How to Fish Cordell Hull Reservoir: Best Patterns & Techniques | Omnia Fishing

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Cordell Hull Reservoir

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 11, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Cordell Hull Reservoir

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 areas to spawning flats, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are moving into shallow areas during sunny periods, especially focusing on rocks that retain heat	Rocky banks and boulder areas on the sunny side of the lake Secondary points leading into spawning pockets Shallow creek arms with good rock transitions	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked slowly along rocky banks Bladed Jigs around transition areas Lipless Crankbaits across emerging vegetation	Crawfish emerging from winter hibernation Shad schools in creek arms	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-58	Smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter deep-water areas to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise, with peak activity during afternoon hours when waters warm	Secondary points and channel swings near spawning flats Rocky transitions where deep water meets shallow flats Riprap areas that warm quickly in afternoon sun	Blade Baits worked slowly along channel edges Ned Rigs dragged on rocky transition areas Tubes worked methodically on rocky points	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small shad schools in transition areas Young of year baitfish near warming shallows	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Bass moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly in protected coves and creek arms, actively defending nesting sites Males staging on pre-spawn areas near spawning flats, females moving in waves from staging to spawning areas	Protected shallow coves and pockets with firm bottom Secondary points leading into spawning bays Shallow brush piles and laydowns near spawning flats	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') Spinnerbaits Bladed Jigs	Crawfish emerging in shallow areas Shad spawning in backs of pockets Small bluegill in shallow cover	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Actively seeking spawning areas in shallow protected coves and flats, typically in 2-8 feet of water Males guarding nests while females stage on nearby deeper structure between spawning moves Most active during warmer parts of day when water temperatures rise	Protected shallow coves with gravel or small rock bottom Secondary points leading into spawning bays Riprap areas near spawning flats providing pre-spawn staging areas	Tubes worked slowly around spawning areas and transition points Ned Rigs for finicky pre-spawn fish Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') along riprap and points	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small shad in shallow water Small bluegill in spawning areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	65-75	Post-spawn bass transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish moving between shallow cover and nearby deeper structure throughout the day, particularly active during morning and evening	Secondary points and ledges near spawning pockets in 6-10 foot range Brush piles adjacent to creek channels Riprap banks with access to deeper water	Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked parallel to points and ledges Spinnerbaits worked through shallow cover and along riprap Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting brush piles and wood cover	Shad schools moving to post-spawn areas Bluegill beginning to spawn in shallow areas Crawfish active in rocky areas	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-72	Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding to recover energy, transitioning between spawning flats and early summer patterns Fish are utilizing points and riprap areas during morning hours, moving to slightly deeper adjacent areas during bright conditions Given the turbid water (3.6' clarity), fish are staying relatively shallow and are most active during low-light periods	Rocky points and riprap areas adjacent to spawning flats in 4-8 feet of water Secondary points with quick access to deeper water Protected coves with rocky structure, particularly during windy conditions	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked parallel to shoreline structure Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') around rocky points Tubes dragged along rocky transitions Spinnerbaits worked near shallow structure in low light or windy conditions	Shad concentrating around points and riprap Crawfish emerging in rocky areas Small baitfish in shallow feeding areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	70-85	Bass are transitioning to summer patterns, focusing on creek channels and baitfish schools with active feeding during morning/evening Fish are moving between shallow feeding zones (6' or less) and deeper structure (8-12') based on time of day and temperature	Back of creeks with brush piles and fallen trees in 6' or less Channel ledges and points near creek mouths in 8-10' depth Rip rap areas with access to deeper water	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow brush and timber Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') along channel edges Shakey Heads on deeper structure Frogs/Toads early morning in shallow cover	Shad (primary forage, especially in creek areas) Minnows (secondary forage, noted in bait ball activity)	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	68-85	Exhibiting daily movement patterns - active shallow feeding during morning, transitioning deeper as temperatures rise during midday Actively feeding on shad around island points and riprap, particularly during low-light periods due to turbid conditions	Island points with current flow and rocky structure Riprap areas along road beds Channel ledges adjacent to islands for midday refuge	Hard Topwater (Walking) during early morning hours Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') around points and riprap Drop Shot along channel ledges during midday heat	Shad congregating around points and current breaks Crawfish in rocky areas and riprap	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Cordell Hull Reservoir

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	64-80	Actively feeding on baitfish in the 15-foot to shoreline zone, following shad movements to shallower areas Relating to transitional areas near ledges, using depth changes as ambush points Most active during morning hours with reduced activity during midday	Shallow ledges adjacent to deep water (20-30 feet) Creek arms with transitional depth changes Points and islands creating current breaks	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') Hard Topwater (Walking)	Shad Minnows	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	60-70	Smallmouth bass actively feeding on shad and crawfish, following baitfish schools around points and riprap areas as they prepare for winter Fish are making daily movements between shallow and deeper water, with most active feeding during morning and evening periods Aggressive feeding behavior in 60-70 degree water temperature range, particularly around current-swept structure	Main lake points and island points with riprap or rock structure Channel ledges adjacent to shallow feeding flats Rocky secondary points in major creek arms	Lipless Crankbaits worked parallel to points where shad are present Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') along rocky transitions Drop Shot with finesse presentations during midday periods Spinnerbaits around shallow structure in low light conditions	Shad schools congregating around points and structure Crawfish in rocky areas and riprap Small sunfish around shallow structure	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	42-52	Largemouth bass become less active but still feed during stable weather periods, concentrating in deeper areas near primary structure Fish tend to group up in winter, moving slowly and preferring areas with minimal current	Deep brush piles and rock ledges in 15-25 foot range adjacent to creek channels Protected creek arms with steeper banks and wood cover Deep points near channel intersections where current is minimal	Blade Baits worked vertically with slow lifts and long pauses Football Jigs dragged slowly along bottom near structure Drop Shot with minimal movement for suspended fish	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water Smaller baitfish holding tight to structure Crawfish becoming less active but still available	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	42-52	Smallmouth bass will be concentrating in deeper water near steep structure, often suspending near schools of shad Fish become less active during cold fronts but will feed opportunistically during stable weather, particularly during afternoon warming trends	Deep points and channel ledges adjacent to winter shad holding areas Steep riprap banks that absorb afternoon sun and hold heat Deep structure near the main lake where depths transition from 15 to 25 feet	Blade Baits worked vertically with slow lifts and drops Drop Shot with subtle movements near suspended fish Tubes dragged slowly along bottom structure	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water Inactive or dormant crawfish in rocky areas Small baitfish seeking warmer water near structure	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Cordell Hull Reservoir

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Rocky banks and boulder areas on the sunny side of the lake	Secondary points leading into spawning pockets
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Secondary points and channel swings near spawning flats	Rocky transitions where deep water meets shallow flats
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow coves and pockets with firm bottom	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Protected shallow coves with gravel or small rock bottom	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points and ledges near spawning pockets in 6-10 foot range	Brush piles adjacent to creek channels
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and riprap areas adjacent to spawning flats in 4-8 feet of water	Secondary points with quick access to deeper water
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Back of creeks with brush piles and fallen trees in 6' or less	Channel ledges and points near creek mouths in 8-10' depth
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Island points with current flow and rocky structure	Riprap areas along road beds
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shallow ledges adjacent to deep water (20-30 feet)	Creek arms with transitional depth changes
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points and island points with riprap or rock structure	Channel ledges adjacent to shallow feeding flats
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Deep brush piles and rock ledges in 15-25 foot range adjacent to creek channels	Protected creek arms with steeper banks and wood cover
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Deep points and channel ledges adjacent to winter shad holding areas	Steep riprap banks that absorb afternoon sun and hold heat

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter hibernation	Shad schools in creek arms
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small shad schools in transition areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging in shallow areas	Shad spawning in backs of pockets
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small shad in shallow water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools moving to post-spawn areas	Bluegill beginning to spawn in shallow areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad concentrating around points and riprap	Crawfish emerging in rocky areas
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad (primary forage, especially in creek areas)	Minnows (secondary forage, noted in bait ball activity)
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Shad congregating around points and current breaks	Crawfish in rocky areas and riprap
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad	Minnows
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools congregating around points and structure	Crawfish in rocky areas and riprap
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water	Smaller baitfish holding tight to structure
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water	Inactive or dormant crawfish in rocky areas

Bait Colors by Season for Cordell Hull Reservoir

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals

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