How to Fish Crooked Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

Crooked Lake

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

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Crooked Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-58	Largemouth bass are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are moving from deeper wintering areas to shallower flats, particularly utilizing reed beds as staging areas	Reed beds on firm bottom areas, especially those adjacent to deeper water Protected coves with emerging vegetation Points and irregularities near spawning flats	Ned Rigs worked slowly between reeds Soft Jerkbaits along reed edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) in thicker reed sections	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish gathering in the shallows	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-58	Actively feeding in pre-spawn staging areas, showing aggressive response to moving baits in shallow to moderate depths Moving from winter areas to shallow feeding zones, particularly active after weather changes like the reported post-storm bite	Shallow flats adjacent to deep water in 8-12 feet, especially near hard bottom areas Reed bed edges where they meet harder bottom Main lake points with gradual slopes, particularly those with mixed rock and gravel	Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses in less than 12 feet Drop Shot with small profile baits near staging areas Ned Rigs worked slowly along hard bottom transitions	Shad schooling in pre-spawn areas Small crawfish emerging on hard bottom areas Young of year bluegill in shallow zones	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	42-52	Pre-spawn yellow perch are actively feeding and schooling, moving from deeper winter locations to warmer, shallower areas near spawning sites Fish are transitioning between depths throughout the day, following temperature changes and responding to increasing daylight	Shallow flats adjacent to deep water, especially near emerging reed beds Gradual drop-offs with rock or gravel bottom structure Protected coves and bays where water warms faster	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow, subtle movements Live Bait Rigs with minnows near bottom structure Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly through the water column	Small minnows congregating in warming shallows Juvenile bluegills in protected areas Bottom-dwelling invertebrates becoming more active in warming waters	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	38-48	Walleye are transitioning from winter locations to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding during low-light periods near spawning grounds Fish are becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise, moving from deep winter holdover spots to shallower feeding zones	Reed bed edges in 3-8 foot range near deeper water access Structural transitions and ledges where winter locations meet spawning areas Complex shoreline points and irregularities adjacent to spawning areas	Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom transitions Live Bait Rigs with minnows near reed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with steady retrieves	Yellow Perch congregating near vegetation edges Baitfish schools transitioning from winter to spring patterns Juvenile perch in shallow vegetation zones	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-52	Pre-spawn pike actively feeding to build energy reserves, making frequent moves between deeper staging areas and shallow spawning flats Aggressive feeding behavior during warming trends, particularly in areas adjacent to emerging vegetation and reed beds Most active during early morning and late afternoon, following baitfish movements into warmer, shallow areas	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation near deeper water access Reed bed edges in 3-8 foot depth range Points and transitions leading to spawning bays	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly along vegetation edges Spinnerbaits retrieved at varying speeds near structural transitions Live Bait Rigs with large minnows near staging areas	Yellow Perch congregating in pre-spawn areas Shallow-water baitfish schools Bluegills moving into warming bays	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Largemouth bass are in spawning mode, actively defending beds in shallow areas, particularly around reed beds and other vegetation Males are highly territorial and aggressive towards bluegill-colored baits, while females stage nearby in slightly deeper water	Reed beds with firm bottom for spawning Laydowns adjacent to spawning flats Protected shallow bays with emergent vegetation	Drop Shot with finesse worms worked slowly around reed beds Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) near laydowns Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) in heavy cover around spawning areas	Bluegill around spawning areas Minnows in slightly deeper water	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Smallmouth bass actively spawning in shallow reed areas with hard bottom, making repeated trips between nesting sites and nearby deeper water Males guarding nests aggressively, making them susceptible to finesse presentations that stay in the strike zone	Pockets between reed beds with firm bottom composition Secondary points near spawning flats with mixed rock and gravel Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water access	