How to Fish Delta Reservoir: Best Patterns & Techniques

Delta Reservoir

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 16, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Delta Reservoir

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-55	Smallmouth bass staging near main lake points and breaks, not yet moved shallow despite warming trends. Fish are actively feeding but maintaining deeper positions outside pre-spawn flats. Fish showing strong preference for rock-to-sand transitions and boulder areas, actively feeding but requiring slower presentations near bottom	Secondary points with chunk rock or boulder to sand transitions Main lake breaks and deeper water adjacent to spawning flats Rock piles and boulder fields near deeper water access	Ned Rigs worked slowly along bottom with frequent pauses Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) crawled near bottom with occasional twitches Tubes hopped along rock-to-sand transitions	Minnows - primary forage based on fishing reports Crawfish - becoming active in rocky areas as water warms	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	42-52	Pre-spawn yellow perch are actively feeding and beginning to move from deeper wintering areas toward shallower spawning locations, primarily targeting weed edges and transitions between 8-14 feet Fish are schooling more tightly as they prepare for spawning, making them easier to target once located	Weed edges and transitions in 10-14 foot depths, particularly near points and coves Secondary drop-offs adjacent to spawning flats in 8-12 feet Protected coves with emerging vegetation in 6-10 feet	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Ice Fishing Jigs	Small minnows gathering near emerging weed growth Aquatic invertebrates becoming more active with warming water Young of year perch from previous season	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	50-58	Fish are transitioning from winter deep water patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Bass are moving along migration routes from deep winter haunts to shallow spawning areas, holding at transitional structure	Secondary points and channel swings adjacent to spawning bays Deeper weed edges in 8-15 foot range near spawning flats Protected coves with gradual slopes leading to spawning areas	Lipless Crankbaits worked along transitional areas Blade Baits worked with slow, vertical presentations Football Jigs dragged along bottom structure	Perch in the 8-15 foot depth range Shad schools along channel edges Minnows gathering in pre-spawn staging areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	During pre-spawn, walleye are transitioning from winter patterns to spawning areas, staging near rock-to-sand transitions and shallow spawning grounds Fish are actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, with increased activity during low-light periods	Rock-to-sand transitions near spawning areas in 8-15 foot depth range Primary points and ledges leading into shallow spawning bays Shallow reed areas adjacent to deeper water	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along transitions Blade Baits with slow, vertical presentations Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with controlled lifts	Perch Small baitfish congregating near spawning areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-52	Northern Pike actively staging in pre-spawn areas, moving from winter depths to warmer, shallow bays and coves Feeding activity increasing as water warms, with aggressive strikes on larger prey items Fish utilizing emerging weed growth and structure edges as staging areas before spawning	Shallow bays and coves with emerging vegetation, especially those with southern exposure Transition areas between deep winter haunts and spawning grounds, particularly around the 12-17' ledges Protected areas near reed beds and brush piles that warm quickly	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through staging areas Spinnerbaits retrieved at varying speeds along emerging weed edges Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses in cooler water periods	Perch congregating in pre-spawn areas Various baitfish schools moving shallow with warming trends Smaller pike and panfish in warming bays	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Smallmouth bass transitioning into spawning mode with males establishing and guarding nests in 5-10 feet, showing aggressive territorial behavior Fish actively feeding during pre-spawn with frequent pauses, as evidenced by success with suspended jerkbait presentations	Rocky areas and transitions from rock to sand in 5-10 foot depth range, prime for spawning Reed edges where they intersect with hard bottom areas Main lake points and breaks near spawning flats	Hard Jerkbaits with extended pauses, matching recent success patterns Ned Rigs worked slowly around spawning areas Drop Shot with small profile baits for sight fishing spawning bass	Minnows, as confirmed by recent fishing reports Perch, particularly around rocky areas Smaller crayfish emerging from winter dormancy	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	45-55	Yellow perch moving into shallow bays and weed edges for spawning, congregating in large schools Post-spawn perch transitioning to adjacent feeding areas, focusing on emerging weed growth and insect activity	Protected shallow bays with emerging weed growth in 4-8 foot depths Transition areas between shallow spawning areas and deeper weed edges in 8-12 feet Complex shoreline points and coves with varying depth contours	Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or worms worked slowly along bottom Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with small ice fishing jigs tipped with bait Micro Crankbaits worked parallel to emerging weed edges	Small invertebrates and insects emerging in warming waters Young-of-year minnows in shallow zones Small crustaceans in weed edges	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	65-75	Bass are moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly reed beds and protected coves in 1-3 feet of water, with water temperatures in the low 70s indicating active spawning period Fish are territorial and defensive of nesting sites, alternating between guarding behavior and feeding opportunities near spawning areas	Reed beds and shallow vegetation in 1-3 feet of water, especially in protected coves Secondary points leading into spawning bays Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water with emerging vegetation	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting visible beds and reed patches Wacky Rigs worked slowly around spawning areas Swim Jigs along edges of spawning flats	Perch in shallow spawning areas Minnows around reed edges Shad in slightly deeper adjacent areas	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Walleye moving into shallow rocky areas and sand-to-rock transitions for spawning, typically most active during dawn and dusk periods Post-spawn fish staging near spawning areas before transitioning to deeper water, becoming more active as water warms	Rock-to-sand transitions and boulder areas in 3-8 foot depths for active spawning Shallow reed areas near hard bottom Adjacent breaks into 8-15 foot depths for staging fish	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along transition areas Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow, subtle presentations Blade Baits worked methodically through staging areas	Small perch in shallow areas Minnows gathering near spawning areas	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	42-52	Northern Pike actively moving into shallow bays and backwater areas with emerging vegetation for spawning Post-spawn fish staging near spawning areas, becoming increasingly active feeders as water warms	Shallow reed beds and emerging weed growth in protected bays Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water Protected coves with warming water	Spinnerbaits worked slowly through shallow cover Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve Live Bait Rigs near spawning areas	Perch gathering in shallow areas Small baitfish schools moving shallow Early season panfish in spawning areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-68	Post-spawn smallmouth bass are actively feeding to recover energy, utilizing rock piles and transitional areas as primary feeding zones Fish are establishing summer feeding patterns, moving between shallow and mid-depth areas following baitfish schools	Rock piles and boulder fields in 8-15 foot depth range Transitions from rock to sand, especially near deep water access Main lake points with scattered rock	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along rock transitions Drop Shot with small profile baits near rock piles Tubes dragged through rocky areas Ned Rigs worked slowly on sand-to-rock transitions	Minnows gathering around rock structures Small perch in transitional areas Emerging crayfish in rocky areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	52-65	Post-spawn perch actively feeding in groups, recovering energy while transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer locations Showing preference for weed edges and transitions where they can ambush prey while maintaining access to cover	Weed edges in 10-14 foot depths, particularly where they intersect with points or irregular shoreline features Secondary drop-offs adjacent to spawning areas with emerging weed growth Protected coves with developing weed beds, especially during unstable weather	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Micro Crankbaits	Small minnows gathering around emerging weed growth Aquatic invertebrates becoming more active in warming waters Young of the year fish species starting to appear in the system	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	68-75	Largemouth bass are in post-spawn recovery mode, holding tight to newly emerging vegetation in shallow water, actively feeding to regain energy Fish are showing opportunistic feeding behavior, striking baits on the fall in stained water conditions around reed edges	Newly emerging reed beds in 1-2 feet of stained water Secondary points with vegetation near spawning flats Transitions between shallow reeds and deeper weed edges in 8-15 foot range	Finesse Jigs worked slowly through reeds with subtle drops Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) with creature baits targeting reed pockets Wacky Rigs worked along outside reed edges	Perch Minnows Shad	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	50-62	Post-spawn walleye are beginning to recover and transition to deeper water, actively feeding during low-light periods along weed edges and rock-to-sand transitions Fish are establishing early-season feeding patterns, often relating to perch schools and utilizing the 8-15 foot depth range	Rock-to-sand transitions in 8-15 foot depth range Weed edges at 10-14 foot depths Points and ledges adjacent to spawning areas	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along transitions Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') during low light periods Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) mimicking perch	Perch (primary forage based on reports) Small baitfish utilizing shallow areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	52-65	Northern Pike are actively feeding post-spawn, moving from shallow spawning areas to emerging weed growth and structure edges Fish are utilizing multiple depth ranges throughout the day, primarily hunting in 5-15 foot depths where prey is concentrated	Emerging weed beds in 8-12 foot depths, especially near drop-offs Points and inside turns with mixed vegetation Reed beds adjacent to deeper water	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve along structure Inline Spinners near emerging vegetation	Perch concentrating along weed edges Various baitfish schools in transitional areas Young-of-year panfish in emerging vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	72-82	Fish are relating heavily to bottom structure and transitions, particularly on ledges and boulder areas, actively feeding on perch and baitfish Moving between deep structure during peak daylight and transitioning to weed edges during lower light periods Showing preference for slower, bottom-oriented presentations as water temperatures peak	Ledges adjacent to weed lines in 12-17 foot depth range Boulder fields and rock piles on expansive shoals Deep side of weed edges where they meet structure	Drop Shot with slow, methodical retrieves along bottom transitions Carolina Rigs with long leaders (24-40 inches) worked with long sweeping pulls Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly near structure when fish are more active	Perch - primary forage based on recent reports Minnows gathering around weed edges and rock/boulder areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Yellow Perch	70-78	Yellow perch are actively schooling in deeper weed edges (10-14 feet), responding well to pop/drop/pause presentations during summer transition Feeding patterns show both aggressive strikes on the 'pop' and opportunistic takes during the 'pause', indicating active feeding behavior	Deeper weed edges in 10-14 foot depth range, particularly where distinct transitions occur Complex shoreline areas with coves and points that intersect with weed edges Deeper weed pockets with access to open water	Ned Rigs with pop/drop/pause cadence along weed edges Drop Shot with small plastics positioned just above weed tops Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with micro plastics when schools are located	Small minnows in and around weed edges Aquatic invertebrates within weed beds	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	70-78	Largemouth bass are establishing summer patterns, actively feeding along weed edges and reed lines during prime feeding periods Fish are utilizing deeper weed edges (8-15 feet) as retreat areas during bright conditions, moving shallower to feed	Reed beds and emerging vegetation in 1-5 foot depths Deep weed edges in 8-15 foot range Transition areas between reeds and deeper water	Wacky Rigs worked slowly through reed edges and gaps Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for working thick cover Shakey Heads along deeper weed edges	Perch in weed edges Shad in open water areas Minnows throughout vegetation	Natural Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Walleye	68-74	Walleye are establishing summer patterns, actively feeding along weed edges and deeper structure in 10-14 foot range during lower light periods Fish are transitioning between shallow and deep water throughout the day, using rock-to-sand transitions as primary feeding zones	Weed edges at 10-14 foot depths, particularly where they intersect with rock piles Rock-to-sand transitions near deeper water access Main lake points with access to both shallow and deep water	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along weed edges and structure transitions Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with crankbaits parallel to weed edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are holding tight to structure	Perch schools holding along weed edges Young-of-year baitfish beginning to school in mid-depths	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	70-74	Northern Pike are transitioning to deeper, cooler water during peak summer temperatures, actively patrolling ledges and weed edges at 12-17' depth for feeding opportunities Fish are showing aggressive chase behavior, particularly during periods with moderate wind creating current along structure edges	Ledges just outside weed beds in 12-17' depth, particularly where weeds terminate around 12' depth Deep weed edges along river channel edges Points and structural transitions near the state park beach area	Live Bait Rigs with half nightcrawlers worked along bottom near structure Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along weed edges Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges during windy conditions	Perch concentrating along weed edges Various baitfish schools present along structure edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Delta Reservoir

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	53-62	Fish are transitioning to intermediate depths (8-15 feet) following shad schools around docks and brush piles Actively feeding during cooling water temperatures, utilizing structure as ambush points	Docks in 8-15 feet of water Brush piles in 10-15 feet of water Weed lines in 8-15 feet of water	Wacky Rigs worked slowly around structure Hard Topwater (Prop) baits early and late in the day Drop Shot along dock edges and brush piles	Shad schools in intermediate depths Perch around structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Yellow Perch	55-65	Yellow perch are actively schooling around remaining weed edges, showing aggressive feeding behavior when bait is presented near vegetation Fish are transitioning to deeper structure as fall progresses, concentrating in distinct areas near weed edges where they can ambush prey	Edges of remaining live vegetation in 10-14 foot depth range Deeper weed transitions where distinct edges meet clean bottom Complex shoreline areas with irregular features near deep weed edges	Drop Shot Live Bait Rigs Micro Crankbaits	Small minnows (particularly fatheads) Invertebrates in weed edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	55-68	Bass are actively feeding to build up reserves for winter, following baitfish schools and keying in on shad and perch Fish are transitioning from deeper summer areas to shallower flats and coves, especially during afternoon warming periods Aggressive feeding windows occur during cloudy days and lower light conditions in the stained water	Deep weed edges in 8-15 foot range adjacent to shallow flats Protected coves and bays with remaining vegetation Main lake points with access to both shallow and deep water	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges and through baitfish schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) mimicking shad and perch Lipless Crankbaits burned through sparse vegetation	Shad schooling in backs of coves and along depth transitions Perch relating to remaining weed edges Minnows scattered throughout various depth zones	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Fall	Walleye	50-65	Walleye actively feeding on schools of small perch, often indicated by bird activity on the surface Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior, responding well to motion and vibration when pursuing baitfish	Areas where baitfish schools are present, especially with bird activity Well-defined weed edges in 10-14 foot depth range Rock-to-sand transitions along depth breaks	Blade Baits hopped off bottom with controlled fall Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked near baitfish schools Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around suspended baitfish	Perch (primary forage based on recent reports) Small baitfish schools in mid-water column	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Northern Pike	52-65	Pike actively feeding and chasing baitfish schools along weed edges and structural transitions as they bulk up for winter Fish following perch schools and becoming more aggressive in cooling water temperatures	Weed bed edges at 12' depth, especially near ledges dropping to 17' Points and bays with remaining vegetation Areas where wind concentrates baitfish against structure	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges and through baitfish schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) mimicking perch near structure Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along weed edges and structural transitions	Perch concentrating along weed edges Baitfish schools gathering in remaining vegetation	Natural Perch Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Yellow Perch	38-42	Yellow perch form tight schools in late winter, frequently holding near the bottom in relation to structure and forage Feeding activity typically peaks during early morning and late afternoon, with fish becoming more aggressive during stable weather patterns	Deep weed edges in 10-14 foot depths where green vegetation still exists Transition areas between weeds and clean bottom Protected coves with complex structure that offer warming potential	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Ice Fishing Jigs	Small minnows concentrated near remaining weed edges Aquatic invertebrates in and around vegetation Smaller perch (juvenile year classes)	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors
Winter	Walleye	38-45	Walleye actively feeding on perch schools along transitions and structure edges, particularly during low-light periods Fish holding tight to bottom structure during daylight hours, moving up in water column to feed	Rock-to-sand transitions in 8-15 foot depth range Deeper ledges adjacent to weed edges Points and irregular shoreline features with access to deeper water	Blade Baits worked vertically with aggressive lift-drop action Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) slow-rolled along bottom transitions Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with methodical movements	Perch Small Baitfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Northern Pike	42-52	Northern Pike actively feeding along remaining weed edges and transition areas, following perch and baitfish schools Pike positioning near bottom structure and along drop-offs during stable weather, moving shallower during warming trends	Ledges and drop-offs at 12-17' depth adjacent to dying weed beds Deeper structure near brush piles where baitfish congregate Protected coves and bays during warming trends	Live Bait Rigs with large minnows worked slowly along ledges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked parallel to weed edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with heavy spoons near schools of baitfish	Perch concentrating near remaining vegetation and structure Baitfish schools suspended near deeper structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Ice	Yellow Perch	34-39	Yellow perch form tight winter schools in deeper weed edges and basin transitions, moving between 14-22 feet based on oxygen levels and forage availability Feeding activity peaks during early morning and late afternoon, with fish becoming more aggressive during stable weather patterns	Deep weed edges transitioning to basin areas in 14-18 foot range Basin flats adjacent to complex shoreline features in 18-22 foot range Deeper holes near shallow feeding flats where schools stage between feeding periods	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements and pauses to trigger neutral fish Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging during active feeding periods Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set along depth transitions to intercept roaming schools	Small minnows and juvenile perch in the 1-2 inch range Aquatic invertebrates near weed edges Zooplankton in water column during low-light periods	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Ice	Walleye	34-39	Walleye become more concentrated in key structural areas during ice season, typically relating to transitions between rock and sand or along deeper weed edges Feeding patterns are most active during dawn and dusk, with fish moving up in the water column to feed on suspended perch schools	Rock-to-sand transitions in 15-25 foot range where perch schools concentrate Deep weed edges in 10-14 foot range, especially near points or inside turns Main lake points and ledges that provide access to both shallow and deep water	Ice Fishing Spoons worked with aggressive jigging followed by long pauses to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows, worked slowly along bottom transitions Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set with live minnows positioned at various depths to locate active fish	Perch - primary forage based on multiple fishing reports and observations Small baitfish concentrating in deeper water	Natural Perch Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	34-39	Pike will be most active during early morning and late afternoon, congregating near structure that provides access to both shallow and deeper water Feeding patterns become more deliberate and methodical, with fish typically holding in areas adjacent to primary forage locations	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, particularly near the 12-17' ledges Areas where green weeds persist under the ice, especially in 8-12' depth range Points and inside turns of weed beds where multiple depth changes intersect	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths with large live bait Ice Fishing Spoons actively jigged to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows worked slowly near structure	Perch - primary winter forage based on lake reports Baitfish schools concentrated near structure edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Delta Reservoir

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Secondary points with chunk rock or boulder to sand transitions	Main lake breaks and deeper water adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Weed edges and transitions in 10-14 foot depths, particularly near points and coves	Secondary drop-offs adjacent to spawning flats in 8-12 feet
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points and channel swings adjacent to spawning bays	Deeper weed edges in 8-15 foot range near spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Rock-to-sand transitions near spawning areas in 8-15 foot depth range	Primary points and ledges leading into shallow spawning bays
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays and coves with emerging vegetation, especially those with southern exposure	Transition areas between deep winter haunts and spawning grounds, particularly around the 12-17' ledges
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky areas and transitions from rock to sand in 5-10 foot depth range, prime for spawning	Reed edges where they intersect with hard bottom areas
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Protected shallow bays with emerging weed growth in 4-8 foot depths	Transition areas between shallow spawning areas and deeper weed edges in 8-12 feet
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Reed beds and shallow vegetation in 1-3 feet of water, especially in protected coves	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Rock-to-sand transitions and boulder areas in 3-8 foot depths for active spawning	Shallow reed areas near hard bottom
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow reed beds and emerging weed growth in protected bays	Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles and boulder fields in 8-15 foot depth range	Transitions from rock to sand, especially near deep water access
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Weed edges in 10-14 foot depths, particularly where they intersect with points or irregular shoreline features	Secondary drop-offs adjacent to spawning areas with emerging weed growth
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Newly emerging reed beds in 1-2 feet of stained water	Secondary points with vegetation near spawning flats
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Rock-to-sand transitions in 8-15 foot depth range	Weed edges at 10-14 foot depths
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Emerging weed beds in 8-12 foot depths, especially near drop-offs	Points and inside turns with mixed vegetation
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Ledges adjacent to weed lines in 12-17 foot depth range	Boulder fields and rock piles on expansive shoals
Summer	Yellow Perch	Deeper weed edges in 10-14 foot depth range, particularly where distinct transitions occur	Complex shoreline areas with coves and points that intersect with weed edges
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Reed beds and emerging vegetation in 1-5 foot depths	Deep weed edges in 8-15 foot range
Summer	Walleye	Weed edges at 10-14 foot depths, particularly where they intersect with rock piles	Rock-to-sand transitions near deeper water access
Summer	Northern Pike	Ledges just outside weed beds in 12-17' depth, particularly where weeds terminate around 12' depth	Deep weed edges along river channel edges
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Docks in 8-15 feet of water	Brush piles in 10-15 feet of water
Fall	Yellow Perch	Edges of remaining live vegetation in 10-14 foot depth range	Deeper weed transitions where distinct edges meet clean bottom
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Deep weed edges in 8-15 foot range adjacent to shallow flats	Protected coves and bays with remaining vegetation
Fall	Walleye	Areas where baitfish schools are present, especially with bird activity	Well-defined weed edges in 10-14 foot depth range
Fall	Northern Pike	Weed bed edges at 12' depth, especially near ledges dropping to 17'	Points and bays with remaining vegetation
Winter	Yellow Perch	Deep weed edges in 10-14 foot depths where green vegetation still exists	Transition areas between weeds and clean bottom
Winter	Walleye	Rock-to-sand transitions in 8-15 foot depth range	Deeper ledges adjacent to weed edges
Winter	Northern Pike	Ledges and drop-offs at 12-17' depth adjacent to dying weed beds	Deeper structure near brush piles where baitfish congregate
Ice	Yellow Perch	Deep weed edges transitioning to basin areas in 14-18 foot range	Basin flats adjacent to complex shoreline features in 18-22 foot range
Ice	Walleye	Rock-to-sand transitions in 15-25 foot range where perch schools concentrate	Deep weed edges in 10-14 foot range, especially near points or inside turns
Ice	Northern Pike	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, particularly near the 12-17' ledges	Areas where green weeds persist under the ice, especially in 8-12' depth range

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Minnows - primary forage based on fishing reports	Crawfish - becoming active in rocky areas as water warms
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small minnows gathering near emerging weed growth	Aquatic invertebrates becoming more active with warming water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Perch in the 8-15 foot depth range	Shad schools along channel edges
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Perch	Small baitfish congregating near spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Perch congregating in pre-spawn areas	Various baitfish schools moving shallow with warming trends
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Minnows, as confirmed by recent fishing reports	Perch, particularly around rocky areas
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small invertebrates and insects emerging in warming waters	Young-of-year minnows in shallow zones
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Perch in shallow spawning areas	Minnows around reed edges
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Small perch in shallow areas	Minnows gathering near spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Perch gathering in shallow areas	Small baitfish schools moving shallow
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Minnows gathering around rock structures	Small perch in transitional areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small minnows gathering around emerging weed growth	Aquatic invertebrates becoming more active in warming waters
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Perch	Minnows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Perch (primary forage based on reports)	Small baitfish utilizing shallow areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Perch concentrating along weed edges	Various baitfish schools in transitional areas
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Perch - primary forage based on recent reports	Minnows gathering around weed edges and rock/boulder areas
Summer	Yellow Perch	Small minnows in and around weed edges	Aquatic invertebrates within weed beds
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Perch in weed edges	Shad in open water areas
Summer	Walleye	Perch schools holding along weed edges	Young-of-year baitfish beginning to school in mid-depths
Summer	Northern Pike	Perch concentrating along weed edges	Various baitfish schools present along structure edges
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools in intermediate depths	Perch around structure
Fall	Yellow Perch	Small minnows (particularly fatheads)	Invertebrates in weed edges
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling in backs of coves and along depth transitions	Perch relating to remaining weed edges
Fall	Walleye	Perch (primary forage based on recent reports)	Small baitfish schools in mid-water column
Fall	Northern Pike	Perch concentrating along weed edges	Baitfish schools gathering in remaining vegetation
Winter	Yellow Perch	Small minnows concentrated near remaining weed edges	Aquatic invertebrates in and around vegetation
Winter	Walleye	Perch	Small Baitfish
Winter	Northern Pike	Perch concentrating near remaining vegetation and structure	Baitfish schools suspended near deeper structure
Ice	Yellow Perch	Small minnows and juvenile perch in the 1-2 inch range	Aquatic invertebrates near weed edges
Ice	Walleye	Perch - primary forage based on multiple fishing reports and observations	Small baitfish concentrating in deeper water
Ice	Northern Pike	Perch - primary winter forage based on lake reports	Baitfish schools concentrated near structure edges

Bait Colors by Season for Delta Reservoir

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