How to Fish Fall Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

Fall Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 29, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Fall Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Pre-spawn walleyes staging near the dam in 15-19 foot depths, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish relating strongly to current breaks and structural elements, particularly near deeper water access	Dam area in 15-19 foot depths Deep rock structures and reefs near spawning areas River channel edges with current breaks	Swim Jigs worked slowly along bottom transitions Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near structural elements Live Bait Rigs with minnows	Minnows Shiners Small Perch	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-48	Pre-spawn pike actively feeding to build energy reserves, most active during warmer parts of day Fish staging near spawning areas in shallow bays and tributaries, particularly drawn to emerging vegetation	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 2-6 feet of water Points and shallow rock/boulder fields adjacent to spawning areas Tributary mouths and current areas where water warms first	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through shallow areas Spinnerbaits retrieved at moderate speed parallel to emerging weed edges Inline Spinners worked near surface in warmer afternoons	Shallow panfish (particularly bluegills) near docks and emerging vegetation Shiners and shad moving into warming shallows Small walleye in transitional areas between shallow and mid-depth zones	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Staging in shallow, warmer bays and coves (2-6 feet) as they prepare for spawning Actively feeding during warming trends, particularly during mid-morning to early afternoon Congregating near emerging vegetation and structure that will later serve as spawning areas	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 2-6 foot depth Areas near dock pylons with morning sun exposure Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Bobbers with precise depth control in shallow areas Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around structure Ice Fishing Jigs worked horizontally for suspended fish	Small minnows gathering in warming shallows Emerging aquatic insects Zooplankton in areas of algae growth	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-48	Walleye moving into shallow areas (2-8 feet) seeking rocky or gravelly bottoms for spawning activity Males arrive first and stay longer, with females moving in during peak spawn and quickly returning to recovery areas Post-spawn fish transition to nearby deeper breaks (8-15 feet) for recovery	Rock and gravel areas in 2-8 foot depths, particularly near points and shoreline transitions River channel edges where current meets spawning habitat Adjacent deeper breaks in 8-15 feet for staging and recovery	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom transitions Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with light jigs Blade Baits worked slowly near spawning areas	Minnows gathering in spawning areas Small perch in shallow feeding zones Shiners moving along shoreline transitions	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-52	Northern Pike are actively spawning in shallow, weedy bays and backwater areas with temperatures reaching spawning range Post-spawn fish remain shallow and highly aggressive, feeding heavily to recover from spawning Most active during dawn and dusk periods due to stained water conditions (1.9m Secchi)	Shallow, weedy bays and backwater areas with emerging vegetation Points and irregularities along shoreline adjacent to spawning bays Shallow rock/boulder fields exposed by low water levels	Spinnerbaits worked slowly through shallow spawning areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) retrieved near emerging vegetation Live Bait Rigs with large minnows for post-spawn fish	Panfish/Bluegills near docks and shallow areas Shiners/Shad in transitional areas Young-of-year perch in weedy zones	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Bluegills moving into shallow protected bays and coves for spawning, males creating and guarding nests in 2-4 feet of water Actively feeding during daylight hours, particularly early morning and evening, becoming more aggressive when protecting spawning beds	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom composition, especially near weed edges in 2-4 feet Areas between docks and man-made structures where spawning colonies gather Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water where pre-spawn fish stage	Bobbers with light jigs suspended 1-2 feet below surface Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with small ice fishing style jigs Live Bait Rigs with small hooks and light line	Small insects and larvae Tiny minnows and fry Plankton and microscopic organisms	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	48-58	Post-spawn walleye actively feeding to recover energy, focusing on mid-depth ranges (10-19 feet) near structural elements that provide current breaks and access to forage Fish utilizing stained water conditions for daytime feeding activity, particularly around depth changes and river channel edges	River channel edges in 10-19 foot depth range Rocky points and humps adjacent to deeper water Current breaks near the dam structure	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Live Bait Rigs Trolling Mid Depth (10-19')	Minnows (shiners and small baitfish) Young of year perch	Vibrant Assorted Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	52-65	Post-spawn pike are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily hunting in shallow weed edges and near shore structure during early morning and evening hours Fish are transitioning between spawning areas and early summer habitat, making frequent movements along shoreline structure Aggressive feeding behavior targeting abundant shallow water prey, especially near areas where panfish are spawning	Shallow weed edges and emerging vegetation in 4-8 feet of water Protected bays with developing weed growth Points and rocky areas adjacent to spawning bays Dock areas where panfish are congregating	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges and structure Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve near surface Inline Spinners in shallow water during low light periods Trolling Shallow (0-9') along weed edges and points	Bluegills and panfish in shallow spawning areas Shiners and small baitfish moving shallow Young of the year perch in emerging weed beds	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	62-72	Post-spawn panfish transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding around vertical structure Fish showing preference for shallow water (0-9 feet) during daylight hours, relating strongly to man-made structures	Dock pylons and posts in 4-8 foot depth range Emerging weed edges near shoreline structure Protected bays with developing vegetation	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Bobbers Crappie Dock Shooting	Small minnows Emerging aquatic insects Zooplankton	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Walleye	65-78	During summer, walleye are actively feeding during early morning, late evening, and night hours, with reduced activity during bright midday periods due to the stained water (1.9m secchi) providing some daytime feeding opportunities Fish are relating to mid-depth structural elements (11-19 feet) where they can access cooler water while maintaining proximity to feeding zones Walleye