How to Fish Clinton Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

Clinton Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 28, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Clinton Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Pre-spawn walleye are staging near spawning areas, making daily movements between deeper staging areas and shallower pre-spawn locations Fish are actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, with increased activity during low-light periods Movement patterns are strongly influenced by water temperature changes and wind-driven currents	Main lake points and rocky areas near spawning locations Windswept shorelines with good current Roadbeds and ledges adjacent to spawning flats	Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom transitions Live Bait Rigs with minnows near staging areas Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') during active periods	Shad schools concentrated in pre-spawn staging areas Small baitfish gathering in warming shallows	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	52-62	White bass are beginning their pre-spawn staging, moving from deeper winter haunts toward tributary areas and staging points near spawning grounds Fish are actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, often schooling aggressively when they locate shad	Secondary points and channel swings leading to spawning tributaries Transitional areas between deep winter haunts and spawning grounds, particularly near creek channels Main lake points with access to deeper water, especially those with rock or gravel composition	Blade Baits worked along channel edges and transition areas Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily through staging areas Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') over suspended schools	Shad schools concentrated in pre-spawn staging areas Small baitfish gathering in warming shallow waters	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	52-65	Pre-spawn striped bass are beginning their migration towards spawning areas, typically following river channels and staging near tributary mouths Fish are actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, often aggressively pursuing shad schools in the middle water column Movement patterns are strongly influenced by water temperature changes, with fish becoming more active as waters warm	Main river channel edges and points near spawning tributaries Secondary points and creek mouths where bait schools congregate Transition areas between shallow flats and deeper water where shad are staging	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') Umbrella Rigs Large Hair Jigs (Preacher) Soft Body Swimbaits (Large)	Shad schools staging in pre-spawn areas Smaller baitfish moving shallow with warming water	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-65	Crappie transitioning from winter depths to shallower pre-spawn staging areas, following warming trends and bait movements Fish becoming more active and aggressive as water temperatures rise, congregating near spawning areas but still focused on feeding	Flooded timber edges in 8-12 feet transitioning to spawning flats Brush piles and structure near creek channels in 10-15 feet Protected coves with stable water temperatures	Crappie Spider Rigging - Effective for covering water and maintaining precise depth control Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') - Particularly effective around timber edges and brush Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) - Excellent for locating active fish along structure edges	Shad schools suspending near structure Small bluegill and juvenile panfish in warming shallows	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	55-65	Pre-spawn catfish are becoming more active and starting to move from winter deep-water locations to shallower feeding areas, particularly near creek channels and tributary inputs Fish are following shad movements and beginning to stage near spawning areas, especially around flooded brush and timber in transitional depths	Creek channel intersections with main lake points, especially those near spawning flats Flooded brush and timber areas in 8-15 feet of water Secondary points and ledges adjacent to deeper wintering areas	Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or nightcrawlers near structure Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') along channel edges Carolina Rigs worked slowly through transitional areas	Shad schools beginning to move shallow Bottom-dwelling creatures becoming more active in warming waters	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-62	Bass moving from winter deep water patterns to staging areas near spawning flats, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawn Fish becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise, transitioning from lethargic winter behavior to active pursuit of prey Showing preference for areas adjacent to spawning coves where they can quickly move between different depth zones	Secondary points leading into spawning coves with stumps or rock piles Shallow water brush near deeper water access Creek channel bends adjacent to future spawning flats	Lipless Crankbaits worked through submerged vegetation and over transitions Bladed Jigs near cover and along depth changes Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly around staging points	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn staging areas Crawfish becoming more active as water warms	Natural Shad Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Walleye are transitioning from winter patterns to spawning locations, moving from deep water to shallow spawning areas near points, roadbeds, and rocky shorelines Fish are staging in pre-spawn areas during early spring, then becoming more active during the spawn, especially during low-light periods	Rocky points and windswept shorelines with gravel or rock substrate Shallow roadbeds and ledges near spawning areas Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper staging areas	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom transitions Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow, subtle presentations Blade Baits worked through staging areas	Shad schools in transition areas Small baitfish in spawning areas Crawfish becoming active in rocky areas	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	58-65	White bass are making spawning runs into tributary areas and congregating in pre-spawn staging areas near creek channels and river mouths Fish are actively feeding during dawn and dusk periods, moving in large schools pursuing shad in the upper water column	Creek mouths and tributary inlets where spawning runs occur Secondary points and flats adjacent to spawning areas Shallow rocky areas with gravel or small rock substrate	Inline Spinners worked parallel to shorelines and across points Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily through spawning areas Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked along transition areas	Shad schools congregating near spawning areas Small baitfish in tributary areas	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	58-68	Fish are staging in pre-spawn areas near river channels and moving into shallow spawning flats when temperature conditions are right Feeding becomes aggressive but sporadic, with fish transitioning between deep staging areas and shallow spawning zones Fish are often found in schools, following shad populations while maintaining proximity to spawning areas	Main river channel edges adjacent to spawning flats Protected coves with gradual slopes for spawning Points and structures near deep water access	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') Umbrella Rigs	Shad schools in pre-spawn staging areas Smaller baitfish in warming shallows	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappie moving shallow (2-8 feet) to spawn, staging on the edges of shallow wood cover and brush Males guarding nests in protected coves and bays, while females stage slightly deeper on nearby structure Feeding activity increases during pre-spawn, becomes more sporadic during actual spawn	Protected coves and bays with flooded timber, especially on the northern shorelines that warm first Brush piles and woody structure in 4-8 feet of water Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Crappie Dock Shooting Bobbers Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling)	Shad concentrating in spawning bays Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish in shallow areas	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	58-70	Pre-spawn catfish transitioning to shallower flats and coves, becoming more active with warming water Males beginning to search for and prepare spawning cavities near submerged timber and brush Increased feeding activity during warming trends, especially in afternoons	Shallow flats adjacent to spawning areas with flooded brush and timber Secondary points leading into spawning coves Areas where creek channels meet flats near timber	Live Bait Rigs near structure and along channel edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around timber and brush Carolina Rigs worked slowly through spawning flats	Shad moving into spawning areas Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters Small sunfish near shallow cover	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-65	Bass moving into shallow spawning areas (2-6 feet) and establishing nesting sites near hard bottom areas and cover Males actively guarding nests while females stage in slightly deeper water between spawning rounds Feeding activity increases during pre-spawn, becomes territorial during spawn	Protected shallow coves with hard bottom and flooded brush Secondary points leading into spawning bays Shallow areas near deep water access points	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around visible cover in spawning areas Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly around staging areas Wacky Rigs for sight fishing and working shallow cover	Shad schooling in pre-spawn areas Bluegill becoming active in the shallows Crawfish emerging in warming waters	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	58-72	Post-spawn walleye are actively feeding to recover energy, following shad schools near submerged roadbeds and main lake flats Fish are transitioning to deeper water as temperatures warm, but still making periodic shallow movements to feed	Main lake flats near submerged roadbeds Points and ledges transitioning to deeper water Wind-blown shorelines with irregular features	Finesse Jigs worked slowly along bottom structure Trolling Shallow (0-9') with shad-imitating baits Live Bait Rigs near structure transitions	Shad - primary forage based on recent reports Young of year baitfish beginning to emerge	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	58-72	Post-spawn white bass are actively schooling and feeding heavily to recover energy, primarily targeting shad in the upper water column and around structure Fish are transitioning from spawning areas to main lake feeding grounds, utilizing points and ledges as migration routes	Main lake points and ledges near spawning tributaries where fish stage during post-spawn transition Offshore humps and structure in 10-20 foot depth range where shad schools congregate Wind-blown shorelines and secondary points where bait gets pushed and concentrated	