How to Fish Coeur d'Alene Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

Coeur d'Alene Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 29, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Coeur d'Alene Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	45-55	Staging in pre-spawn areas near spawning flats, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Moving between deeper points and shallow feeding zones, especially during warmer parts of the day Showing aggressive feeding behavior in 3-10 foot depth range, particularly around hard structure	Rocky points transitioning to spawning flats Rip rap banks and pilings in 3-10 foot range Clean water areas near deeper water access	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly near structure Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') around hard cover Lipless Crankbaits in areas with cleaner water	Perch Bluegill Crawfish becoming active in warming water	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	45-55	Largemouth bass are actively transitioning to shallow water (2-7 ft) as they prepare for spawning, showing increased aggression toward moving baits in warming conditions Fish are positioning near submerged vegetation and utilizing these areas as staging points before spawning, actively feeding during sunny periods	Shallow flats with submerged vegetation in 2-7 feet of water Protected coves and bays with early warming potential Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Spinnerbaits worked slowly through shallow vegetation Bladed Jigs (Chatterbaits) with steady retrieves near cover Lipless Crankbaits worked over emerging vegetation	Bluegill in shallow water near vegetation Young of year perch in staging areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	42-52	Pike are moving from winter deep-water areas to shallow spawning bays, becoming more active as water temperatures rise Feeding activity increases as pike prepare for spawning, with aggressive strikes during prime feeding windows	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 3-8 feet of water Transition areas between deep wintering areas and spawning bays Rocky points and shorelines adjacent to spawning areas	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through transition areas Spinnerbaits retrieved steadily in shallow bays Live Bait Rigs near deep-to-shallow transitions	Yellow Perch gathering in pre-spawn areas Baitfish schools in transition areas Various minnow species moving shallow	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	38-48	Pre-spawn yellow perch actively moving from deeper wintering areas to shallower spawning grounds, typically following underwater points and gradual slopes Fish forming loose schools, becoming more aggressive in feeding as water temperatures rise and spawning approaches Feeding activity increases during daylight hours, particularly during mid-morning and late afternoon	Shallow weed edges and emerging vegetation in 4-12 feet of water Rocky points and gradual slopes leading to spawning areas Protected bays and coves with firm bottom composition	Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly near bottom Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with subtle movements Live Bait Rigs with minnows or worms near structure	Small minnows and baitfish Aquatic insects emerging from winter dormancy Small invertebrates near bottom structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	45-58	Bluegill moving from winter deep water areas towards shallow warming bays and coves, staging near emerging vegetation in 4-8 ft Actively feeding during warmer parts of day, especially near structure that provides both cover and warmth absorption	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 2-7 ft of water Docks and pilings adjacent to deeper water Shallow flats near submerged vegetation with southern exposure	Bobbers with light wire hooks suspended 2-4 feet deep Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around dock pilings Ice Fishing Jigs worked slowly near structure	Small aquatic insects and larvae Tiny crustaceans Small perch fry	Dark Neutrals Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-62	Pre-spawn to spawning smallmouth bass moving from winter depths to staging areas and eventually to nesting sites in 2-8 feet of water Males becoming increasingly territorial and aggressive as they prepare and guard nests Feeding actively but opportunistically between spawning activities, with a focus on defending territory	Protected shallow bays with hard bottom and scattered rock Secondary points leading into spawning bays Rock piles and boulder fields in 4-8 feet of water	Tubes worked slowly around rock piles and potential nest sites Ned Rigs fished with subtle movements near staging areas Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses along secondary points	Yellow Perch moving shallow with spawning smallmouth Crayfish becoming more active in warming water	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	46-65	Largemouth bass are moving into shallow spawning areas (2-7 ft) as water temperatures approach mid-40s, staging near spawning flats and beginning nest creation Fish are becoming increasingly aggressive and territorial as they prepare for and protect spawning sites, particularly around vegetation and shallow cover	Protected shallow bays and coves with 2-7 foot depths, especially those with vegetation Secondary points leading into spawning bays Areas with lily pad roots and submerged vegetation in shallow water	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) worked slowly around shallow cover and vegetation Soft Jerkbaits presented with subtle movements near spawning areas Spinnerbaits worked slowly along the edges of vegetation and spawning flats	Bluegill concentrating in shallow spawning areas Perch moving into similar shallow zones Smaller baitfish utilizing emerging vegetation for cover	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	42-62	Northern Pike are in pre and post-spawn patterns, moving into shallow bays and backwater areas with emerging vegetation Fish are aggressive and territorial during spawning, with peak activity during warmer afternoons	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 2-6 feet of water Transition areas between spawning bays and deeper water Protected coves with stable temperatures	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) Spinnerbaits Live Bait Rigs	Yellow Perch Small Pike Various Minnow Species	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	44-52	Moving into shallow weedy areas and rocky zones (2-7ft) for spawning activities, often in large schools Males arrive first to spawning grounds, followed by egg-laden females Active feeding periods during dawn and dusk, with decreased activity during peak spawning	Shallow weed beds and emerging vegetation in 2-7 foot depths Rocky areas with gravel or small stone bottom in protected bays Transition areas between weeds and harder bottom near spawning sites	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom near spawning areas Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with steady retrieve Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with light jigs	Small invertebrates and zooplankton Newly hatched baitfish Aquatic insects	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	62-75	Actively moving into shallow spawning areas (2-7 ft) near vegetation and man-made structure as water temperatures rise Males aggressively guarding nesting sites while females stage slightly deeper, moving in and out of spawning areas Feeding opportunistically on small insects and zooplankton around vegetation	Shallow bays with lily pads and submerged vegetation in 2-7 ft of water Protected areas between docks and pilings with nearby vegetation Shallow coves with dark bottom composition for warmth	Bobbers with light jigs suspended at spawning depth Live Bait Rigs worked slowly through spawning areas Finesse Hair Jigs cast to visible beds	Small insects and larvae around vegetation Zooplankton in shallow water column Small crustaceans near bottom structure	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-65	Post-spawn smallmouth bass are actively feeding to recover energy, utilizing areas between shallow and deep water for efficient foraging Fish are showing aggressive pursuit behaviors, chasing prey from shallows to deeper water as evidenced by recent dock fishing success	Protected areas between docks with access to deeper water Rocky points and transitions near spawning bays Hard structure in 7-12 foot depth range	Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked from shallow to deep Tubes worked along dock edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for actively feeding fish	Yellow Perch - primary forage confirmed in multiple reports Small Baitfish transitioning from spawning areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-68	Post-spawn largemouth bass are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy in mid-60s water temperatures Fish are relating heavily to vegetation, particularly lily pads, using these areas as ambush points for feeding on bluegill	Lily pad fields in 2-7 foot depth range Shallow vegetation adjacent to spawning flats Complex shoreline areas with coves and points containing emergent vegetation	Swim Jigs with craw trailers worked through vegetation Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around lily pad stems and thick cover Spinnerbaits parallel to weed edges	Bluegill gathering in shallow vegetation Young of year baitfish beginning to emerge Crawfish active in warming shallows	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	45-62	Post-spawn pike are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily during early morning and evening hours Fish are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to emerging weed edges and points, following warming water patterns Aggressive feeding behavior when targeting schools of perch in 8-15 foot depth ranges	Emerging weed edges adjacent to spawning bays Rocky points with access to deeper water Shallow flats with developing vegetation in 5-15 feet of water	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to emerging weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve near points Trolling Shallow (0-9') along depth transitions	Yellow Perch congregating near developing weed growth Various baitfish species moving shallow with warming water	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	48-62	Post-spawn yellow perch are actively feeding to recover energy, forming loose schools in transitional areas between spawning grounds and summer habitat Fish are moving from shallow spawning areas to slightly deeper water, following emerging vegetation and increasing baitfish activity	Emerging weed edges in 8-15 foot depths Secondary points with mixed rock and vegetation Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water	Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly along weed edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with light jigs near structure Live Bait Rigs with minnows near transitional areas	Small minnows and emerging fry Aquatic insects and larvae Young of the year baitfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	58-68	Post-spawn bluegills are actively feeding to recover energy, moving between shallow vegetation and slightly deeper adjacent areas Fish are establishing summer feeding patterns, utilizing docks and vegetation edges as primary feeding zones	Vegetation edges in 2-7 feet of water, especially near lily pads Dock areas with nearby vegetation Protected coves with emerging vegetation	Bobbers with small jigs worked slowly around vegetation edges Live Bait Rigs near dock pilings and vegetation Micro Crankbaits worked parallel to weedlines	Small aquatic insects and larvae Small crustaceans Juvenile perch	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	70-75	Actively feeding on perch in 20-30 foot depths, with early morning shallow activity and midday suspension Following baitfish schools throughout the day, particularly relating to structure and drop-offs	Deep structure in 20-30 feet adjacent to spawning pockets Rocky humps and points with access to deep water Areas with concentrated baitfish schools, especially perch	Drop Shot with finesse baits in 20-30 feet Hover/Mid-Strolling with jighead and minnow presentations Soft jerkshads on 3/16-1/4 oz jigheads for early morning	Perch - primary forage based on multiple reports Kokanee - mentioned as suspended baitfish target General baitfish schools in deeper water	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Natural Shad Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-78	Actively feeding on perch and bluegill in and around shallow vegetation, particularly during morning and evening hours Establishing resident patterns around lily pads and grass mats, using these areas as primary ambush points	Lily pad fields and grass mats in 2-4 feet of water Edges of weed beds adjacent to deeper water Protected coves with abundant vegetation	Frogs/Toads walked slowly through openings in lily pads and grass mats Swim Jigs worked through vegetation edges Buzzbaits early morning and late evening around vegetation	Perch actively present in shallow vegetation Bluegill populations in and around lily pads	Natural Craw Colors Light Neutral Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Northern Pike	68-78	Pike are actively feeding during early morning and evening hours, with reduced activity during peak heat of midday Fish are relating to weed edges and submerged vegetation, moving between shallow and deeper water (15-30 feet) depending on temperature and time of day	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, especially near points and bays Submerged vegetation in 15-20 foot depth range Rocky shorelines with access to deeper water	Trolling Shallow (0-9') along weed edges during morning and evening Spinnerbaits worked through vegetation gaps Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) for covering water and targeting active fish	Yellow Perch Various Baitfish Young-of-year gamefish	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Yellow Perch	65-75	Perch form large schools in deeper water (20-30 feet) during summer months, following the thermocline and staying near structure Actively feeding during early morning and evening hours, with reduced activity during bright midday periods Schools move between deep structure and adjacent feeding areas near weed edges	Deep weed edges in 15-25 foot range where vegetation meets deeper water Rocky points and structures in 20-30 foot depths Submerged vegetation adjacent to deeper water	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Drop Shot Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Small baitfish and juvenile fish Aquatic invertebrates near weed edges Juvenile kokanee in deeper water	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Green Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	68-75	Bluegills actively feeding in and around shallow vegetation and dock areas, with peak activity during early morning and evening hours Fish moving between depths of 2-7 feet depending on sun position, seeking shade under docks and lily pads during bright midday periods	Lily pad fields and submerged vegetation in 2-4 feet of water Dock areas with adjacent vegetation in 4-7 feet of water Protected coves with a mix of vegetation and structure	Bobbers with small jigs suspended 2-4 feet below surface around vegetation Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding tight to dock structures Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') when fish are holding deeper during midday	Small insects and larvae around vegetation Small perch fry Aquatic invertebrates	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Coeur d'Alene Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	48-65	Aggressively feeding on perch and other baitfish to build energy reserves for winter, with most active periods during mid-morning and afternoon as waters warm Moving between deep main lake structures and shallower feeding zones, following baitfish schools and responding to cooling water temperatures	Main lake rock piles and points in 15-25 foot depth range Steep breaks near shoreline structure transitioning from shallow to deep water Dock areas with access to deep water, especially those with rock or gravel bottoms	Drop Shot with finesse baits worked slowly along deep structure Blade Baits worked vertically through baitfish schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily through transition areas	Yellow Perch schooling in deeper water Smaller baitfish species congregating near structure Juvenile crayfish still active on rocky structures	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	52-68	Actively feeding on baitfish and transitioning from shallow to mid-depth areas, following forage movements Relating heavily to remaining vegetation edges and points where they intersect deeper water Schooling behavior increases, with fish gathering around high-percentage areas with abundant forage	Deep weed edges adjacent to points and flats Secondary points with access to deeper water Remaining lily pad fields near deeper water access	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges and through remaining vegetation Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') parallel to breaklines Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for mimicking fleeing baitfish	Bluegill concentrating near remaining vegetation Perch schooling along deep weed edges Young-of-year baitfish in schools	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	52-65	Pike are exhibiting typical fall feeding patterns, actively hunting near rocky shorelines and weed edges, particularly during low-light periods like sunset as evidenced by recent reports Fish are transitioning between shallow and deeper water (15-30 feet) following forage movements, with increased activity near structure-rich areas	Rocky shorelines with access to deeper water (15-30 feet), as confirmed by recent successful trolling reports Submerged vegetation edges, particularly those adjacent to deeper water, where recent catches have occurred Points and ledges where depth transitions create ambush opportunities	Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) trolled along rocky shorelines, which proved successful in recent reports Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along weed edges and depth transitions Spinnerbaits worked through and around submerged vegetation	Perch, confirmed as primary forage by recent catch reports and lake profile Other baitfish, suggested by successful use of shad-colored baits in reports	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors
Fall	Yellow Perch	45-65	Yellow perch begin schooling more tightly in fall, moving from summer deep water areas to shallower feeding zones Aggressive feeding behavior increases as perch prepare for winter, with most active periods during early morning and late afternoon	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water in 8-15 foot range Rocky points and submerged structure near deep-water access Protected coves with remaining vegetation	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) Live Bait Rigs	Small baitfish and juvenile perch Aquatic invertebrates near vegetation Remaining crayfish in rocky areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	48-62	Bluegill are transitioning to deeper water structures (4-12 feet) as water temperatures cool, grouping up near submerged vegetation edges and dock areas Feeding becomes more concentrated during midday hours when water temperatures peak, with fish actively pursuing small invertebrates and remaining forage	Deep edges of lily pad fields and submerged vegetation in 4-7 feet Dock pilings with nearby deep water access Protected coves with remaining vegetation near deeper water	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Ice Fishing Jigs	Small invertebrates and insects near vegetation Young-of-year perch Remaining aquatic larvae and bloodworms	Dark Neutrals Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	38-45	Pike become more lethargic, conserving energy and focusing on larger, easier-to-catch prey items Feeding windows are shorter but more intense, typically during midday when water temperatures peak Fish tend to suspend near the thermocline or congregate in areas with remaining green vegetation	Deep weed edges adjacent to steep breaks (15-25 feet) Rocky points and shorelines near deep water access Warm water bays with remaining green vegetation	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) Blade Baits	Yellow Perch Suspended Baitfish Schools	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Yellow Perch	38-45	Yellow perch are actively schooling in deeper water (20-30 feet), typically near the edges of submerged vegetation or along deep structural elements Feeding patterns are concentrated during dawn and dusk periods, with schools moving between deeper holding areas and feeding zones	Deep weed edges in 20-30 foot range, especially near points or bay intersections Submerged rock piles adjacent to deep water Deep basin areas where schools suspend over open water	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Damiki Rig	Small baitfish, particularly juvenile kokanee Aquatic invertebrates near weed edges Smaller yellow perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	45-55	Bluegill are concentrating in and around submerged vegetation in 2-7 ft depths, seeking both cover and feeding opportunities Fish are showing more active feeding periods during mid-day when water temperatures peak	Submerged vegetation beds in 2-7 foot depths, particularly near drop-offs Dock areas with pilings that provide structure and cover Protected coves and bays with remaining vegetation	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Micro Crankbaits	Small aquatic insects Zooplankton Small minnows	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	33-39	Pike are actively feeding in shallower bays and along weed edges, typically in 8-15 foot depth range during stable weather Fish become more lethargic during cold fronts, moving to slightly deeper water near structure Feeding windows are shorter but more intense, typically during mid-morning and late afternoon	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, particularly in 12-15 foot range Shallow bays with remaining green vegetation in 8-12 feet Points and breaklines near primary perch wintering areas	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned at various depths Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with large profile baits	Yellow Perch schooling in mid-depth ranges Smaller pike and other baitfish relating to remaining weed growth Opportunistic feeding on winterkill-stressed baitfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Yellow Perch	32-40	Schooling near submerged vegetation in winter, actively feeding on small invertebrates and minnows Movement patterns are more localized during ice season, with fish remaining in productive areas near weed edges	Edges of submerged vegetation beds in 8-15 foot depths Transitions between weeds and harder bottom areas Protected bays with healthy weed growth	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just above the weeds Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging to attract schools Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set with live minnows along weed edges	Small invertebrates in weed beds Young-of-year baitfish Zooplankton concentrations near weed edges	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	33-38	Concentrated in areas with submerged vegetation, particularly around the 2-7 foot depth range where winter perch and bluegill congregate Less active during midday, with peak feeding periods typically occurring during early morning and late afternoon Sharing habitat with yellow perch, often found in loose schools near the bottom	Submerged vegetation beds in 2-7 foot depths Areas near dock pilings with remnant vegetation Shallow bays with persistent weed growth	Ice Fishing Jigs worked slowly with subtle movements Ice Fishing Spoons jigged to attract attention and trigger reaction strikes Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or waxworms	Small aquatic insects and larvae Microscopic zooplankton Tiny minnows and young-of-year fish	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Coeur d'Alene Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points transitioning to spawning flats	Rip rap banks and pilings in 3-10 foot range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shallow flats with submerged vegetation in 2-7 feet of water	Protected coves and bays with early warming potential
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 3-8 feet of water	Transition areas between deep wintering areas and spawning bays
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Shallow weed edges and emerging vegetation in 4-12 feet of water	Rocky points and gradual slopes leading to spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 2-7 ft of water	Docks and pilings adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Protected shallow bays with hard bottom and scattered rock	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow bays and coves with 2-7 foot depths, especially those with vegetation	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 2-6 feet of water	Transition areas between spawning bays and deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Shallow weed beds and emerging vegetation in 2-7 foot depths	Rocky areas with gravel or small stone bottom in protected bays
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Shallow bays with lily pads and submerged vegetation in 2-7 ft of water	Protected areas between docks and pilings with nearby vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Protected areas between docks with access to deeper water	Rocky points and transitions near spawning bays
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Lily pad fields in 2-7 foot depth range	Shallow vegetation adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Emerging weed edges adjacent to spawning bays	Rocky points with access to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Emerging weed edges in 8-15 foot depths	Secondary points with mixed rock and vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Vegetation edges in 2-7 feet of water, especially near lily pads	Dock areas with nearby vegetation
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Deep structure in 20-30 feet adjacent to spawning pockets	Rocky humps and points with access to deep water
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Lily pad fields and grass mats in 2-4 feet of water	Edges of weed beds adjacent to deeper water
Summer	Northern Pike	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, especially near points and bays	Submerged vegetation in 15-20 foot depth range
Summer	Yellow Perch	Deep weed edges in 15-25 foot range where vegetation meets deeper water	Rocky points and structures in 20-30 foot depths
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Lily pad fields and submerged vegetation in 2-4 feet of water	Dock areas with adjacent vegetation in 4-7 feet of water
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake rock piles and points in 15-25 foot depth range	Steep breaks near shoreline structure transitioning from shallow to deep water
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Deep weed edges adjacent to points and flats	Secondary points with access to deeper water
Fall	Northern Pike	Rocky shorelines with access to deeper water (15-30 feet), as confirmed by recent successful trolling reports	Submerged vegetation edges, particularly those adjacent to deeper water, where recent catches have occurred
Fall	Yellow Perch	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water in 8-15 foot range	Rocky points and submerged structure near deep-water access
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep edges of lily pad fields and submerged vegetation in 4-7 feet	Dock pilings with nearby deep water access
Winter	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges adjacent to steep breaks (15-25 feet)	Rocky points and shorelines near deep water access
Winter	Yellow Perch	Deep weed edges in 20-30 foot range, especially near points or bay intersections	Submerged rock piles adjacent to deep water
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Submerged vegetation beds in 2-7 foot depths, particularly near drop-offs	Dock areas with pilings that provide structure and cover
Ice	Northern Pike	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, particularly in 12-15 foot range	Shallow bays with remaining green vegetation in 8-12 feet
Ice	Yellow Perch	Edges of submerged vegetation beds in 8-15 foot depths	Transitions between weeds and harder bottom areas
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Submerged vegetation beds in 2-7 foot depths	Areas near dock pilings with remnant vegetation

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Perch	Bluegill
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in shallow water near vegetation	Young of year perch in staging areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Yellow Perch gathering in pre-spawn areas	Baitfish schools in transition areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small minnows and baitfish	Aquatic insects emerging from winter dormancy
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Tiny crustaceans
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Yellow Perch moving shallow with spawning smallmouth	Crayfish becoming more active in warming water
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating in shallow spawning areas	Perch moving into similar shallow zones
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Yellow Perch	Small Pike
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small invertebrates and zooplankton	Newly hatched baitfish
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae around vegetation	Zooplankton in shallow water column
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Yellow Perch - primary forage confirmed in multiple reports	Small Baitfish transitioning from spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill gathering in shallow vegetation	Young of year baitfish beginning to emerge
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Yellow Perch congregating near developing weed growth	Various baitfish species moving shallow with warming water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small minnows and emerging fry	Aquatic insects and larvae
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Small crustaceans
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Perch - primary forage based on multiple reports	Kokanee - mentioned as suspended baitfish target
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Perch actively present in shallow vegetation	Bluegill populations in and around lily pads
Summer	Northern Pike	Yellow Perch	Various Baitfish
Summer	Yellow Perch	Small baitfish and juvenile fish	Aquatic invertebrates near weed edges
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae around vegetation	Small perch fry
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Yellow Perch schooling in deeper water	Smaller baitfish species congregating near structure
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating near remaining vegetation	Perch schooling along deep weed edges
Fall	Northern Pike	Perch, confirmed as primary forage by recent catch reports and lake profile	Other baitfish, suggested by successful use of shad-colored baits in reports
Fall	Yellow Perch	Small baitfish and juvenile perch	Aquatic invertebrates near vegetation
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small invertebrates and insects near vegetation	Young-of-year perch
Winter	Northern Pike	Yellow Perch	Suspended Baitfish Schools
Winter	Yellow Perch	Small baitfish, particularly juvenile kokanee	Aquatic invertebrates near weed edges
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects	Zooplankton
Ice	Northern Pike	Yellow Perch schooling in mid-depth ranges	Smaller pike and other baitfish relating to remaining weed growth
Ice	Yellow Perch	Small invertebrates in weed beds	Young-of-year baitfish
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Microscopic zooplankton

Bait Colors by Season for Coeur d'Alene Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Dark Neutrals Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Natural Shad Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Light Neutral Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Northern Pike	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Green Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors
Fall	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Dark Neutrals Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Yellow Perch	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals