into similar spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Perch in shallow areas	White bass moving into similar spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill gathering in shallow spawning areas	Minnows active in warming shallows
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae near vegetation	Zooplankton in shallow water columns
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small invertebrates in spawning areas	Juvenile bluegill in and around vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Small shad and minnows in spawning areas	Young perch around vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	Perch congregating in shallow vegetation	White bass moving into spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Perch concentrated in shallow vegetation	White Bass in transitional areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill gathering in warming shallows and around emerging vegetation	Minnows schooling along weed edges and in pockets
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects and larvae	Small invertebrates
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small minnows gathering around emerging vegetation	Aquatic invertebrates in weed growth
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Young-of-year perch beginning to emerge	Small baitfish schools in vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	White bass congregating near warming shallows	Perch relating to emerging vegetation
Summer	Walleye	Minnows	Perch
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill	Minnows
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects and larvae	Small crustaceans
Summer	Yellow Perch	Small bluegills and juvenile fish	Aquatic invertebrates in weed beds
Summer	White Bass	Small schooling baitfish	Young-of-year perch
Summer	Muskie	White Bass	Perch
Fall	Walleye	Perch	White Bass
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Minnows schooling near vegetation	Bluegill relating to remaining vegetation
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Zooplankton in remaining vegetation
Fall	Yellow Perch	Small bluegills and juvenile fish	Minnows congregating near vegetation edges
Fall	White Bass	Young-of-year shad schooling in large numbers	Yellow Perch relating to vegetation edges
Fall	Muskie	White Bass congregating in schools	Perch relating to remaining vegetation
Winter	Walleye	White Bass schools in open water	Perch relating to remaining weed edges
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Sluggish bluegill in and around vegetation	Congregated schools of minnows
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects	Zooplankton
Winter	Yellow Perch	Perch (cannibalistic feeding)	Bluegill
Winter	White Bass	Perch	Small Baitfish
Winter	Muskie	White Bass congregating in deeper holes	Perch schooling near weed edges

Bait Colors by Season for Clear Lake Iowa

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Walleye	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Yellow Perch	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Summer	White Bass	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Muskie	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Fall	Walleye	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Yellow Perch	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Fall	White Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Fall	Muskie	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Winter	Walleye	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Yellow Perch	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Winter	White Bass	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Winter	Muskie	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors