How to Fish Coralville Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

Coralville Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 14, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Coralville Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-62	Bass are actively staging for spawn, moving from winter areas to pre-spawn locations near spawning flats Fish are feeding heavily on crawfish in rocky areas, especially on wind-blown banks Bass are utilizing creek mouths and secondary points as transition zones, becoming more active with warming trends	Creek mouths to first secondary points with chunk rock structure Wind-blown banks with boulder and rip-rap structure Shallow rocky areas adjacent to spawning flats	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to rocky banks Bladed Jigs around creek mouths and secondary points Football Jigs worked slowly through rocky areas	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Shad schools in creek mouths and transition areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	Crappie are transitioning from winter depths to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding as they prepare for spawning. Fish are becoming more aggressive and moving towards shallower water, particularly around matted grass edges and hard structure. Schools are breaking up into smaller groups, relating heavily to transition areas between deep winter haunts and shallow spawning zones, especially near points and coves with vegetation.	Edges of matted grass in 5-15 feet of water, especially near deeper water access Rip rap and boulder areas that warm quickly in spring sun Protected coves with emerging vegetation	Crappie Spider Rigging - Allows for precise depth control and multiple baits to locate scattered pre-spawn fish Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') - Effective for targeting fish around visible structure and vegetation edges Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) - Great for picking apart shallow structure and grass edges	Shad schools suspending near structure and vegetation edges Small baitfish relating to emerging vegetation	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	48-58	White bass are staging near deeper structure like dam ledges, following large schools of shad while preparing for spawn Fish are actively feeding but may be scattered, with feeding activity interrupted by changing conditions or presence of other species	Dam area ledges with concentrated baitfish Deep structural transitions near spawning tributaries Main lake points with access to deeper water	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly through baitfish schools Blade Baits worked vertically along ledges Lipless Crankbaits for covering water when fish are scattered	Shad schools concentrated near structure Minnows in shallow transition areas	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	55-65	Catfish are transitioning from winter patterns to more active feeding, moving into shallower areas as water warms Fish are staging near spawning areas like rip rap and boulder structures, becoming increasingly territorial Feeding activity increases during warming trends, with fish particularly active during dawn and dusk periods	Rip rap and boulder structures in 5-15 foot depth range Channel edges adjacent to shallow flats Protected coves with rocky structure	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or whole shad Trolling Shallow (0-9') along channel edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') near structure	Shad schools beginning to move shallow Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas Bottom-dwelling prey like freshwater drum	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Drum	52-62	Drum are beginning to move from deeper winter holding areas to pre-spawn staging areas, following the warming trends in shallower water Actively feeding during warming trends, especially in afternoons when water temperatures peak Maintaining close bottom contact while searching for crawfish and other bottom-dwelling prey	Rocky points and riprap areas adjacent to deeper water, especially where channels swing close to shore Secondary points in major coves where pre-spawn staging occurs Channel ledges and drop-offs in 8-15 foot depth range	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') - working baits slowly along bottom structure Football Jigs - dragged and hopped along rocky areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) - slow rolled near bottom in staging areas	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small bottom-dwelling fish Scattered schools of shad in pre-spawn pattern	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Bass are actively spawning and defending beds in matted grass areas, with males guarding nests while females move between spawning areas and nearby feeding zones Pre/post spawn fish staging on secondary points and near spawning areas, targeting shad for quick energy	Matted grass beds in 2-6 feet of water, especially in protected coves Secondary points with rip rap or boulder structure adjacent to spawning areas Wind-blown banks with rock structure that hold crawfish	Bladed Jigs worked through and around matted grass Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentations to bedding fish Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked along rocky banks	Shad schooling in spawning areas and around points Crawfish active on rocky structures and rip rap	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	50-65	Moving shallow (0-9 feet) to spawn near matted grass and hard structure, with pre-spawn staging on adjacent deeper drops Actively feeding during warming trends, particularly during morning and evening periods	Shallow matted grass areas near deeper water access Rip rap and boulder areas in spawning depths Protected coves with stable water temperatures	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Crappie Dock Shooting Bobbers	Shad concentrations in pre-spawn areas Small baitfish relating to spawning areas	Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	58-68	White bass are staging for spawn, moving from deeper pre-spawn ledges towards tributary areas and shallow flats while actively feeding on shad Fish are schooling aggressively in preparation for spawning, with males arriving first in the spawning areas followed by larger females	Rocky points and rip rap areas near spawning tributaries and flats Ledges and drop-offs adjacent to spawning flats (staging areas) Protected coves with hard bottom composition	Inline Spinners worked parallel to shoreline structure Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily through schooling fish Lipless Crankbaits worked along transitional depth changes	Shad (primary forage, concentrated in pre-spawn areas) Small baitfish gathering in warming shallow waters	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	58-70	Moving into shallow spawning areas near rip rap and boulder structures, becoming more territorial and aggressive Males guarding nests in protected areas while females stage in nearby deeper water	Rip rap and boulder areas in 3-8 feet of water, especially in protected coves Channel edges adjacent to spawning flats Protected shallow coves with hard bottom structure	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live shad positioned near spawning areas Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') working structure edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting visible structure in spawning areas	Shad congregating in spawning areas Crawfish active around rocky structure Bottom-dwelling prey species (small drum, sunfish)	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Drum	58-68	Drum are moving into shallow rocky areas and rip rap for spawning, typically staging in pre-spawn areas near deeper water access Males produce drumming sounds during spawning, making them more detectable near rocky structure and rip rap Feeding activity increases as water warms, with a focus on bottom-dwelling prey like crawfish near rocky structure	Rip rap banks and rocky shorelines in 3-8 feet of water Channel ledges and points adjacent to spawning areas Rocky transition areas between shallow and deep water	Live Bait Rigs bounced slowly along bottom near rocky structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with tight bottom contact Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly along rock transitions	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small bottom-dwelling baitfish Shad in nearby deeper water	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	65-75	Post-spawn bass are actively recovering and beginning to feed aggressively, transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns Fish are utilizing various depth ranges in the upper 12 feet, moving between shallow cover and nearby deeper structure	Secondary points and creek mouths adjacent to spawning flats Rip rap and boulder structures, especially near deeper water Edges of matted grass where it meets deeper water	Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked along rocky transitions Swim Jigs worked through and around grass edges Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly through remaining vegetation	Shad schools beginning to gather in post-spawn areas Active crawfish in rocky areas	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	58-70	Post-spawn crappie are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper structure, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are forming loose schools around emerging vegetation and hard structure, following shad movements	Edges of matted grass in 8-15 feet of water Rip rap and boulder areas adjacent to deeper water Suspended fish near points and creek channel intersections	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Crappie Spider Rigging	Shad schools in transition areas Young-of-year baitfish near vegetation	Natural Shad Colors Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	62-72	Actively feeding post-spawn white bass are schooling aggressively in the upper water column, following shad movements near points and ledges Fish are transitioning from spawning areas to main lake feeding grounds, utilizing hard structure as ambush points	Main lake points with rip rap and boulder areas where shad congregate Ledges and drop-offs near spawning areas as transition zones Secondary points in major coves where baitfish school	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked at varying speeds to match shad movements Inline Spinners retrieved steadily through schooling fish Lipless Crankbaits worked along rocky structure	Shad schools in post-spawn recovery phase Small baitfish gathering near points and structure	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	55-70	Post-spawn catfish are actively feeding to recover energy, moving between deeper channels and shallow feeding areas near structure Fish are becoming more active with warming water, particularly during dawn and dusk periods near rip rap and boulder structures	Rip rap and boulder structures adjacent to deeper water River channel edges where current concentrates baitfish Shallow feeding flats near deep water access	Live Bait Rigs with slip sinkers near structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') along channel edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around rocky structure	Shad schools beginning to move shallow Crawfish becoming more active around rocky structure Bottom-dwelling prey such as drum and small fish	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Drum	52-65	Moving from deeper wintering areas to shallower feeding zones, particularly around rocky structures and rip rap Beginning to actively feed after winter dormancy, targeting crawfish and small baitfish near bottom structure	Rip rap banks and rocky shorelines where crawfish are becoming active River channel ledges adjacent to spawning flats Secondary points with mixed rock and gravel substrate	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow, bottom-bouncing presentation Football Jigs worked methodically along rocky structure Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved near bottom	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small bottom-dwelling baitfish Scattered schools of young shad	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-85	Largemouth bass are establishing summer patterns, actively feeding during early morning and late evening, with a focus on shad schools and utilizing grass matts for shade during midday Fish are transitioning between shallow and deeper water throughout the day, using the available creek channels and points as migration routes	Matted grass areas adjacent to deeper water, particularly near creek channels Secondary points with rip rap or boulder structure Shaded dock areas in 7-12 feet of water	Frogs/Toads worked over matted grass during early morning and evening Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting grass edges and dock posts Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') along rocky points during shad activity	Shad schools suspending near structure Crawfish in rocky areas and rip rap Bluegill in and around vegetation	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Crappie	68-82	Crappie are suspending in deeper water during daylight hours (15-25 feet) near structure, moving shallower during low light periods to feed on shad Schools are relating closely to thermocline depth, following shad movements and utilizing hard structure as ambush points	Deep brush piles and submerged timber near primary points (15-25 feet) Rip rap areas with nearby deep water access Suspended over deeper main lake structure near shad schools	Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling)	Shad schools in open water and around structure Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish near vegetation edges	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Summer	White Bass	72-85	Schooling activity around shad concentrations, primarily in early morning and evening hours Moving between deep structure (ledges, points) and shallower feeding zones based on light and temperature Actively chasing shad schools throughout the water column, with more consistent deep patterns during midday	Deep ledges and points adjacent to main lake areas where shad congregate Rip rap areas and boulder fields in 15-25 foot depth range Main lake points with access to both shallow and deep water	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) Inline Spinners	Shad schools in mid-water column Suspended baitfish near structure	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Catfish	65-82	Catfish are actively feeding in channel areas, particularly focused on shad schools. Recent reports confirm they are responding well to trolling presentations. Fish are utilizing both shallow and deep water zones, likely making daily movements between feeding and resting areas in response to temperature changes.	Deep channel areas, especially where current concentrates baitfish Areas near rip rap and boulder structures, particularly during dawn and dusk Complex shoreline areas with coves and points adjacent to deeper water	Trolling Shallow (0-9') with live or cut bait Live Bait Rigs near structure Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') in channels	Shad - primary forage confirmed by recent reports Crawfish - suggested by bottom-oriented forage base Other bottom-dwelling prey	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Drum	72-85	Drum are maintaining bottom-oriented feeding patterns around rock structure and river channel edges, but may move shallower during early morning and late evening Fish are actively feeding on both shad and crawfish, with increased activity around rip rap areas during low light conditions	Rocky points and rip rap areas, especially near channel swings River channel ledges with adjacent structure Deep rock piles near primary shoreline points	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Football Jigs Carolina Rigs	Shad schools suspended near structure Crawfish in rocky areas Small bottom-dwelling baitfish	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Coralville Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Bass actively chasing shad schools along bluff walls and chunk rock areas, exhibiting aggressive feeding behavior Fish transitioning between shallow and medium depths (0-12 feet) as they follow baitfish movements Showing preference for hard structure areas that concentrate baitfish	Bluff walls with chunk rock Rip rap banks and shoreline reinforcement areas River channel edges near hard structure	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9')	Shad Baitfish schools	Natural Baitfish Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Crappie	58-70	Actively schooling and feeding on shad in open water, following baitfish schools with birds indicating location Transitioning between shallow and deeper water throughout the day, using rip rap as staging areas	Open water areas near bait balls, particularly where birds are actively feeding Rip rap banks and adjacent deeper water Points and irregular shoreline features where bait gets concentrated	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around suspended bait schools Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) through open water areas Bobbers with suspended jigs when fish are holding higher in the water column	Shad (primary forage based on multiple reports) Small baitfish suspended in the water column	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	White Bass	58-72	Actively schooling and chasing shad balls near surface, especially during morning and evening hours Following shad migrations throughout the water column, with frequent surface feeding frenzies when birds are present	Areas where birds are diving and surface activity is visible Deep ledges near the dam where shad congregate Rip rap and boulder areas that hold baitfish	Hard Topwater (Walking) Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) Spoons Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')	Schooling shad near surface Suspended shad in mid-water column	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Catfish	50-65	Catfish actively feeding on shad schools in preparation for winter, following baitfish migrations to creek channels and deeper water Increased daytime feeding activity due to stained water conditions, with fish utilizing current breaks and structure	Deep river channels with current breaks where shad schools congregate Rip rap and boulder structures adjacent to deeper water Creek channel intersections with the main lake body	Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or whole bait positioned near structure Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along channel edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are spotted on electronics	Shad schools migrating to deeper water Bottom-dwelling prey like crawfish Freshwater drum and other bottom-oriented fish	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Drum	55-68	Actively feeding on schooling shad near bottom structure, with aggressive feeding behavior during bait drops Maintaining close bottom contact around hard structure, particularly rip rap areas	Rip rap banks with access to deeper water River channel ledges with rocky structure Points and irregular shoreline features with hard bottom	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) bounced off bottom with lift-and-drop retrieves Blade Baits worked vertically near bottom structure Football Jigs dragged along rocky structure	Shad Crawfish	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	38-48	Largemouth bass are concentrating near deep structure adjacent to shad schools, primarily suspended in the 12-20 foot range Fish are less active but will feed opportunistically during warming trends, especially during midday hours	Deep creek channel bends with adjacent rip rap or boulder structure Secondary points near the main lake with access to deeper water Deep bluff walls where shad schools congregate	Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended fish Underspins slow-rolled through suspended bait schools Shakey Heads worked slowly along bottom structure	Suspended shad schools in 15-25 foot range Dormant crawfish in rocky areas	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Crappie	45-52	Suspending in mid-water column at 10-15 feet and deeper groups holding at 20-30 feet, following schools of shad Actively feeding during low-light periods, with reduced activity during bright midday hours	Main lake boulder fields and rip rap in 15-30 foot depth range Suspended over deep basins near structure transitions Deep creek channel bends adjacent to shallow flats	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Blade Baits	Shad schools suspended in the water column Small minnows around structure	Metallic Colors Purple Colors Natural Shad Colors
Winter	White Bass	38-48	White bass school tightly and hold in deeper water near structure, especially around ledges and points where shad concentrate Fish become more lethargic but will actively feed during warming trends, particularly during middle of day	Deep ledges and drop-offs near dam where shad congregate Deeper sections of rip rap and boulder areas, particularly those adjacent to deeper water Main lake points with access to deep water	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Blade Baits Spoons	Schooling shad in deeper water Small baitfish near structure	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Catfish	42-52	Catfish congregate in deeper channel areas and holes, moving slower but still feeding opportunistically Fish tend to group up in winter, with multiple fish often found in the same location Feeding activity is reduced but still occurs, with peak activity during warmer parts of the day	Deep river channels with current breaks, especially in 15-25 foot depths Deep holes adjacent to rip rap or boulder structures Deeper sections of the main lake where channels intersect	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Live Bait Rigs Trolling Deep (20'+)	Winter-stressed shad concentrating in deeper water Bottom-dwelling prey like drum and crawfish Suspended schools of baitfish in channel edges	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Shad Colors
Winter	Drum	38-48	Drum become more concentrated in deeper areas near river channels and ledges during winter, typically schooling in tight groups Feeding activity is reduced but still occurs, with fish making shorter movements to feed on bottom-dwelling prey	Deep river channels and ledges, particularly areas with depth changes of 15-25 feet Deep rock structure and rip rap areas where they intersect with channel edges Protected coves with deep water access where water temperatures might be more stable	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with slow, methodical presentations Blade Baits worked vertically with long pauses Live Bait Rigs fished directly below the boat in deep water	Bottom-dwelling invertebrates and crawfish Deeper schooling shad in wintering areas Small bottom-hugging baitfish	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Coralville Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Creek mouths to first secondary points with chunk rock structure	Wind-blown banks with boulder and rip-rap structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Edges of matted grass in 5-15 feet of water, especially near deeper water access	Rip rap and boulder areas that warm quickly in spring sun
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Dam area ledges with concentrated baitfish	Deep structural transitions near spawning tributaries
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Rip rap and boulder structures in 5-15 foot depth range	Channel edges adjacent to shallow flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Drum	Rocky points and riprap areas adjacent to deeper water, especially where channels swing close to shore	Secondary points in major coves where pre-spawn staging occurs
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Matted grass beds in 2-6 feet of water, especially in protected coves	Secondary points with rip rap or boulder structure adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shallow matted grass areas near deeper water access	Rip rap and boulder areas in spawning depths
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Rocky points and rip rap areas near spawning tributaries and flats	Ledges and drop-offs adjacent to spawning flats (staging areas)
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Rip rap and boulder areas in 3-8 feet of water, especially in protected coves	Channel edges adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Drum	Rip rap banks and rocky shorelines in 3-8 feet of water	Channel ledges and points adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points and creek mouths adjacent to spawning flats	Rip rap and boulder structures, especially near deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Edges of matted grass in 8-15 feet of water	Rip rap and boulder areas adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Main lake points with rip rap and boulder areas where shad congregate	Ledges and drop-offs near spawning areas as transition zones
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Rip rap and boulder structures adjacent to deeper water	River channel edges where current concentrates baitfish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Drum	Rip rap banks and rocky shorelines where crawfish are becoming active	River channel ledges adjacent to spawning flats
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Matted grass areas adjacent to deeper water, particularly near creek channels	Secondary points with rip rap or boulder structure
Summer	Crappie	Deep brush piles and submerged timber near primary points (15-25 feet)	Rip rap areas with nearby deep water access
Summer	White Bass	Deep ledges and points adjacent to main lake areas where shad congregate	Rip rap areas and boulder fields in 15-25 foot depth range
Summer	Catfish	Deep channel areas, especially where current concentrates baitfish	Areas near rip rap and boulder structures, particularly during dawn and dusk
Summer	Drum	Rocky points and rip rap areas, especially near channel swings	River channel ledges with adjacent structure
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluff walls with chunk rock	Rip rap banks and shoreline reinforcement areas
Fall	Crappie	Open water areas near bait balls, particularly where birds are actively feeding	Rip rap banks and adjacent deeper water
Fall	White Bass	Areas where birds are diving and surface activity is visible	Deep ledges near the dam where shad congregate
Fall	Catfish	Deep river channels with current breaks where shad schools congregate	Rip rap and boulder structures adjacent to deeper water
Fall	Drum	Rip rap banks with access to deeper water	River channel ledges with rocky structure
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Deep creek channel bends with adjacent rip rap or boulder structure	Secondary points near the main lake with access to deeper water
Winter	Crappie	Main lake boulder fields and rip rap in 15-30 foot depth range	Suspended over deep basins near structure transitions
Winter	White Bass	Deep ledges and drop-offs near dam where shad congregate	Deeper sections of rip rap and boulder areas, particularly those adjacent to deeper water
Winter	Catfish	Deep river channels with current breaks, especially in 15-25 foot depths	Deep holes adjacent to rip rap or boulder structures
Winter	Drum	Deep river channels and ledges, particularly areas with depth changes of 15-25 feet	Deep rock structure and rip rap areas where they intersect with channel edges

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Shad schools in creek mouths and transition areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad schools suspending near structure and vegetation edges	Small baitfish relating to emerging vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools concentrated near structure	Minnows in shallow transition areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools beginning to move shallow	Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Drum	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small bottom-dwelling fish
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling in spawning areas and around points	Crawfish active on rocky structures and rip rap
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shad concentrations in pre-spawn areas	Small baitfish relating to spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Shad (primary forage, concentrated in pre-spawn areas)	Small baitfish gathering in warming shallow waters
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Shad congregating in spawning areas	Crawfish active around rocky structure
Spring (Spawn)	Drum	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small bottom-dwelling baitfish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools beginning to gather in post-spawn areas	Active crawfish in rocky areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad schools in transition areas	Young-of-year baitfish near vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools in post-spawn recovery phase	Small baitfish gathering near points and structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools beginning to move shallow	Crawfish becoming more active around rocky structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Drum	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small bottom-dwelling baitfish
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools suspending near structure	Crawfish in rocky areas and rip rap
Summer	Crappie	Shad schools in open water and around structure	Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish near vegetation edges
Summer	White Bass	Shad schools in mid-water column	Suspended baitfish near structure
Summer	Catfish	Shad - primary forage confirmed by recent reports	Crawfish - suggested by bottom-oriented forage base
Summer	Drum	Shad schools suspended near structure	Crawfish in rocky areas
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad	Baitfish schools
Fall	Crappie	Shad (primary forage based on multiple reports)	Small baitfish suspended in the water column
Fall	White Bass	Schooling shad near surface	Suspended shad in mid-water column
Fall	Catfish	Shad schools migrating to deeper water	Bottom-dwelling prey like crawfish
Fall	Drum	Shad	Crawfish
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Suspended shad schools in 15-25 foot range	Dormant crawfish in rocky areas
Winter	Crappie	Shad schools suspended in the water column	Small minnows around structure
Winter	White Bass	Schooling shad in deeper water	Small baitfish near structure
Winter	Catfish	Winter-stressed shad concentrating in deeper water	Bottom-dwelling prey like drum and crawfish
Winter	Drum	Bottom-dwelling invertebrates and crawfish	Deeper schooling shad in wintering areas

Bait Colors by Season for Coralville Lake

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