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Elk Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Jun 21, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Elk Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	45-58	Smallmouth bass transitioning from winter deep spots to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish becoming more aggressive as water warms, utilizing current breaks and structure edges as ambush points	River channel edges and current breaks where deeper water meets shallow flats Stump fields and woody structure in 4-6 foot range Transition areas between river mouth and main lake	Blade Baits worked slowly along channel edges and structure breaks Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with steady retrieve near bottom Tubes dragged and hopped along bottom structure	Small baitfish congregating near river channels Crawfish becoming more active in warming water	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Walleye staging in pre-spawn areas near river channels, actively feeding during low-light periods Fish moving from deeper winter holes to shallower staging areas, particularly active during dawn and dusk	River channel mouths and associated current breaks in 6-8 feet Transition areas between deeper winter holes and shallow spawning areas Hard bottom areas near river inflows where spawning will occur	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along channel edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with minnow-tipped jigs Blade Baits worked through current breaks	Small minnows congregating near river inflows Juvenile yellow perch in slightly deeper transitions	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	48-58	Crappies are transitioning from winter deep-water locations to pre-spawn staging areas, following river channels and moving towards shallower flats Fish are becoming more active with warming water, forming loose schools near structure and feeding more aggressively as they prepare for spawning	River channel edges where they meet main lake flats, particularly in 6-12 foot depths Secondary points and subtle breaks leading into spawning flats River mouth areas where nutrients and food sources concentrate	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') - effective for targeting suspended schools along channel edges Crappie Spider Rigging - excellent for covering water and finding transitioning fish Hover/Mid-Strolling - useful for maintaining contact with schools in specific depth ranges	Small minnows gathering in pre-spawn areas Aquatic insects becoming more active with warming water Juvenile panfish in shallow transition zones	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Smallmouth bass actively seeking shallow spawning areas near hard bottom and structure, particularly around river channel edges and stumps Males preparing and guarding nests in 2-6 foot depth range, becoming increasingly aggressive toward intruders Pre-spawn feeding activity heightened during warming trends, with fish staging near spawning areas	River channel edges with hard bottom in 2-6 foot range Shallow flats adjacent to river channel with stumps or rock Current breaks near river mouth with firm bottom composition	Tubes worked slowly along bottom near potential spawning sites Swim Jigs with deliberate retrieves parallel to spawning areas Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around visible cover and spawning sites	Bluegill moving into similar shallow spawning areas Small minnows utilizing current breaks near river channel Crayfish becoming more active in warming water	Vibrant Craw Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Walleye staging near river channels and shallow flats (2-6 feet) for spawning, with peak activity during low light periods Post-spawn fish gradually transitioning to feeding areas, particularly near current breaks and river mouths	River channel mouths and associated shallow flats (2-6 feet) Current breaks near river inflows Transitional areas between spawning flats and slightly deeper water (6-8 feet)	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along spawning flats and river channel edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with methodical presentations Blade Baits worked slowly through current breaks	Small Minnows concentrating near river channels Juvenile Yellow Perch in shallow flats Shiners moving into spawning areas	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-65	Staging near shallow spawning flats in 4-7 feet, gradually moving shallower as water warms Males arriving first to prepare nests, with females following as temperatures stabilize Actively feeding during pre-spawn, becoming more focused on spawning activities as temperatures reach optimal range	Protected shallow flats with emerging vegetation in 2-4 feet of water River channel edges adjacent to spawning flats River mouth areas where nutrients concentrate	Crappie Spider Rigging Bobbers Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling)	Small insects and larvae in shallow spawning areas Small minnows congregating near emerging vegetation Zooplankton concentrations in nutrient-rich areas	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	68-75	Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding on surface prey near current areas, showing aggressive strikes on topwater baits as evidenced by recent fishing reports Fish are utilizing the full water column in shallow water areas, with a preference for structure near moving water	River mouth areas with current breaks and ledges Stump fields in shallow water, especially near river channel influence Main river channel bends with structure	Hard Topwater (Prop) - matches recent successful reports and aggressive feeding behavior Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) - effective for covering water in the low visibility conditions Spinnerbaits - ideal for the stained water conditions and active fish	Bluegill - confirmed in recent fishing reports Small Baitfish - likely congregating near current areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	48-62	Post-spawn walleye actively feeding to recover energy, primarily during low-light periods but remaining shallow due to poor water clarity Fish staging near river channel edges and transitional areas, moving between shallow feeding zones and slightly deeper resting areas	River mouth areas in 6-8 feet where current delivers forage Channel edges adjacent to shallow flats in 4-6 feet Current breaks and eddies near river inflows	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along channel edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with minnows near current breaks Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily through feeding zones	Small minnows congregating near river channels Young-of-year baitfish in warming shallow areas Small fish species taking advantage of current-delivered food	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	62-72	Post-spawn crappies are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are moving along river channel edges and relating to emerging weed growth in 4-7 foot depths Feeding activity increases during morning and evening periods, with fish suspending near structure during midday	Emerging weed edges near river channel bends in 4-7 feet Secondary points with scattered vegetation near spawning flats River mouth areas with stable water conditions	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along weed edges and channel breaks Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) near visible structure Bobbers with light jigs worked through scattered vegetation	Small minnows gathering near emerging weed growth Aquatic insects active in warming waters Young-of-year baitfish beginning to appear	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Purple Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	68-82	Actively feeding in low-light periods (early morning/evening) in shallow water (2-6 feet), moving to slightly deeper river channel edges during bright conditions Positioning near current breaks and structure (stumps, ledges) for ambush feeding opportunities in the stained water conditions	River channel edges and current breaks in 4-8 foot depth range Stump fields and ledges adjacent to shallow feeding areas Primary points where river channel meets main lake basin	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to river channel edges with erratic retrieves Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked through stump fields Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting visible cover in shallow water	Bluegill in shallow cover areas Minnows relating to current breaks Crawfish around stumps and rocky areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Summer	Walleye	68-75	Moving between deeper river channel edges and adjacent flats during feeding periods, particularly active during dawn/dusk in this shallow, stained water Suspending near bottom structure during midday, utilizing river channels as primary travel corridors	River channel edges in 6-8 foot depth range Current breaks near river inlets Transition areas between river channels and adjacent flats	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along channel edges Trolling Shallow (0-9') with bottom bouncing presentations Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') in current breaks	Minnows concentrated in current areas Small perch in transition areas Young-of-year fish gathering near channel edges	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Crappie	68-82	During summer, crappies will relate heavily to weed edges and dense vegetation due to the lake's shallow nature and poor clarity. They'll be most active during dawn and dusk. Fish will suspend near the river channel edges during midday heat, using deeper water as a refuge while staying close to feeding areas.	Weed edges adjacent to river channel breaks, especially in 6-8 foot depth range Dense weed patches near river mouth areas where nutrients concentrate Deeper main basin areas (7-9 feet) during peak heating periods	Crappie Dock Shooting Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Crappie Spider Rigging	Small insects and larvae around weed edges Young-of-year baitfish in shallow weed areas Aquatic invertebrates concentrated near river mouth	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns

Fall Fishing Guide for Elk Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	52-65	Fish actively relating to current breaks and drop-offs near river channels, moving between feeding zones based on forage movement Transitioning to slower, more methodical feeding patterns as water temperatures cool, targeting minnows in slightly deeper zones	River channel drop-offs and current breaks Deeper stumps and wood cover adjacent to river channel Secondary breaks and ledges within 6-8 foot depth range	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly along drop-offs Drop Shot with finesse presentations near structure Tubes worked along current breaks	Minnows concentrated near current breaks Bluegill relating to available cover	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Walleye	55-65	Walleye actively feeding during daylight hours in the stained water conditions, concentrating around river channel areas Fish staging near current breaks and channel edges to ambush baitfish in cooling fall waters Increased feeding activity triggered by water temperatures around 60°F, particularly near river inflows where forage is concentrated	River channel mouths and associated current breaks in 6-8 feet of water Channel edge transitions where deeper water meets shallow flats Current seams along main river channel in 4-10 feet of water	Finesse Jigs worked slowly along bottom near current breaks Live Bait Rigs with minnows presented along channel edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') in active feeding zones	Minnows concentrated around river channel areas Small baitfish following current seams Young-of-year panfish in shallow areas	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	52-65	Crappies are transitioning from summer patterns to winter locations, following baitfish schools and staging along river channel edges Fish are actively feeding to build up reserves for winter, often suspending in loose schools near structure	River channel edges where they intersect with main basin flats Deep weed edges adjacent to river channels River mouth areas with current breaks	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') along channel edges and near structure Crappie Spider Rigging along weed edges and channel breaks Hover/Mid-Strolling through suspended schools once located	Small baitfish congregating near channel edges Aquatic insects near remaining weed growth Young-of-year panfish in shallow flats	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Bold Striped Patterns

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Walleye	45-58	Walleye concentrate heavily in and around river channel areas during late fall/early winter, actively feeding on schools of baitfish Fish are likely to be found in tighter schools due to cooling water temperatures, with most active feeding during low-light periods	River channel mouths and associated current breaks in 6-8 foot depth range Deep pockets and depressions near river channels Current seams where river flow meets main lake basin	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with minnows or soft plastics along channel edges Blade Baits worked vertically through baitfish schools Live Bait Rigs with minnows near current breaks	Small minnows congregating in river channels Young-of-year baitfish schooling near current breaks Smaller panfish in deeper channel pockets	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Crappie	38-45	Suspending in deep basin areas near river channel edges, primarily feeding during low light periods Schools remain relatively stationary in winter, holding in areas with favorable temperature and oxygen levels	Main lake basin areas in 7-9 feet of water, particularly near river channel intersections River channel edges where deeper water meets basin flats Deep holes near river mouth areas where nutrients concentrate	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Hover/Mid-Strolling Live Bait Rigs	Small aquatic insects Tiny minnows Zooplankton	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Walleye	34-39	Walleye concentrate in river channel areas where current delivers forage, particularly around the 6-8 foot depth range Due to poor water clarity (0.7m Secchi), walleye remain active during daylight hours, making them targetable throughout the day	River channel mouths where current creates distinct breaks and concentrates forage Transition areas between river channels and main lake basin Deeper holes near river channel bends where walleye stack during cold periods	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with live minnows near bottom in river channel areas Ice Fishing Spoons aggressively jigged to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set along channel edges with large minnows	Small minnows concentrated in river channel areas Young-of-year perch in slightly shallower adjacent flats Juvenile white suckers near channel bottoms	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Crappie	34-39	Suspended crappie schools holding in main basin areas, concentrating in 7-9 foot depths over flats Actively feeding on small aquatic insects, requiring precise vertical presentations	Main basin flats in 7-9 feet of water where crappie beds are present Deep basin areas serving as winter holding zones River channel edges where they intersect with main basin flats	Ice Fishing Jigs with light, subtle jigging motions Ice Fishing Spoons for more aggressive presentations when fish are active Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to locate suspended schools	Small aquatic insects and larvae Tiny crustaceans and zooplankton	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Purple Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Elk Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	River channel edges and current breaks where deeper water meets shallow flats	Stump fields and woody structure in 4-6 foot range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	River channel mouths and associated current breaks in 6-8 feet	Transition areas between deeper winter holes and shallow spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	River channel edges where they meet main lake flats, particularly in 6-12 foot depths	Secondary points and subtle breaks leading into spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	River channel edges with hard bottom in 2-6 foot range	Shallow flats adjacent to river channel with stumps or rock
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	River channel mouths and associated shallow flats (2-6 feet)	Current breaks near river inflows
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Protected shallow flats with emerging vegetation in 2-4 feet of water	River channel edges adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	River mouth areas with current breaks and ledges	Stump fields in shallow water, especially near river channel influence
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	River mouth areas in 6-8 feet where current delivers forage	Channel edges adjacent to shallow flats in 4-6 feet
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Emerging weed edges near river channel bends in 4-7 feet	Secondary points with scattered vegetation near spawning flats
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	River channel edges and current breaks in 4-8 foot depth range	Stump fields and ledges adjacent to shallow feeding areas
Summer	Walleye	River channel edges in 6-8 foot depth range	Current breaks near river inlets
Summer	Crappie	Weed edges adjacent to river channel breaks, especially in 6-8 foot depth range	Dense weed patches near river mouth areas where nutrients concentrate
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	River channel drop-offs and current breaks	Deeper stumps and wood cover adjacent to river channel
Fall	Walleye	River channel mouths and associated current breaks in 6-8 feet of water	Channel edge transitions where deeper water meets shallow flats
Fall	Crappie	River channel edges where they intersect with main basin flats	Deep weed edges adjacent to river channels
Winter	Walleye	River channel mouths and associated current breaks in 6-8 foot depth range	Deep pockets and depressions near river channels
Winter	Crappie	Main lake basin areas in 7-9 feet of water, particularly near river channel intersections	River channel edges where deeper water meets basin flats
Ice	Walleye	River channel mouths where current creates distinct breaks and concentrates forage	Transition areas between river channels and main lake basin
Ice	Crappie	Main basin flats in 7-9 feet of water where crappie beds are present	Deep basin areas serving as winter holding zones

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Small baitfish congregating near river channels	Crawfish becoming more active in warming water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Small minnows congregating near river inflows	Juvenile yellow perch in slightly deeper transitions
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Small minnows gathering in pre-spawn areas	Aquatic insects becoming more active with warming water
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Bluegill moving into similar shallow spawning areas	Small minnows utilizing current breaks near river channel
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Small Minnows concentrating near river channels	Juvenile Yellow Perch in shallow flats
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small insects and larvae in shallow spawning areas	Small minnows congregating near emerging vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Bluegill - confirmed in recent fishing reports	Small Baitfish - likely congregating near current areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Small minnows congregating near river channels	Young-of-year baitfish in warming shallow areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Small minnows gathering near emerging weed growth	Aquatic insects active in warming waters
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Bluegill in shallow cover areas	Minnows relating to current breaks
Summer	Walleye	Minnows concentrated in current areas	Small perch in transition areas
Summer	Crappie	Small insects and larvae around weed edges	Young-of-year baitfish in shallow weed areas
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Minnows concentrated near current breaks	Bluegill relating to available cover
Fall	Walleye	Minnows concentrated around river channel areas	Small baitfish following current seams
Fall	Crappie	Small baitfish congregating near channel edges	Aquatic insects near remaining weed growth
Winter	Walleye	Small minnows congregating in river channels	Young-of-year baitfish schooling near current breaks
Winter	Crappie	Small aquatic insects	Tiny minnows
Ice	Walleye	Small minnows concentrated in river channel areas	Young-of-year perch in slightly shallower adjacent flats
Ice	Crappie	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Tiny crustaceans and zooplankton

Bait Colors by Season for Elk Lake

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

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