How to Fish Dale Hollow Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

Dale Hollow Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Apr 9, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Dale Hollow Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	47-58	Smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging locations, actively feeding to prepare for spawning. Fish are relating to transition areas and points, especially on sunny days. Large schools are beginning to disperse as they move toward spawning locations, making points and staging areas key contact points.	Points leading into creeks, especially those with transitions from clay to rock or pea gravel to chunk rock Wind-blown main lake points with boulder structure Ledges adjacent to spawning flats	Finesse Jigs worked slowly along bottom structure Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses between twitches Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked along transition areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) fished slowly near points	Crawfish emerging from winter habitat Minnows and Alewife in open water near points Baitfish schools relating to transition areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-58	Pre-spawn bass are actively feeding and staging near spawning areas, moving between deeper staging areas and shallow spawning flats as water temperatures fluctuate between 52-58°F Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior on both crawfish and shad, particularly around hard bottom areas and points	Main lake points adjacent to spawning flats, particularly those with pea gravel or rock Creek channels and river channels leading to spawning areas Laydowns and brush piles in 10-15 foot range near spawning areas	Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly across points and hard bottom areas Bladed Jigs around laydowns and transition areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for actively feeding fish Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') on main lake points	Crawfish becoming active on hard bottom areas Shad schools in creek channels and around points Alewife in open water areas near points	Vibrant Craw Colors Green Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	Crappie are transitioning from deeper winter haunts to shallow pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are moving along creek arms and staging near shallow cover, becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise	Shallow brush and bushes in 2-5 foot depth range near spawning flats Creek arms with mixed grass and woody cover Secondary points leading into spawning coves	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) around visible shallow cover Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along migration routes Bobbers with light jigs around shallow brush	Shad concentrating in warming shallows Small baitfish gathering in pre-spawn areas	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	55-65	Spotted bass are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are moving from deeper winter haunts to shallower transition areas, especially along bluff walls with wood cover Aggressive feeding periods during stable weather, with fish relating heavily to structure and actively pursuing shad and crawfish	Steep bluff walls with woody cover, especially near spawning pockets Secondary points leading into spawning coves Transition areas where deep water meets shallow flats	Bladed Jigs worked along transition areas and through wood cover Shakey Heads worked slowly on bluff walls and points Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') parallel to bluff walls	Shad schools beginning to move shallower Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters Small bluegill near shallow cover	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Pre-spawn walleye are actively staging near spawning areas, making feeding movements from deeper staging areas to shallower potential spawning sites Fish are particularly active during low-light periods, moving shallow to feed along channel banks and points With the turbid water conditions (1.5m Secchi), walleye will be more active during daylight hours than in clearer lakes	Main lake points adjacent to river channel edges where staging fish concentrate Channel bank transitions in 8-15 foot depth range Protected shallow bays with hard bottom near deeper water access	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow lifts and long pauses Live Bait Rigs with minnows worked slowly along depth transitions Lipless Crankbaits worked parallel to channel edges	Shad schools congregating near spawning areas Small yellow perch in shallow areas Crawfish becoming active in warming shallows	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	52-62	Transitioning into spawning areas and staging on nearby structure, actively feeding to build energy reserves Males beginning to establish and guard nesting sites in protected areas near hard bottom Actively pursuing prey in shallower water, especially during warming trends	Brush piles adjacent to spawning flats in 5-15 foot range Rocky points and transitions near spawning bays Hard bottom areas in protected coves with good sun exposure	Spinnerbaits worked slowly around brush and transition areas Tubes dragged along hard bottom areas Ned Rigs worked methodically through staging areas	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish schools in pre-spawn patterns Bluegill moving shallow	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Bass are in spawning phase, moving between staging areas and shallow spawning flats, actively defending territories around laydowns and other cover Early morning feeding activity reported near woody cover, suggesting pre-spawn staging and feeding periods	Laydowns and wood cover in spawning pockets (validated by recent fishing reports) Points and rock piles leading to spawning areas (supported by lake profile) Protected shallow flats with mixed vegetation and hard bottom	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') - proven effective in recent reports for covering water and triggering reaction strikes Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) - ideal for thoroughly working laydowns and wood cover Bladed Jigs - effective in stained water conditions for actively feeding fish	Bluegill - primary forage confirmed by recent fishing reports Crawfish - typically active during spring warm-up Shad - mentioned in lake profile as primary forage	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappie moving into shallow water (2-5 feet) around bushes and shallow trees for spawning Males establishing and guarding nests while females stage slightly deeper on nearby structure Active during daylight hours, particularly during warming trends	Shallow brush and trees in 2-5 foot depth range, especially in protected coves Mixed grass and brush combinations in protected areas Creek arms with stable water conditions	Crappie Dock Shooting - effective for reaching fish under shallow cover Bobbers - perfect for suspending baits at spawn depths Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) - precise presentations to visible cover	Small Shad - primary forage base confirmed by reports Small Sunfish - common in shallow spawning areas Small Minnows - natural prey in shallow zones	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	59-68	Spotted bass moving into pre-spawn and spawning areas, staging on secondary points and transitional areas between deep water and spawning flats Males actively guarding nests in protected areas while females move between spawning areas and deeper water Aggressive territorial behavior around bedding areas, with fish becoming more reactive to intrusive baits	Protected pockets and coves with hard bottom near deep water access Secondary points with woody cover in 5-15 foot depth range Bluff walls with laydowns adjacent to spawning flats	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around visible cover and bedding areas Shakey Heads worked slowly on transition areas Spinnerbaits worked along bluff walls and through cover	Crawfish emerging in warming waters Shad schools in transition areas Small bluegill in shallow spawning areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Males stage first in pre-spawn locations near spawning flats at 8-15 feet, with females holding slightly deeper in 15-25 feet Feeding activity increases during low light periods, especially near dusk and dawn, taking advantage of the turbid conditions Fish move between staging areas and spawning flats based on water temperature triggers	Rocky points and channel banks adjacent to spawning flats Shallow gravel or rocky flats in 3-8 feet of water for spawning Transition areas where river channels meet spawning flats	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along channel edges and points Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with light jigs during prime feeding periods Blade Baits worked through staging areas	Shad schools suspending near channel edges Small yellow perch in shallow areas Juvenile sunfish near brush piles	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	68-75	Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding on baitfish and transitioning to deeper summer patterns, with fish relating to ledges and points in 10-15 foot depth range Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior, responding well to moving baits like crankbaits and swimbaits, indicating a return to normal feeding patterns after spawn	Main lake points in 10-15 foot depth range Rock ledges with proximity to deeper water Transitional areas where rock meets clay or pea gravel	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along points and ledges Shakey Heads fished on points in 10-15 feet Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked along ledges	Alewife - confirmed in recent fishing reports Crawfish - typical for this season and structure type	Chartreuse Natural Craw Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	68-78	Post-spawn largemouth are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, often remaining relatively shallow and focusing on recovery near available cover Fish are actively feeding but may be scattered, with some still guarding fry while others are already moving to main lake transition areas	Laydowns and wood cover in spawning pockets and creek arms Rocky points with adjacent timber Submerged vegetation in 10-15 foot range Shallow humps and transition areas with bait presence	Texas Rigs (Worming) with floating worms around shallow cover Hard Jerkbaits worked around bait schools and points Ned Rigs around grass and wood in 10-foot range Structure Jigs worked around stumps and laydowns	Shad - evident from multiple fishing reports showing shad-oriented patterns Bluegill - common in post-spawn areas near shallow cover	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	65-75	Post-spawn crappie are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to slightly deeper water, actively feeding to recover energy Showing both day and night feeding patterns, with suspended feeding activity especially active during night hours around lights	Shallow brush and bushes in 2-5 feet of water Grass and sunken brush areas in 10 feet of water Protected coves with mixed vegetation and woody cover	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around shallow cover Live Bait Rigs with minnows Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding tight to cover	Shad Small baitfish Young-of-year panfish	Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	55-65	Post-spawn spotted bass are actively feeding and schooling over deep wooded cover, particularly along bluff walls as they recover from the spawn Fish are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, with schools targeting shad in the 15-25 foot range	Bluff walls with submerged timber in 15-25 foot range Secondary points with access to deeper water Shallow to deep transitions near spawning pockets	Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked parallel to bluff walls Spinnerbaits around shallow timber Shakey Heads worked along depth transitions	Shad schools suspending near timber Crawfish emerging from winter patterns	Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	52-62	Post-spawn walleye exhibiting strong nocturnal feeding patterns, particularly active along channel edges and points in shallow to moderate depths Fish transitioning from spawning areas to early summer feeding zones, actively pursuing shad in the 10-foot depth range	River channel banks in 10-foot depth range Main lake points adjacent to deeper water Shallow flats near channel edges with submerged vegetation	Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked along channel edges at night Live Bait Rigs near points and structure transitions Hard Jerkbaits worked slowly in shallow water during low light periods	Shad concentrations near structure Young-of-year baitfish in shallow vegetation	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	82-87	Fish are holding on deep grass edges and points in 25-30 foot range during daytime heat More active feeding periods during early morning and evening to avoid peak heat Actively chasing baitfish over deep water, showing suspended feeding behavior	Deep humps and points with submerged grass in 20-30 foot range Offshore structure with submerged vegetation Rock points with deep water access	Drop Shot with finesse baits in deeper grass Texas Rigs with soft plastics during day Slow rolling spinnerbaits during low light periods	Bluegill around grass edges Suspended baitfish in open water	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	75-85	Largemouth bass are actively feeding on offshore structure, particularly grouping up around deep brush piles and grass beds in 15-25ft range Fish are showing a preference for less aggressive feeding patterns, responding well to slower presentations	Offshore brush piles in 15-25ft range Deep grass beds in 15-25ft range Points with access to deep water	Texas Rigs (Worming) - dragged slowly through offshore cover Football Jigs - worked methodically through brush piles Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) - with less aggressive retrieve Bladed Jigs - worked through deep offshore grass	Shad - primary offshore forage Crawfish - around brush piles and structure	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Crappie	72-85	Crappie are suspending near deeper brush piles and creek channel edges during summer heat, with most active feeding occurring during dawn/dusk periods Schools are relating to shade and cover during bright days, often utilizing dock areas and deep brush as thermal refuge Night feeding patterns are prominent, with fish moving shallower to feed on suspended shad after dark	Deep brush piles in 20-40 foot range, especially those near creek channel edges Dock areas with good depth and shade Mixed grass and brush areas in 15-25 foot depths	Crappie Spider Rigging Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+)	Shad schools suspended in the water column Small baitfish relating to brush structure Young-of-year sunfish around dock areas	Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors Pink Colors
Summer	Spotted Bass	82-86	Actively feeding on shad schools in deep water (22-27 feet), with fish suspending near baitfish concentrations Utilizing deep structure and bluff walls with woody cover as ambush points during warm summer conditions	Deep basin areas with baitfish schools in 22-27 foot range Bluff walls with woody cover adjacent to deep water Points and channel swings near open water	Shakey Heads worked slowly along bottom structure Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) targeting suspended fish Drop Shot targeting suspended fish near baitfish schools	Shad (primary forage based on recent reports) Crawfish (indicated by successful bottom presentations)	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Summer	Walleye	72-82	Walleye move deeper during midday hours due to summer heat and low light preference, often suspending near channel edges and points in 15-25 feet Most active feeding occurs during lowlight periods (dawn/dusk) in shallower water 8-15 feet, particularly along structure edges Fish relate strongly to structure and baitfish schools, following shad movements throughout the day	Main lake points intersecting with river channels, especially those with quick access to deeper water Submerged vegetation edges near channel banks in 10-15 foot depth range Brush piles positioned along depth transitions, particularly those in 12-20 foot range	Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked along channel edges and points during daytime Live Bait Rigs with nightcrawlers or leeches slow-dragged along structure edges Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with shad-imitating crankbaits parallel to structure	Shad schools suspended near structure and thermocline Young-of-year baitfish relating to submerged vegetation Crawfish along rocky points and channel edges	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns

Fall Fishing Guide for Dale Hollow Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	64-78	Actively following large schools of baitfish, suspending in the water column at various depths from 5-40 feet, particularly over deeper water Transitioning between summer and winter patterns, using main lake points and bluff walls as staging areas Showing aggressive feeding behavior early and late in the day, especially when bait is present near the surface	Main lake points near river channels with 40-60 feet of water Creek mouth areas with suspended bait in 20+ feet of water Steep bluff walls with turns and cuts in 20-40 foot range	Hard Topwater (Walking) worked over suspended fish when bait is near surface Drop Shot targeting suspended fish around bait balls Ned Rigs worked slowly along bluff walls and deep structure	Shad schools suspending in open water Alewife in deep water near points and bluffs Crawfish along rocky structure and bluff walls	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Craw Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	65-75	Bass are actively following and feeding on baitfish schools, suspending at various depths in the water column with smallmouth higher up and largemouth slightly deeper Fish are transitioning between summer deep water patterns and fall creek arm patterns, utilizing both deep structure and shallower areas around baitfish	Deep bluff walls with big chunk rock, especially where they intersect with baitfish schools Back of large creek arms with shallow wood cover Deep water areas over 50-90 feet where bass suspend around bait balls	Bladed Jigs with shad trailers burned over shallow cover Neko Rigs with finesse worms worked along bluff walls Hard Topwater (Walking) baits like Sexy Dawg for schooling fish Damiki Rig for suspended fish in deeper water	Shad schools moving into creek channels Minnows relating to brush piles and structure	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	58-68	Crappie are schooling tightly on deep structure, particularly brush piles and trees in 20-40 foot ranges, indicating classic fall grouping behavior Fish are responding well to slow, steady retrieves suggesting a more methodical feeding pattern typical of cooling fall waters	Brush piles on points and drops in 20-40 foot depth range Grassy points in 12-20 foot of water Main lake points with mixed brush and grass habitat	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) with slow, steady retrieves staying 30 feet back from target Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are tightly holding to brush Crappie Spider Rigging for covering water and maintaining precise depth control	Shad - primary forage base confirmed by reports Small baitfish - secondary forage indicated by natural bait color preferences	Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Spotted Bass	62-75	Transitioning from deep summer patterns to shallower feeding zones, actively chasing shad schools in the 8-15 foot range Utilizing bluff walls and woody cover as ambush points, particularly during morning and evening feeding periods	Main lake points and channel swings near bluff walls with woody cover Shallow flats adjacent to deep water where shad schools are present Back of major creek arms where baitfish are congregating	Spinnerbaits worked along bluff walls and through suspended bait Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for matching the shad migration Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') for covering water and targeting active fish	Shad schools migrating to creek arms Crawfish on bluff walls and rocky points	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Walleye	52-65	Walleye actively feeding on shad schools, particularly during low-light periods near structural elements due to the turbid water conditions (1.5m Secchi) Fish transitioning between shallow feeding areas and deeper holding spots as water temperatures begin to cool, following baitfish migrations	Main lake points near river channel edges where shad schools concentrate Channel bank transitions between 15-25 feet, especially those adjacent to shallow flats Submerged brush piles and vegetation edges in 10-20 foot depth range	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with crankbaits parallel to channel edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are holding tight to structure Blade Baits worked along channel edges and points	Shad schools concentrating near structure and depth changes Small panfish relating to brush piles and vegetation	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	44-58	Smallmouth bass are suspending near deep structure, particularly around bluff walls and river channels in 15-40 foot depths Fish are showing finicky behavior, requiring slow presentations and often suspending in the water column over deeper water Actively feeding during brief warming trends, especially around brush piles and rock transitions	Bluff walls and ledges near river channels, especially those with brush Secondary points with rock transitions in 15-20 foot range Brush piles along creek channel edges	Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly in deeper water Damiki Rig for suspended fish Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended fish	Shad suspended in deeper water Crawfish in rocky areas Alewife in open water areas	Natural Shad Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Largemouth Bass	45-58	Bass are exhibiting a two-phase daily pattern - actively feeding on flats adjacent to river channels during morning/afternoon windows, then moving deeper or suspending under bait during midday Fish are showing reduced movement once they settle on structure, requiring precise bait presentation	Flats adjacent to main river channel with isolated cover Deep grass beds in 15-25 foot range Brush piles and rock piles on large flats	Football Jigs worked slowly through structure in 15-25 foot range Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses near bait schools Umbrella Rigs around bait balls and channel swings	Shad schooling in deeper water and near channel edges Crawfish active on rocky structure and near grass beds	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Crappie	38-45	Crappie are schooling tightly in deep brush piles and suspended near channel edges, typically less active but feeding opportunistically Fish tend to concentrate in the largest groups of the year, staying relatively stationary unless pushed by weather changes	Deep brush piles in 20-40 foot range, especially near channel edges Main lake points where creek channels intersect Deep creek arm bends with structure	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Drop Shot Hover/Mid-Strolling	Suspended shad schools in deeper water Small baitfish concentrated near structure	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Spotted Bass	45-55	Spotted bass will be schooling tightly in deeper water near vertical structure, primarily around bluff walls with woody cover Fish will be feeding opportunistically on suspended shad schools, with most active periods during stable weather patterns Movement patterns will be more limited and methodical compared to other seasons, with fish staying close to productive structure	Deep bluff walls with standing timber in 18-25 foot range Channel swing banks near creek mouths where shad schools concentrate Steep rocky points adjacent to deep water	Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended fish Drop Shot with small profile baits near vertical structure Underspins when fish are actively chasing shad	Schooling Shad concentrated in creek channels and near bluff walls Crawfish in rocky areas during warmer winter days	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Walleye	38-45	Walleye are suspending near deep structure, following large schools of shad in the water column Most active during low-light periods, making shorter movements to feed due to cold water temperatures	Deep main lake points near river channel edges (18-25 feet) Suspended over deep brush piles near channel bends Deep structure transitions where submerged vegetation meets channel drops	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Blade Baits Trolling Deep (20'+)	Suspended shad schools in deeper water Deep-holding baitfish near structure	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns

Key Seasonal Structures in Dale Hollow Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Points leading into creeks, especially those with transitions from clay to rock or pea gravel to chunk rock	Wind-blown main lake points with boulder structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points adjacent to spawning flats, particularly those with pea gravel or rock	Creek channels and river channels leading to spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Shallow brush and bushes in 2-5 foot depth range near spawning flats	Creek arms with mixed grass and woody cover
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Steep bluff walls with woody cover, especially near spawning pockets	Secondary points leading into spawning coves
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Main lake points adjacent to river channel edges where staging fish concentrate	Channel bank transitions in 8-15 foot depth range
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Brush piles adjacent to spawning flats in 5-15 foot range	Rocky points and transitions near spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Laydowns and wood cover in spawning pockets (validated by recent fishing reports)	Points and rock piles leading to spawning areas (supported by lake profile)
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shallow brush and trees in 2-5 foot depth range, especially in protected coves	Mixed grass and brush combinations in protected areas
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Protected pockets and coves with hard bottom near deep water access	Secondary points with woody cover in 5-15 foot depth range
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points and channel banks adjacent to spawning flats	Shallow gravel or rocky flats in 3-8 feet of water for spawning
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points in 10-15 foot depth range	Rock ledges with proximity to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Laydowns and wood cover in spawning pockets and creek arms	Rocky points with adjacent timber
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Shallow brush and bushes in 2-5 feet of water	Grass and sunken brush areas in 10 feet of water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Bluff walls with submerged timber in 15-25 foot range	Secondary points with access to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	River channel banks in 10-foot depth range	Main lake points adjacent to deeper water
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Deep humps and points with submerged grass in 20-30 foot range	Offshore structure with submerged vegetation
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Offshore brush piles in 15-25ft range	Deep grass beds in 15-25ft range
Summer	Crappie	Deep brush piles in 20-40 foot range, especially those near creek channel edges	Dock areas with good depth and shade
Summer	Spotted Bass	Deep basin areas with baitfish schools in 22-27 foot range	Bluff walls with woody cover adjacent to deep water
Summer	Walleye	Main lake points intersecting with river channels, especially those with quick access to deeper water	Submerged vegetation edges near channel banks in 10-15 foot depth range
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points near river channels with 40-60 feet of water	Creek mouth areas with suspended bait in 20+ feet of water
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Deep bluff walls with big chunk rock, especially where they intersect with baitfish schools	Back of large creek arms with shallow wood cover
Fall	Crappie	Brush piles on points and drops in 20-40 foot depth range	Grassy points in 12-20 foot of water
Fall	Spotted Bass	Main lake points and channel swings near bluff walls with woody cover	Shallow flats adjacent to deep water where shad schools are present
Fall	Walleye	Main lake points near river channel edges where shad schools concentrate	Channel bank transitions between 15-25 feet, especially those adjacent to shallow flats
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Bluff walls and ledges near river channels, especially those with brush	Secondary points with rock transitions in 15-20 foot range
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Flats adjacent to main river channel with isolated cover	Deep grass beds in 15-25 foot range
Winter	Crappie	Deep brush piles in 20-40 foot range, especially near channel edges	Main lake points where creek channels intersect
Winter	Spotted Bass	Deep bluff walls with standing timber in 18-25 foot range	Channel swing banks near creek mouths where shad schools concentrate
Winter	Walleye	Deep main lake points near river channel edges (18-25 feet)	Suspended over deep brush piles near channel bends

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter habitat	Minnows and Alewife in open water near points
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish becoming active on hard bottom areas	Shad schools in creek channels and around points
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad concentrating in warming shallows	Small baitfish gathering in pre-spawn areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools beginning to move shallower	Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Shad schools congregating near spawning areas	Small yellow perch in shallow areas
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish schools in pre-spawn patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill - primary forage confirmed by recent fishing reports	Crawfish - typically active during spring warm-up
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small Shad - primary forage base confirmed by reports	Small Sunfish - common in shallow spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Crawfish emerging in warming waters	Shad schools in transition areas
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Shad schools suspending near channel edges	Small yellow perch in shallow areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Alewife - confirmed in recent fishing reports	Crawfish - typical for this season and structure type
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad - evident from multiple fishing reports showing shad-oriented patterns	Bluegill - common in post-spawn areas near shallow cover
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad	Small baitfish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools suspending near timber	Crawfish emerging from winter patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Shad concentrations near structure	Young-of-year baitfish in shallow vegetation
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Bluegill around grass edges	Suspended baitfish in open water
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary offshore forage	Crawfish - around brush piles and structure
Summer	Crappie	Shad schools suspended in the water column	Small baitfish relating to brush structure
Summer	Spotted Bass	Shad (primary forage based on recent reports)	Crawfish (indicated by successful bottom presentations)
Summer	Walleye	Shad schools suspended near structure and thermocline	Young-of-year baitfish relating to submerged vegetation
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools suspending in open water	Alewife in deep water near points and bluffs
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools moving into creek channels	Minnows relating to brush piles and structure
Fall	Crappie	Shad - primary forage base confirmed by reports	Small baitfish - secondary forage indicated by natural bait color preferences
Fall	Spotted Bass	Shad schools migrating to creek arms	Crawfish on bluff walls and rocky points
Fall	Walleye	Shad schools concentrating near structure and depth changes	Small panfish relating to brush piles and vegetation
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Shad suspended in deeper water	Crawfish in rocky areas
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling in deeper water and near channel edges	Crawfish active on rocky structure and near grass beds
Winter	Crappie	Suspended shad schools in deeper water	Small baitfish concentrated near structure
Winter	Spotted Bass	Schooling Shad concentrated in creek channels and near bluff walls	Crawfish in rocky areas during warmer winter days
Winter	Walleye	Suspended shad schools in deeper water	Deep-holding baitfish near structure

Bait Colors by Season for Dale Hollow Lake

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