Drop Shot with light weights to avoid spooking fish Ned Rigs worked slowly through spawning pockets Hard Jerkbaits for covering water to locate active fish	Small baitfish including smelt Crawfish emerging in warming shallows Young of year bluegill in reed areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	42-52	Yellow perch are staging in pre-spawn areas, moving from deeper wintering locations to shallower spawning grounds near weed edges and gravel Fish are becoming more active with warming water, feeding opportunistically as they prepare for spawning	Reed bed edges and emerging weed growth in 6-12 feet of water Gradual slopes with gravel or rocky bottom structure Protected coves and bays with warmer water	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with small jigs tipped with live bait Live Bait Rigs with minnows or worms near bottom structure Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly along weed edges	Small minnows gathering in warming shallow waters Aquatic insects becoming more active in warming conditions Young-of-year panfish in protected areas	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Staging near spawning areas in 3-8 foot reed beds and transitional areas, with increased activity during dawn and dusk Moving between deeper pre-spawn staging areas and shallow spawning zones as water temperatures fluctuate Becoming more aggressive as water temperatures approach spawning range, particularly females feeding heavily pre-spawn	Reed beds and matted grass areas in 3-8 foot range Transition areas between shallow flats and deeper water Protected coves and points adjacent to spawning areas	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along transition areas Blade Baits worked with slow, vertical presentations Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily through spawning areas	Yellow Perch congregating near spawning areas Minnows in shallow vegetation zones Small baitfish schools near structure breaks	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	40-52	Males stage in shallow spawning areas near reed beds and vegetation in 2-6 feet of water, with females moving in and out of these areas during the spawn Post-spawn fish remain shallow but transition to active feeding, utilizing weed edges and points as ambush locations Feeding activity intensifies in morning and evening hours, especially on overcast days	Reed beds and emergent vegetation in 2-6 feet of water, especially in protected bays Shallow flats adjacent to spawning areas where females stage Points and inside turns near spawning bays where pre/post-spawn fish gather	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) Spinnerbaits Live Bait Rigs Inline Spinners	Yellow Perch Minnows Small Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-72	Fish transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy after spawn Moving between shallow and mid-depth zones, utilizing reed edges and adjacent deeper water as staging areas	Outer edges of reed beds adjacent to deeper water Secondary points near spawning bays Shallow flats with mixed vegetation in 3-8 feet	Swim Jigs worked parallel to reed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for covering water Texas Rigs (Worming) for thorough coverage of vegetation	Bluegill beginning to spawn in shallows Crawfish active in vegetation Young of year baitfish becoming more prevalent	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-68	Post-spawn smallmouth transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper summer haunts, actively feeding to recover energy Fish moving between shallow and mid-depth zones, utilizing ledges and points as migration routes Aggressive feeding behavior during early morning and evening, particularly around baitfish schools	Main lake points adjacent to spawning flats, especially those with mixed rock and gravel Deep edges of reed beds where they meet harder bottom Structural breaks and ledges in 8-15 foot depth range	Drop Shot with small profile baits worked slowly along breaks Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved parallel to transition areas Ned Rigs worked on hard bottom areas near points	Shad schools beginning to concentrate on main lake structure Small bluegills in and around reed beds Minnows relating to rocky points and transitions	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	52-62	Post-spawn perch are actively feeding and recovering, forming loose schools in transitional depths Fish are moving between shallow feeding areas and slightly deeper resting zones, particularly around weed edges and rock-to-sand transitions	Emerging weed edges near drop-offs, especially where reeds are present Rock-to-sand transitions along ledges in 8-15 foot depths Protected coves with gradual drop-offs and bottom structure	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with small jigs near weed edges Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked parallel to depth changes	Small minnows gathering in warming shallows Aquatic insects emerging in reed beds Young-of-year bluegill in protected areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	48-62	Post-spawn walleye recovering in adjacent deeper areas while beginning to actively feed, transitioning between shallow spawning areas and summer locations Most active during low light periods (dawn/dusk) but will feed throughout day in stained water conditions near vegetation edges	Reed bed edges in 3-8 foot range transitioning to deeper water Points and irregular shoreline features adjacent to spawning areas Shallow flats with emerging vegetation near deeper water access	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly along vegetation edges Live Bait Rigs with minnows near bottom structure transitions Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') parallel to reed edges	Yellow Perch congregating near vegetation edges Baitfish schools moving shallow with warming water	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	52-65	Post-spawn pike are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily targeting shallow flats and weed edges for easy meals Fish are making frequent moves between deeper recovery areas and shallow feeding zones, especially during prime feeding windows in early morning and evening Aggressive ambush behavior near emerging weed growth and reed beds, particularly when baitfish are present	Emerging weed edges in 3-8 foot depth range, especially near drop-offs Reed bed edges where they intersect with deeper water access Shallow bays and coves where water warms first Points and structure adjacent to spawning areas	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked parallel to weed edges Spinnerbaits retrieved at varying speeds near vegetation Inline Spinners for aggressive reaction strikes Trolling Shallow (0-9') along weed edges and point transitions	Yellow Perch congregating near emerging vegetation Baitfish schools in warming shallow bays Bluegill moving into warming shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	68-82	Actively feeding in vegetation edges and around reed beds during early morning and evening, moving to deeper adjacent areas during midday heat Establishing patterns around abundant forage in 3-8 foot depth zones, particularly where vegetation meets structure	Reed bed edges adjacent to deeper water, especially where firm bottom transitions occur Points and irregular shoreline features with mixed vegetation Shallow flats with vegetation in 3-8 foot range	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around reed edges and vegetation Bladed Jigs worked through sparse vegetation Frogs/Toads over vegetation mats during low light periods	Bluegill concentrated in vegetation Crawfish active on firm bottom areas Minnows relating to reed edges	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	68-78	Smallmouth bass are actively feeding on the abundant baitfish population, primarily using main lake structure as ambush points Fish are following typical summer patterns, moving between deep main lake areas during bright conditions and shallower feeding zones during low light	Main lake points and ledges near deep water access Rocky areas and hard bottom transitions in 12-20 foot depth range Reed bed edges where they intersect with deeper water	Drop Shot with finesse presentations around deeper structure Tubes worked along rock-to-sand transitions Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) during active feeding periods	Shad schools roaming main lake areas Bluegills around reed edges and shallow structure Minnows scattered throughout various depth ranges	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Summer	Yellow Perch	65-78	Schools actively feeding in early morning and evening around weed edges and flats adjacent to deeper water Moving between shallow weed areas and deeper ledges throughout the day as temperatures fluctuate Utilizing reed beds and complex shoreline structure as feeding zones	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, particularly near ledges Reed beds in 4-12 feet of water Complex shoreline areas with mixed bottom structure	Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or worms near bottom structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with light jigs around weed edges Bobbers with suspended baits near reed beds	Small minnows in and around weed beds Juvenile bluegills near shallow structure Aquatic insects and larvae near bottom structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Walleye	68-78	Walleye suspend near thermocline during day, moving to shallower feeding zones during low light periods Active feeding near weed edges and points during dawn/dusk, utilizing vegetation for ambush opportunities	Deep weed edges adjacent to main lake points in 12-18 foot range Scattered reed beds in 3-8 foot range during low light periods Main lake points with access to deep water	Live Bait Rigs worked along weed edges and points Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with crankbaits parallel to weed edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') during daytime hours near thermocline	Yellow Perch concentrating near weed edges Baitfish schools suspending near thermocline	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Northern Pike	65-78	Northern Pike are actively patrolling weed edges and reed beds in 3-8 foot depth range, making frequent ambush strikes on baitfish schools During midday heat, pike move slightly deeper or tighter to cover, becoming more active during early morning and evening hours Fish are utilizing the complex shoreline features for ambush points, particularly around points and bays with vegetation	Reed bed edges and weed lines in 3-8 foot depth range Points and bays with submerged vegetation Transition areas where shallow flats meet deeper water	Trolling Shallow (0-9') along weed edges with consistent speed Spinnerbaits worked parallel to vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve near structure Inline Spinners cast and retrieved through ambush points	Yellow Perch congregating around weed edges Bluegill in and around vegetation Baitfish schools in open water near structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Crooked Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	52-68	Actively feeding on baitfish and bluegill in shallow to moderate depths, particularly around reed edges and matted grass Showing preference for slower, methodical presentations with extended pauses between movements	Reed beds in 3-8 feet of water, especially those adjacent to deeper water Matted grass areas with clear edges or pockets Points and irregular shoreline features with vegetation	Bladed Jigs worked through and around reed edges Hard Jerkbaits with extended pauses between twitches Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for a more subtle approach	Minnows gathering in schools around vegetation Bluegill relating to matted grass and reed edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	52-65	Actively feeding on baitfish, following forage schools to deeper main lake structures as water cools Transitioning from summer patterns to fall feeding, becoming more aggressive as they bulk up for winter Utilizing drop-offs and ledges as staging areas, moving between deep and shallow water based on daily temperature changes	Deep ledges and drop-offs near main lake basins, especially those adjacent to shallow flats Rocky points with access to both shallow and deep water Deeper sections near reed beds where baitfish school up	Drop Shot with small baitfish imitations worked slowly along ledges Blade Baits worked vertically through baitfish schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved parallel to depth changes	Shad and other baitfish schooling in deeper water Bluegill transitioning to deeper structure Minnows congregating around deep weed edges and points	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Yellow Perch	45-62	Yellow perch begin to school more tightly in fall, moving to deeper water following baitfish Feeding activity increases as perch bulk up for winter, with most active periods during morning and evening	Deep ledges and drop-offs adjacent to flats, particularly near weed edges Rocky points and structure in 15-25 foot depth range Deep holes near remaining reed beds	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Live Bait Rigs Small/Medium Soft Body Swimbaits	Small minnows and young-of-year baitfish Aquatic invertebrates near bottom structure Small bluegills	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Walleye	48-62	Walleye becoming more aggressive in feeding patterns as they prepare for winter, following baitfish schools and actively hunting near structure breaks Moving between shallow feeding zones and deeper holding areas throughout the day, with peak activity during low light periods	Deep breaks adjacent to reed beds in 8-15 foot range Complex points with access to both shallow and deep water Defined ledges near deep water staging areas	Blade Baits worked vertically along structure breaks Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily through baitfish schools Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near ledges and points	Yellow Perch schooling near vegetation edges Baitfish schools suspending near structure breaks Juvenile perch in remaining vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Northern Pike	48-62	Northern Pike are actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter, targeting baitfish schools in and around vegetation edges Fish are following seasonal baitfish migrations to shallow bays and coves, utilizing ambush points near structural transitions	Weed edges and points in 3-8 foot depth range, especially near drop-offs Reed bed edges adjacent to deeper water Shallow bays with remaining vegetation and baitfish schools	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges and through scattered vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled near structure transitions Trolling Shallow (0-9') along weed edges and points	Yellow Perch schooling near vegetation edges Bluegill congregating in remaining weed beds Various minnow species in shallow bays	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Yellow Perch	34-42	Yellow perch form tight schools in deep water basins and near bottom structure during winter Feeding becomes more concentrated during prime periods (dawn/dusk) with opportunistic feeding on small prey	Deep water basins adjacent to structural elements like ledges Bottom areas with rocks and gravel near deep drops Transitions between flats and deep water basins	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Ice Fishing Jigs Live Bait Rigs	Small minnows Juvenile bluegill Aquatic invertebrates	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Walleye	38-45	Suspending near deep structure breaks and following baitfish schools, especially during low light periods Holding tight to bottom in 15-25 foot depths during bright conditions, moving shallower during overcast periods	Deep ledges and structure breaks where winter baitfish schools concentrate Points and irregularities adjacent to deep basins Transitions between reed beds and deeper water	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Spoons	Schooling baitfish in deep water Yellow perch near structure Suspended cisco/tullibees	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	38-45	Pike are actively feeding