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked at various depths to match shad movements Inline Spinners cast and retrieved through active schools when fish are surface feeding Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are holding on structure	Shad schools beginning to form in post-spawn patterns Small baitfish gathering around points and structure	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	58-72	Post-spawn striped bass are actively feeding to recover energy, following large schools of shad in the water column Fish are transitioning from spawning areas to summer patterns, often suspending in the mid-depth ranges near channel edges	Main lake points and channel edges adjacent to spawning tributaries Mid-depth flats (10-20 feet) near deep water access River channel intersections with major creek arms	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with artificial lures to cover water and locate active fish Umbrella Rigs worked through suspended bait schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along channel edges and points	Adult Shad schools recovering from their own spawn Young-of-year baitfish beginning to show in warming waters	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	62-72	Post-spawn crappie are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper summer haunts, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are suspending near structure edges and following shad schools in the 10-14 foot depth range Most active during early morning and evening periods, taking advantage of baitfish movements	Flooded timber edges where it intersects with deeper water Brush piles in 10-14 foot depth range Main lake points with access to deeper water Creek channel edges adjacent to spawning flats	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along structure edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around brush piles Crappie Spider Rigging along timber edges	Shad schools suspending near structure Small bluegill in shallow brush Young-of-year baitfish beginning to school	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	62-75	Post-spawn catfish are actively feeding and recovering energy, transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper feeding zones Fish are following shad schools and becoming more active with warming water temperatures Showing increased daytime feeding activity, especially around structure and current areas	Flooded brush and timber areas adjacent to deeper water Ledges and humps near primary river channel Points and creek mouths where current concentrates baitfish	Live Bait Rigs worked along bottom structure Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near timber Carolina Rigs dragged through transitional areas	Shad schools beginning to group up in post-winter patterns Bottom-dwelling creatures like crawfish becoming more active Small sunfish in shallow brush areas	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	65-75	Fish are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, becoming more active and starting to group up Feeding activity increases as fish recover from spawn, with aggressive strikes during prime feeding windows Moving between shallow and intermediate depths, utilizing various cover types for rest and ambush	Secondary points with access to deeper water near spawning bays Flooded brush and stumps in 5-15 foot depth range Rock piles and humps adjacent to spawning flats	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to points and through brush Spinnerbaits around flooded cover and points Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for imitating abundant shad	Shad schools beginning to form in post-spawn patterns Bluegill in shallow areas around cover Crawfish active in rocky areas	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Walleye	76-82	Walleye are transitioning to deeper water due to high summer temperatures (78-81°F reported), following shad schools and utilizing roadbeds and humps as primary feeding zones Fish are actively feeding during early morning, evening, and night periods, becoming less active during bright midday hours Current flood conditions and dirty water are impacting normal patterns, pushing fish to more concentrated areas around distinct structure	Roadbeds and humps in 10-20 foot depth range, especially those adjacent to deeper water Open water basin areas where shad schools are concentrated Main lake points with access to deep water	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with crankbaits along roadbeds and humps Spoons worked vertically when fish are spotted on electronics Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around concentrated bait schools	Shad (primary forage based on multiple reports) Young of year panfish in areas with cover	Metallic Colors Natural Shad Colors
Summer	White Bass	80-84	White bass are actively schooling and chasing shad, with surface feeding activity particularly during early morning and evening hours Fish are utilizing multiple depth zones throughout the day, moving from surface to mid-depth (10-20ft) as temperatures and light levels increase	Dam area with congregating shad schools Offshore humps in main lake Open water/basin areas where shad schools are present	Hard Topwater (Popping) during low light periods when fish are surface feeding Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish move deeper during day Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') for covering water and targeting suspended fish	Shad (primary forage based on all recent reports) Other small baitfish in open water	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Pink Colors
Summer	Striped Bass	72-82	Striped bass are actively chasing shad schools but becoming more temperature sensitive, moving between deep sanctuary areas and feeding zones based on time of day Fish are showing selective feeding windows during cooler periods, especially around dawn and dusk, with cold fronts negatively impacting activity	Main lake ledges near river channels where shad schools concentrate Deep water sanctuaries adjacent to primary points Suspended areas in the main basin where bait schools are present	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along ledges and channel edges Spoons worked vertically through suspended bait schools Umbrella Rigs during active feeding periods	Shad schools concentrated in mid-depth ranges Smaller baitfish suspending near thermocline	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Crappie	68-84	Crappie suspending near deep structure edges and brush in 15-25 foot depths during summer heat, moving shallower during morning/evening to feed Following suspended shad schools, particularly during early morning and late evening feeding periods Seeking thermal refuge in deeper, cooler water during midday hours	Deep brush piles and flooded timber edges in 15-25 foot depths Main lake points and structure edges where shad schools congregate Shaded dock areas during morning/evening periods	Crappie Spider Rigging - effective for targeting suspended fish at specific depths Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) - productive for covering water and finding active fish along structure edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') - effective when fish are holding tight to brush piles	Shad schools - primary forage base Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish near brush Young-of-year baitfish in shallow areas during morning/evening	Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors Purple Colors
Summer	Catfish	78-86	Actively feeding on shad in warm water conditions around 84°F, showing aggressive pursuit of baitfish Utilizing humps and deep structure as ambush points, particularly during daylight hours Moving between depths to follow bait schools, with increased activity during low-light periods	Main lake humps with access to deep water Flooded brush and timber areas near deeper water Dam area ledges and deep structure	Spoons worked through suspended baitfish schools Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Live Bait Rigs near structure	Shad schools - primary forage based on recent reports Smaller baitfish suspended near structure	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-84	Largemouth bass establishing summer patterns with early morning/late evening shallow feeding activity and midday deeper holding patterns near structure Active shad pursuit during low light conditions, transitioning to structure-oriented ambush feeding during bright periods	Deep brush piles and stumps adjacent to points in 15-20 foot range Offshore humps with nearby deep water access Shaded shallow cover during early morning/late evening periods	Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked along deep structure during midday periods Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting shallow cover during low light periods Football Jigs worked slowly through deeper structure	Shad schools concentrated around points and humps Bluegill in shallow cover areas	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Clinton Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Walleye	60-76	Fish are transitioning through multiple depth ranges following shad schools, with feeding windows becoming more concentrated during prime periods Actively responding to wind-driven currents that concentrate baitfish, particularly around structural elements	Main lake points and humps where shad schools are congregating Windblown shorelines with nearby deep water access Mid-depth flats adjacent to flooded brush	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with crankbaits along bait concentrations Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are holding on specific structure Trolling Shallow (0-9') during early morning or cloudy conditions	Shad schools transitioning between deep and shallow water Scattered baitfish pods relating to structure	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Firetiger
Fall	White Bass	65-78	White bass are actively schooling and chasing shad in mid-depth water, particularly around offshore structure like humps Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior, responding well to vertical presentations and moving baits that mimic injured shad	Offshore humps in 14-28 feet of water Main lake points and ledges near deep water access Areas where shad schools are concentrated near structure	Spoons worked vertically with aggressive snap-jigging motion Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits worked aggressively through suspended fish	Shad schools concentrated in mid-depth water Smaller baitfish suspending near structure	Metallic Colors Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Striped Bass	62-71	Actively chasing shad schools in open water and along river channels, with aggressive feeding behavior in 62-71°F temperature range Suspending in mid-water column (10-19 feet) following bait schools, particularly during fall transition period	Open water/basin areas where shad schools are present River channel edges and deeper structural transitions Points and irregularities near deep water access	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') Umbrella Rigs	Shad (primary forage based on multiple reports) Other suspended baitfish	Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors
Fall	Crappie	55-62	Crappie are actively feeding on shad schools along flooded timber edges, showing increased activity during the fall transition period Fish are suspending at the 10-14 foot depth range, following bait schools rather than holding tight to cover	Flooded timber edges where shad schools are present Deep brush piles adjacent to channel swings in 10-14 foot depth Protected coves and bays with woody structure	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along structure edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are more concentrated Crappie Spider Rigging for covering water effectively	Shad (primary forage based on all reports) Small bluegills and young-of-year fish	Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Catfish	58-72	Catfish actively feeding on shad schools as baitfish begin their fall migration patterns, moving from deeper water to shallower flats and channel edges Fish become more aggressive in feeding to build energy reserves for winter, often hunting in groups around baitfish concentrations	Main lake points and channel edges where shad schools congregate Flooded timber areas adjacent to deeper water Deep water structure near the dam, especially during cold fronts	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Live Bait Rigs Trolling Mid Depth (10-19')	Shad (primary forage, especially during fall migration) Sunfish species in the timber areas	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Bass actively chasing shad in shallow to mid-depth zones, particularly around stumps and woody cover Fish transitioning between summer and winter patterns, following baitfish movements and responding to cooling water temperatures	Stumps and brush in 5-15 foot depth range near points Secondary points with access to deeper water Shallow wood cover in coves where bait is present	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked around stumps and wood cover Spinnerbaits parallel to shoreline structure Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) mimicking shad movement	Shad schools in shallow to mid-depth ranges Secondary forage such as bluegill near cover	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Walleye	36-60	Actively following and feeding on shad schools, with feeding windows dictated by bait movement Utilizing windblown points and bays as primary feeding zones where bait gets concentrated Moving between shallow and mid-depth zones (10-20ft) depending on bait location and wind conditions	Windblown points with transitions between shallow and deep water Protected bays where bait schools congregate Mid-lake humps and basin areas when following deeper bait schools	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with shad-imitating crankbaits Trolling Deep (20'+) with downriggers or dipsey divers when bait moves deeper Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended bait schools	Shad schools as primary forage, concentrated in specific depth zones Suspended baitfish in open water areas	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	White Bass	38-60	White bass are schooling in deeper water (15-20 feet) around main lake structure, with occasional movement to shallower water when pursuing shad Feeding activity is concentrated during afternoon hours when water temperatures rise slightly	Main lake ledges in 15-20 foot depth range Offshore humps near deep water Areas with incoming water during rainfall events	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water Suspended baitfish near structure	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Striped Bass	45-52	Striped bass school tightly in winter, following large bait concentrations in deeper water Fish become less active during coldest periods but will feed opportunistically on concentrated bait Movement patterns focus on deep water sanctuaries near channel edges and basin areas	Deep river channels and main lake basin areas (20'+ depth) Steep channel edges adjacent to large flats Deep water sanctuaries near major creek mouths	Trolling Deep (20'+) Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Umbrella Rigs Spoons	Schooling Shad Suspended Baitfish	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Crappie	45-55	Suspending near structure edges following large schools of shad, actively feeding during temperature-stable periods Moving between deeper winter holding areas and feeding zones in 10-14 foot depth range Congregating in protected areas during cold fronts, becoming more active during stable weather	Structure edges in 10-14 foot depth range where shad schools are present Deep brush piles near channel edges providing winter sanctuary Protected coves and bays with woody cover that offer warmer, stable water	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with shad-imitating crankbaits along structure edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are holding tight to cover Crappie Spider Rigging for precise depth control in cold conditions	Shad schools suspended in the water column Small baitfish relating to brush piles and timber edges	Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors
Winter	Catfish	36-45	Catfish concentrate in the deepest available water, particularly near the dam, seeking stable temperatures Reduced feeding activity but will actively feed during warming trends, especially in afternoons Fish become more lethargic and prefer slower-moving baits	Deep water sanctuary near dam area, particularly in 20-30 foot depths Deep channel edges with access to woody structure Deep water humps and ledges that provide vertical structure	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Live Bait Rigs Spoons	Suspended shad schools in deeper water Bottom-dwelling baitfish near structure Dead or dying shad during cold snaps	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Largemouth Bass	38-48	Bass are typically sluggish and concentrate in deeper water, moving slowly and preferring larger, easy-to-catch forage Fish tend to school more tightly in winter, often gathering around high-percentage structure areas with access to both deep water and vertical transitions	Deep main lake points near channel swings with access to 20+ feet of water Deeper brush piles and stumps fields, especially those adjacent to creek channels Offshore humps and rock piles that top out near deep water access	Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom contours Shakey Heads fished with subtle movements around structure Jerkbaits worked with long pauses over suspended fish	Suspended winter shad schools in deeper water Larger baitfish concentrated near channel edges Crawfish in deeper rock and brush areas	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Craw Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Clinton Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Main lake points and rocky areas near spawning locations	Windswept shorelines with good current
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Secondary points and channel swings leading to spawning tributaries	Transitional areas between deep winter haunts and spawning grounds, particularly near creek channels
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main river channel edges and points near spawning tributaries	Secondary points and creek mouths where bait schools congregate
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Flooded timber edges in 8-12 feet transitioning to spawning flats	Brush piles and structure near creek channels in 10-15 feet
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Creek channel intersections with main lake points, especially those near spawning flats	Flooded brush and timber areas in 8-15 feet of water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points leading into spawning coves with stumps or rock piles	Shallow water brush near deeper water access
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points and windswept shorelines with gravel or rock substrate	Shallow roadbeds and ledges near spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Creek mouths and tributary inlets where spawning runs occur	Secondary points and flats adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main river channel edges adjacent to spawning flats	Protected coves with gradual slopes for spawning
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Protected coves and bays with flooded timber, especially on the northern shorelines that warm first	Brush piles and woody structure in 4-8 feet of water
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Shallow flats adjacent to spawning areas with flooded brush and timber	Secondary points leading into spawning coves
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow coves with hard bottom and flooded brush	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Main lake flats near submerged roadbeds	Points and ledges transitioning to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Main lake points and ledges near spawning tributaries where fish stage during post-spawn transition	Offshore humps and structure in 10-20 foot depth range where shad schools congregate
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake points and channel edges adjacent to spawning tributaries	Mid-depth flats (10-20 feet) near deep water access
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Flooded timber edges where it intersects with deeper water	Brush piles in 10-14 foot depth range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Flooded brush and timber areas adjacent to deeper water	Ledges and humps near primary river channel
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points with access to deeper water near spawning bays	Flooded brush and stumps in 5-15 foot depth range
Summer	Walleye	Roadbeds and humps in 10-20 foot depth range, especially those adjacent to deeper water	Open water basin areas where shad schools are concentrated
Summer	White Bass	Dam area with congregating shad schools	Offshore humps in main lake
Summer	Striped Bass	Main lake ledges near river channels where shad schools concentrate	Deep water sanctuaries adjacent to primary points
Summer	Crappie	Deep brush piles and flooded timber edges in 15-25 foot depths	Main lake points and structure edges where shad schools congregate
Summer	Catfish	Main lake humps with access to deep water	Flooded brush and timber areas near deeper water
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Deep brush piles and stumps adjacent to points in 15-20 foot range	Offshore humps with nearby deep water access
Fall	Walleye	Main lake points and humps where shad schools are congregating	Windblown shorelines with nearby deep water access
Fall	White Bass	Offshore humps in 14-28 feet of water	Main lake points and ledges near deep water access
Fall	Striped Bass	Open water/basin areas where shad schools are present	River channel edges and deeper structural transitions
Fall	Crappie	Flooded timber edges where shad schools are present	Deep brush piles adjacent to channel swings in 10-14 foot depth
Fall	Catfish	Main lake points and channel edges where shad schools congregate	Flooded timber areas adjacent to deeper water
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Stumps and brush in 5-15 foot depth range near points	Secondary points with access to deeper water
Winter	Walleye	Windblown points with transitions between shallow and deep water	Protected bays where bait schools congregate
Winter	White Bass	Main lake ledges in 15-20 foot depth range	Offshore humps near deep water
Winter	Striped Bass	Deep river channels and main lake basin areas (20'+ depth)	Steep channel edges adjacent to large flats
