How to Fish Club West Pond : Best Patterns & Techniques | Omnia Fishing

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Club West Pond

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 12, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Club West Pond

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-65	Pre-spawn bass are transitioning from winter patterns to spawning areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are moving from deeper wintering areas to shallower staging areas, becoming more active as water temperatures rise Aggressive feeding periods during stable weather, with fish relating heavily to emerging vegetation and warmer pockets	Secondary points and flats adjacent to spawning bays where vegetation is beginning to emerge Shallow coves with early vegetation growth, especially on the northern side where water warms faster Transition areas between 5-8 feet deep where emerging vegetation meets deeper water	Bladed Jigs worked steadily through emerging vegetation Lipless Crankbaits parallel to vegetation edges Soft Jerkbaits worked with long pauses near vegetation	Bluegill beginning to become more active in shallow areas Small baitfish schooling near emerging vegetation Crawfish becoming more active as water warms	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	42-52	Pike are actively seeking shallow, warmer areas for spawning preparation, particularly around emerging vegetation and flooded areas Aggressive feeding patterns as fish build energy reserves for spawning, with increased activity during warmer parts of the day	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 3-5 feet of water Points and channel edges adjacent to spawning areas Protected areas with dark bottom composition that warm quickly	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through emerging vegetation Spinnerbaits retrieved with moderate speed parallel to vegetation edges Inline Spinners worked in open pockets between vegetation	Bluegills congregating in warming shallows Young of year panfish in emerging weed growth Smaller pike and various minnow species	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	58-68	Bluegill moving from winter depths to warmer, shallower pre-spawn staging areas near vegetation and spawning flats Actively feeding during warming trends, especially during mid-afternoon when water temperatures peak Forming loose schools around structure and vegetation edges as they prepare for spawning season	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 3-8 feet of water Protected areas near docks with morning sun exposure Transition areas between deeper winter haunts and spawning flats	Live Bait Rigs with small hooks and split shots for natural presentation Ice Fishing Jigs worked slowly near vegetation edges Bobbers with suspended baits at varying depths to find active fish	Small aquatic insects and larvae becoming active with warming water Emerging vegetation providing grazing opportunities Young-of-year baitfish starting to appear	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Bass are transitioning into spawning areas, actively searching for and establishing nesting sites in protected areas with vegetation Fish showing selective feeding patterns, particularly active during warming trends and more likely to strike during afternoon hours when water temperatures peak	Matted grass edges and submerged vegetation in shallow water Protected shoreline areas with emerging vegetation Secondary points near spawning pockets	Texas Rigs (Worming) with weightless presentation for shallow vegetation Bladed Jigs worked steadily through sparse vegetation Wacky Rigs for finesse presentation during tough conditions	Bluegill beginning to move shallow for their own spawning activities Young of year baitfish emerging in vegetated areas	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	40-55	Northern Pike are in shallow, warmer bays and backwater areas for spawning, typically moving in when water temperatures reach 40-50°F Fish are aggressive but territorial during spawn, defending specific areas around vegetation and structure Post-spawn fish remain shallow but begin actively feeding to recover energy	Shallow, weedy bays with emerging vegetation Protected areas near the channel where depth transitions from 2-5 feet Points and shoreline areas with remaining submerged vegetation from previous season	Spinnerbaits worked slowly through shallow vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve near spawning areas Inline Spinners cast parallel to weedlines and points	Bluegills concentrated in similar shallow areas Small pike and yellow perch in spawning areas Minnows moving into warming shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Bluegill moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly in and around submerged vegetation beds where they will create and defend nesting colonies Males becoming increasingly aggressive and territorial as they prepare and guard spawning beds	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom and vegetation patches, ideal for spawning colonies Areas near docks with adjacent vegetation, providing both cover and spawning habitat Shallow coves with submerged vegetation in 2-4 feet of water	Bobbers with small live bait or artificial presentations, suspended just above vegetation Ice Fishing Jigs (small finesse presentations) worked slowly around spawning beds Inline Spinners retrieved slowly near vegetation edges	Small aquatic insects and larvae Zooplankton Small crustaceans	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	63-75	Bass are actively feeding and responding to faster-moving baits as they recover from spawn, particularly during warm, partly cloudy conditions Fish are utilizing emerging vegetation as primary cover, with varying activity levels depending on daily conditions	Edges of emerging submerged vegetation in 5-8 feet of water Shoreline areas with developing weed growth Points and coves with early-season vegetation	Bladed Jigs worked through and over emerging vegetation Ned Rigs for less active fish or tough conditions Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) as a weedless option in thicker vegetation	Bluegill beginning to spawn in shallow areas Young of year baitfish emerging in vegetation	Vibrant Assorted Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	55-68	Post-spawn pike are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily targeting bluegill schools in and around emerging vegetation Fish are making frequent transitions between shallow warming bays and slightly deeper adjacent areas (5-8 ft) as they follow forage	Emerging weed edges in 5-8 foot depth range, especially near points or channel bends Shallow bays with developing vegetation, particularly where they meet deeper water Main channel edges where pike can ambush prey moving between shallow and deeper water	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges, varying retrieve speed to trigger reaction strikes Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled through transition areas between shallow and deep water Inline Spinners retrieved steadily through emerging vegetation in warmer shallow bays	Bluegill concentrating in emerging weed growth Young-of-year baitfish beginning to school in warming shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	68-75	Post-spawn bluegill transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish relating strongly to submerged vegetation edges and dock structures, moving between shallow and slightly deeper water throughout the day	Edges of thick vegetation in 4-8 feet of water Dock areas with nearby vegetation Protected coves with emerging weed growth	Bobbers with precise depth control for suspended fish Live Bait Rigs worked slowly through vegetation edges Micro Crankbaits near dock structures	Small insects and larvae emerging in vegetation Small crustaceans in weed beds Newly hatched fry	Light Neutral Colors Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	75-85	Bass are actively feeding in and around submerged vegetation, with reports showing success on slow-worked soft plastics Fish are showing typical summer patterns, holding tight to cover during bright, warm conditions and requiring precise presentations	Thick submerged vegetation beds in 5-8 feet of water Vegetation edges where weeds meet slightly deeper water Protected shoreline areas with vegetation	Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly through vegetation Grass Jigs pitched to vegetation pockets Bladed Jigs along weed edges for more aggressive fish	Bluegill - specifically mentioned in reports as primary forage Young-of-year baitfish in vegetation	Green Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	68-82	Pike are actively patrolling weed edges and pockets in 5-8 ft depth range, using vegetation as ambush points During peak heat, fish move to slightly deeper sections of weed beds or suspend near channel edges Most aggressive feeding occurs during early morning and evening hours when temperatures are moderate	Weed edges and pockets in 5-8 ft depth range Main channel edges where they intersect with weed beds Points with submerged vegetation	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) through weed pockets Bladed Jigs with aggressive retrieves near vegetation	Bluegill schools in and around vegetation Small bass sharing similar habitat Various smaller panfish species	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	75-85	Bluegill are actively schooling in warm water conditions, with peak activity observed at 82°F Fish are seeking shade and protection during sunny conditions, congregating around dock structures and thick vegetation	Docks with surrounding vegetation, particularly in shaded areas Thick vegetation patches in 3-8 feet of water Protected coves with complex structure	Bobbers with small hooks and natural presentations Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs	Aquatic insects and larvae Small crustaceans Zooplankton	Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Club West Pond

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	52-65	Bass are transitioning to shallower areas along shorelines, following baitfish movements as vegetation dies off Feeding activity becomes more concentrated during low-light periods, with increased activity after dark	Shallow banks with remaining vegetation in 5-8 feet of water Points and shoreline transitions where dying vegetation meets harder bottom Protected coves and pockets that hold warmer water and baitfish	Bladed Jigs worked slowly along shallow vegetation edges Texas Rigs (Worming) worked methodically through remaining vegetation Spinnerbaits parallel to shoreline during low light conditions	Bluegill concentrating near remaining vegetation Baitfish schools moving shallow with cooling water	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Assorted Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	45-65	Pike are becoming less active with cooling water temperatures, but still responding to flash and vibration from moving baits Fish are likely transitioning from dying vegetation to remaining green weeds and main lake structure	Remaining patches of green submerged vegetation, especially near deeper water access Main lake channel edges where vegetation meets deeper water Points and bays that serve as ambush locations	Bladed Jigs worked with a steady retrieve through and around vegetation Spinnerbaits parallel to weed edges and through remaining vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along channel edges and points	Bluegills concentrated in remaining vegetation Small pike and other baitfish schooling in deeper water	Vibrant Assorted Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	55-68	Bluegill are transitioning to deeper water as temperatures cool, but still actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter Schools becoming more concentrated around key structure, particularly near the intersection of vegetation and deeper water	Deep edges of vegetation where it meets deeper water Dock areas with nearby access to deeper water Protected coves with remaining vegetation	Hover/Mid-Strolling with small jigs around vegetation edges Bobbers adjusted to suspended depth near structure Live Bait Rigs with small hooks for finicky fall fish	Small aquatic insects Remaining vegetation-dwelling invertebrates Zooplankton in deeper water columns	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	45-58	Pike are concentrating in remaining vegetation edges and deeper water adjacent to dying weed beds, actively feeding during stable weather periods Fish are following schools of bluegill and other panfish as they move to late-season holding areas	Deep weed edges adjacent to main lake channel in 8-12 feet Points and inside turns where vegetation meets deeper water Secondary breaks near remaining green vegetation in 5-8 foot range	Blade Baits worked with controlled lifts near vegetation edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled along weed edges Spinnerbaits retrieved steadily just above remaining vegetation	Schooled bluegills moving to winter holding areas Young-of-year baitfish congregating near remaining vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	38-45	Bluegill move to deeper, more stable water areas during winter, typically suspending near structure in 15-25 foot ranges Feeding activity becomes more concentrated during mid-day hours when water temperatures are slightly higher Schools become tighter and more concentrated in winter, making them easier to target once located	Deep edges of submerged vegetation where it transitions to open water Deeper dock areas, especially those near depth changes Mid-lake deeper basins with structure or woody debris	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Ice Fishing Jigs Live Bait Rigs	Small aquatic insects Zooplankton Dormant aquatic invertebrates	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	33-39	Pike concentrate near remaining green vegetation edges and established travel routes between deeper basins and feeding zones Feeding activity is most intense during early morning and late afternoon, with fish becoming more lethargic during extreme cold periods Fish rely heavily on lateral line sensing in low light conditions under ice	Deep edges of remaining vegetation in 5-8 ft range where it meets the main lake channel Points and inside turns that intersect with the defined deeper water run Areas where bluegill schools concentrate near structure in moderate depths	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned at varying depths Ice Fishing Spoons worked with aggressive jigging followed by longer pauses Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows and worked slowly near structure	Schooled Bluegills concentrated in winter locations Small pike and yellow perch utilizing similar habitat Remaining baitfish schools in deeper water	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Chartreuse Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	34-39	Bluegill school tightly in deeper water during ice season, often suspending near submerged vegetation edges Feeding activity is most intense during morning and evening periods, with fish staying relatively stationary throughout the day	Deep edges of submerged vegetation in 12-15 foot range Deeper holes near dock areas where summer concentrations were noted Transition areas between thick vegetation and open water	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just above the fish Ice Fishing Spoons with erratic action to trigger reaction strikes Live Bait Rigs with small tungsten jigs for finicky fish	Small aquatic insects and larvae Zooplankton Tiny crustaceans	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Club West Pond

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points and flats adjacent to spawning bays where vegetation is beginning to emerge	Shallow coves with early vegetation growth, especially on the northern side where water warms faster
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 3-5 feet of water	Points and channel edges adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 3-8 feet of water	Protected areas near docks with morning sun exposure
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Matted grass edges and submerged vegetation in shallow water	Protected shoreline areas with emerging vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow, weedy bays with emerging vegetation	Protected areas near the channel where depth transitions from 2-5 feet
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom and vegetation patches, ideal for spawning colonies	Areas near docks with adjacent vegetation, providing both cover and spawning habitat
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Edges of emerging submerged vegetation in 5-8 feet of water	Shoreline areas with developing weed growth
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Emerging weed edges in 5-8 foot depth range, especially near points or channel bends	Shallow bays with developing vegetation, particularly where they meet deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Edges of thick vegetation in 4-8 feet of water	Dock areas with nearby vegetation
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Thick submerged vegetation beds in 5-8 feet of water	Vegetation edges where weeds meet slightly deeper water
Summer	Northern Pike	Weed edges and pockets in 5-8 ft depth range	Main channel edges where they intersect with weed beds
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Docks with surrounding vegetation, particularly in shaded areas	Thick vegetation patches in 3-8 feet of water
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shallow banks with remaining vegetation in 5-8 feet of water	Points and shoreline transitions where dying vegetation meets harder bottom
Fall	Northern Pike	Remaining patches of green submerged vegetation, especially near deeper water access	Main lake channel edges where vegetation meets deeper water
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep edges of vegetation where it meets deeper water	Dock areas with nearby access to deeper water
Winter	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges adjacent to main lake channel in 8-12 feet	Points and inside turns where vegetation meets deeper water
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep edges of submerged vegetation where it transitions to open water	Deeper dock areas, especially those near depth changes
Ice	Northern Pike	Deep edges of remaining vegetation in 5-8 ft range where it meets the main lake channel	Points and inside turns that intersect with the defined deeper water run
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep edges of submerged vegetation in 12-15 foot range	Deeper holes near dock areas where summer concentrations were noted

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill beginning to become more active in shallow areas	Small baitfish schooling near emerging vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegills congregating in warming shallows	Young of year panfish in emerging weed growth
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae becoming active with warming water	Emerging vegetation providing grazing opportunities
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill beginning to move shallow for their own spawning activities	Young of year baitfish emerging in vegetated areas
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegills concentrated in similar shallow areas	Small pike and yellow perch in spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Zooplankton
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill beginning to spawn in shallow areas	Young of year baitfish emerging in vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegill concentrating in emerging weed growth	Young-of-year baitfish beginning to school in warming shallows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae emerging in vegetation	Small crustaceans in weed beds
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill - specifically mentioned in reports as primary forage	Young-of-year baitfish in vegetation
Summer	Northern Pike	Bluegill schools in and around vegetation	Small bass sharing similar habitat
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects and larvae	Small crustaceans
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating near remaining vegetation	Baitfish schools moving shallow with cooling water
Fall	Northern Pike	Bluegills concentrated in remaining vegetation	Small pike and other baitfish schooling in deeper water
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects	Remaining vegetation-dwelling invertebrates
Winter	Northern Pike	Schooled bluegills moving to winter holding areas	Young-of-year baitfish congregating near remaining vegetation
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects	Zooplankton
Ice	Northern Pike	Schooled Bluegills concentrated in winter locations	Small pike and yellow perch utilizing similar habitat
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Zooplankton

Bait Colors by Season for Club West Pond

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Assorted Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Light Neutral Colors Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Green Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Assorted Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	Vibrant Assorted Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Chartreuse Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals

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