near deeper structural transitions and drop-offs, making periodic movements to shallower areas during low-light periods Fish are following baitfish schools and utilizing ambush points near depth changes, particularly during late fall to early winter	Deep structural transitions and ledges adjacent to reed beds (8-15 feet) Points and inside turns near deep water access Shallow flats (3-8 feet) during prime feeding windows	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Soft Body Swimbaits (Large)	Yellow Perch congregating near structure Schooling Baitfish in deeper water Bluegill in remaining vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Ice	Yellow Perch	34-39	Yellow perch schooling in deep basin areas, actively feeding near bottom structure with selective response to jigging presentations Fish showing typical winter behavior of suspending slightly off bottom, rising to investigate and strike slow-moving baits	Deep basin areas with good bottom structure Deep water transitions near shallow flats Areas near underwater points and ledges where depth changes create feeding zones	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with lift-and-pause technique, holding still when fish approach Ice Fishing Spoons with gentle fluttering action to trigger reaction strikes Hover/Mid-Strolling when fish suspend off bottom	Small minnows Juvenile bluegills Aquatic invertebrates near bottom structure	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors
Ice	Walleye	34-39	Walleye are actively feeding near structural transitions, particularly around ledges, following schools of baitfish Fish showing preference for flutter and pause presentations, indicating a more methodical feeding pattern typical of winter conditions	Ledges and structural transitions in deeper water Deep basin areas adjacent to structural breaks Areas where bottom transitions create ambush points	Ice Fishing Spoons with flutter and pause cadence Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set along structure breaks	Minnows Yellow Perch Small Baitfish Schools	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	33-38	Pike are actively feeding near structural transitions and ledges where baitfish concentrate during ice season Fish are exhibiting typical winter ambush behavior, positioning near depth changes to conserve energy while maintaining access to forage	Ledges and structural transitions where baitfish congregate Shallow flats adjacent to deep water breaks Weed edges near depth changes in 3-8 foot range	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with live minnows on #4 hooks Ice Fishing Jigs worked near bottom structure Ice Fishing Spoons jigged to attract active fish	Minnows Yellow Perch Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Crooked Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Reed beds on firm bottom areas, especially those adjacent to deeper water	Protected coves with emerging vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shallow flats adjacent to deep water in 8-12 feet, especially near hard bottom areas	Reed bed edges where they meet harder bottom
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Shallow flats adjacent to deep water, especially near emerging reed beds	Gradual drop-offs with rock or gravel bottom structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Reed bed edges in 3-8 foot range near deeper water access	Structural transitions and ledges where winter locations meet spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation near deeper water access	Reed bed edges in 3-8 foot depth range
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Reed beds with firm bottom for spawning	Laydowns adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Pockets between reed beds with firm bottom composition	Secondary points near spawning flats with mixed rock and gravel
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Reed bed edges and emerging weed growth in 6-12 feet of water	Gradual slopes with gravel or rocky bottom structure
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Reed beds and matted grass areas in 3-8 foot range	Transition areas between shallow flats and deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Reed beds and emergent vegetation in 2-6 feet of water, especially in protected bays	Shallow flats adjacent to spawning areas where females stage
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Outer edges of reed beds adjacent to deeper water	Secondary points near spawning bays
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points adjacent to spawning flats, especially those with mixed rock and gravel	Deep edges of reed beds where they meet harder bottom
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Emerging weed edges near drop-offs, especially where reeds are present	Rock-to-sand transitions along ledges in 8-15 foot depths
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Reed bed edges in 3-8 foot range transitioning to deeper water	Points and irregular shoreline features adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Emerging weed edges in 3-8 foot depth range, especially near drop-offs	Reed bed edges where they intersect with deeper water access
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Reed bed edges adjacent to deeper water, especially where firm bottom transitions occur	Points and irregular shoreline features with mixed vegetation
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points and ledges near deep water access	Rocky areas and hard bottom transitions in 12-20 foot depth range
Summer	Yellow Perch	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, particularly near ledges	Reed beds in 4-12 feet of water
Summer	Walleye	Deep weed edges adjacent to main lake points in 12-18 foot range	Scattered reed beds in 3-8 foot range during low light periods
Summer	Northern Pike	Reed bed edges and weed lines in 3-8 foot depth range	Points and bays with submerged vegetation
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Reed beds in 3-8 feet of water, especially those adjacent to deeper water	Matted grass areas with clear edges or pockets
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Deep ledges and drop-offs near main lake basins, especially those adjacent to shallow flats	Rocky points with access to both shallow and deep water
Fall	Yellow Perch	Deep ledges and drop-offs adjacent to flats, particularly near weed edges	Rocky points and structure in 15-25 foot depth range
Fall	Walleye	Deep breaks adjacent to reed beds in 8-15 foot range	Complex points with access to both shallow and deep water
Fall	Northern Pike	Weed edges and points in 3-8 foot depth range, especially near drop-offs	Reed bed edges adjacent to deeper water
Winter	Yellow Perch	Deep water basins adjacent to structural elements like ledges	Bottom areas with rocks and gravel near deep drops
Winter	Walleye	Deep ledges and structure breaks where winter baitfish schools concentrate	Points and irregularities adjacent to deep basins
Winter	Northern Pike	Deep structural transitions and ledges adjacent to reed beds (8-15 feet)	Points and inside turns near deep water access
Ice	Yellow Perch	Deep basin areas with good bottom structure	Deep water transitions near shallow flats
Ice	Walleye	Ledges and structural transitions in deeper water	Deep basin areas adjacent to structural breaks
Ice	Northern Pike	Ledges and structural transitions where baitfish congregate	Shallow flats adjacent to deep water breaks

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish gathering in the shallows
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schooling in pre-spawn areas	Small crawfish emerging on hard bottom areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small minnows congregating in warming shallows	Juvenile bluegills in protected areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Yellow Perch congregating near vegetation edges	Baitfish schools transitioning from winter to spring patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Yellow Perch congregating in pre-spawn areas	Shallow-water baitfish schools
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill around spawning areas	Minnows in slightly deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Small baitfish including smelt	Crawfish emerging in warming shallows
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small minnows gathering in warming shallow waters	Aquatic insects becoming more active in warming conditions
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Yellow Perch congregating near spawning areas	Minnows in shallow vegetation zones
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Yellow Perch	Minnows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill beginning to spawn in shallows	Crawfish active in vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools beginning to concentrate on main lake structure	Small bluegills in and around reed beds
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small minnows gathering in warming shallows	Aquatic insects emerging in reed beds
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Yellow Perch congregating near vegetation edges	Baitfish schools moving shallow with warming water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Yellow Perch congregating near emerging vegetation	Baitfish schools in warming shallow bays
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrated in vegetation	Crawfish active on firm bottom areas
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools roaming main lake areas	Bluegills around reed edges and shallow structure
Summer	Yellow Perch	Small minnows in and around weed beds	Juvenile bluegills near shallow structure
Summer	Walleye	Yellow Perch concentrating near weed edges	Baitfish schools suspending near thermocline
Summer	Northern Pike	Yellow Perch congregating around weed edges	Bluegill in and around vegetation
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Minnows gathering in schools around vegetation	Bluegill relating to matted grass and reed edges
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Shad and other baitfish schooling in deeper water	Bluegill transitioning to deeper structure
Fall	Yellow Perch	Small minnows and young-of-year baitfish	Aquatic invertebrates near bottom structure
Fall	Walleye	Yellow Perch schooling near vegetation edges	Baitfish schools suspending near structure breaks
Fall	Northern Pike	Yellow Perch schooling near vegetation edges	Bluegill congregating in remaining weed beds
Winter	Yellow Perch	Small minnows	Juvenile bluegill
Winter	Walleye	Schooling baitfish in deep water	Yellow perch near structure
Winter	Northern Pike	Yellow Perch congregating near structure	Schooling Baitfish in deeper water
Ice	Yellow Perch	Small minnows	Juvenile bluegills
Ice	Walleye	Minnows	Yellow Perch
Ice	Northern Pike	Minnows	Yellow Perch

Bait Colors by Season for Crooked Lake

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