Winter	Crappie	Structure edges in 10-14 foot depth range where shad schools are present	Deep brush piles near channel edges providing winter sanctuary
Winter	Catfish	Deep water sanctuary near dam area, particularly in 20-30 foot depths	Deep channel edges with access to woody structure
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Deep main lake points near channel swings with access to 20+ feet of water	Deeper brush piles and stumps fields, especially those adjacent to creek channels

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Shad schools concentrated in pre-spawn staging areas	Small baitfish gathering in warming shallows
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools concentrated in pre-spawn staging areas	Small baitfish gathering in warming shallow waters
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Shad schools staging in pre-spawn areas	Smaller baitfish moving shallow with warming water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad schools suspending near structure	Small bluegill and juvenile panfish in warming shallows
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools beginning to move shallow	Bottom-dwelling creatures becoming more active in warming waters
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn staging areas	Crawfish becoming more active as water warms
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Shad schools in transition areas	Small baitfish in spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools congregating near spawning areas	Small baitfish in tributary areas
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Shad schools in pre-spawn staging areas	Smaller baitfish in warming shallows
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shad concentrating in spawning bays	Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish in shallow areas
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Shad moving into spawning areas	Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling in pre-spawn areas	Bluegill becoming active in the shallows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Shad - primary forage based on recent reports	Young of year baitfish beginning to emerge
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools beginning to form in post-spawn patterns	Small baitfish gathering around points and structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Adult Shad schools recovering from their own spawn	Young-of-year baitfish beginning to show in warming waters
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad schools suspending near structure	Small bluegill in shallow brush
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools beginning to group up in post-winter patterns	Bottom-dwelling creatures like crawfish becoming more active
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools beginning to form in post-spawn patterns	Bluegill in shallow areas around cover
Summer	Walleye	Shad (primary forage based on multiple reports)	Young of year panfish in areas with cover
Summer	White Bass	Shad (primary forage based on all recent reports)	Other small baitfish in open water
Summer	Striped Bass	Shad schools concentrated in mid-depth ranges	Smaller baitfish suspending near thermocline
Summer	Crappie	Shad schools - primary forage base	Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish near brush
Summer	Catfish	Shad schools - primary forage based on recent reports	Smaller baitfish suspended near structure
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools concentrated around points and humps	Bluegill in shallow cover areas
Fall	Walleye	Shad schools transitioning between deep and shallow water	Scattered baitfish pods relating to structure
Fall	White Bass	Shad schools concentrated in mid-depth water	Smaller baitfish suspending near structure
Fall	Striped Bass	Shad (primary forage based on multiple reports)	Other suspended baitfish
Fall	Crappie	Shad (primary forage based on all reports)	Small bluegills and young-of-year fish
Fall	Catfish	Shad (primary forage, especially during fall migration)	Sunfish species in the timber areas
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools in shallow to mid-depth ranges	Secondary forage such as bluegill near cover
Winter	Walleye	Shad schools as primary forage, concentrated in specific depth zones	Suspended baitfish in open water areas
Winter	White Bass	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water	Suspended baitfish near structure
Winter	Striped Bass	Schooling Shad	Suspended Baitfish
Winter	Crappie	Shad schools suspended in the water column	Small baitfish relating to brush piles and timber edges
Winter	Catfish	Suspended shad schools in deeper water	Bottom-dwelling baitfish near structure
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Suspended winter shad schools in deeper water	Larger baitfish concentrated near channel edges

Bait Colors by Season for Clinton Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Walleye	Metallic Colors Natural Shad Colors
Summer	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Pink Colors
Summer	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors Purple Colors
Summer	Catfish	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Walleye	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Firetiger
Fall	White Bass	Metallic Colors Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Striped Bass	Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors
Fall	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Catfish	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Walleye	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Crappie	Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors
Winter	Catfish	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Craw Colors