are utilizing the complex shoreline features, points, and humps as ambush locations for pursuing baitfish	Main lake points and humps in 11-19 foot depth range Deep weedline edges near complex shoreline features River channel edges and current breaks near the dam	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along structural edges with consistent depth ranges Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom transitions Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') on specific structure spots	Yellow Perch schooling in mid-depth ranges Shiners relating to weedline edges Young-of-year baitfish in shallow to mid-depth zones	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	68-78	Northern Pike are actively feeding but moving between deeper, cooler water during midday heat and shallow weed edges during morning/evening Given the stained water (1.9m Secchi), pike are maintaining shallower positions overall and showing aggressive feeding behavior, especially during low light periods	Weed edges and points in 8-12 feet where shallow flats transition to deeper water Boulder fields and rock piles near shallow bays, especially those adjacent to deeper water Dock areas with reported panfish activity, particularly those near deeper water access	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges and through scattered vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled near structure transitions Trolling Shallow (0-9') early and late in the day along weed edges	Panfish (particularly bluegills) around docks and shallow structure Shad or shiners (based on silver bait effectiveness) Young-of-year walleye in mid-depth ranges	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	68-82	Bluegills are actively feeding in and around weed edges and man-made structures, with most active periods during early morning and evening Fish are establishing deeper holding patterns during midday heat, moving to 8-12 foot depths for refuge while maintaining proximity to feeding zones	Weed edges in 4-8 foot depth range, particularly near points and bays Dock pylons and other man-made structures providing shade and cover Deep weed pockets adjacent to shallow feeding flats	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Bobbers Live Bait Rigs	Small insects and larvae in the weed growth Tiny minnows and fry Zooplankton in the water column	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Fall Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Walleye	52-62	Walleye are exhibiting typical fall feeding patterns, actively feeding during early morning periods in moderate depths Fish are relating strongly to structural elements, particularly shallow humps and points in 11-13 foot ranges	Shallow humps in 11-13 feet of water Points transitioning into deeper water Rock structures and reefs exposed by low water conditions	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') at 1.7 mph Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Live Bait Rigs	Yellow Perch Shiners Small Baitfish	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Northern Pike	48-62	Northern Pike are actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter, following large schools of baitfish in transitional areas Fish are moving between shallow weedy bays and deeper structural elements, particularly during morning and evening periods	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, especially near points and bays Shallow rock/boulder fields near drop-offs Mid-depth structural elements in 10-19 feet where walleye have been reported	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges and over boulder fields Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) retrieved at varying speeds to trigger reaction strikes Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along transitions zones between shallow and deep water	Shiners and shad schooling in transitional areas Panfish relating to remaining weed growth Walleye as opportunistic prey in mid-depth ranges	Bold Striped Patterns Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Bluegills transitioning to deeper water structure as temperatures cool, staging in intermediate depths (8-12 feet) near weed edges and points Schooling becomes more concentrated, with fish gathering in tighter groups around key structure	Deep weed edges adjacent to points and inside turns Deeper dock areas in 8-12 foot range Brush piles and woody structure near drop-offs	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Drop Shot Finesse Hair Jigs	Small aquatic insects and larvae Zooplankton Tiny minnows	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Walleye	34-42	Walleye will concentrate near depth changes and structure, maintaining activity throughout the day due to stained water conditions (1.9m secchi) Feeding periods will be extended in the low-light winter conditions, with fish actively hunting in mid-depth ranges (11-19 feet)	Deep breaks near river channels and dam areas where current provides oxygenated water Mid-depth humps and rock structures in 11-19 foot ranges Transition areas between shallow rock structures and deeper wintering holes	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Live Bait Rigs	Slower-moving baitfish schools in mid-depth ranges Lethargic crawfish near rock structure Concentrated schools of juvenile perch	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Northern Pike	42-52	Pike are concentrating around baitfish schools in open water zones, actively feeding during low-light periods with reduced activity during bright midday hours Fish are following typical late-fall movement patterns, suspending near primary forage in mid-depth ranges	Deep weed edges adjacent to points and humps in 11-13 feet Rock/boulder fields near drop-offs where baitfish schools concentrate Mid-depth structural elements like humps and points where walleye have been reported	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with larger presentations to cover water effectively Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are spotted on electronics Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along structure edges	Shad and shiners congregating in schools Walleye as opportunistic larger prey Remaining panfish near deeper dock areas	Vibrant Assorted Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	38-45	Bluegills are actively seeking deeper water havens (13-18 feet) for winter refuge, schooling tightly around key structure Feeding windows are shorter but more predictable, typically most active during mid-morning and late afternoon hours Fish are less aggressive but will strike properly presented baits in their strike zone	Deep weed edges in 12-15 foot range where remaining green vegetation provides oxygen and cover Bridge pylons and dock structures in deeper water that provide vertical cover Protected bays with depths over 12 feet that offer wind protection and stable conditions	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Drop Shot Live Bait Rigs	Small aquatic insects and larvae Tiny crustaceans near remaining vegetation Small minnows in deeper water columns	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Walleye	34-39	Walleye are concentrated in predictable mid-depth locations, especially near structural elements that provide access to both shallow and deep water Fish are typically most active during dawn and dusk periods, with the stained water (1.9m clarity) allowing for occasional daytime feeding	Mid-depth humps and structural elements in 11-19 foot ranges that provide current breaks Areas near the dam where depth changes create prime winter holding areas River channel edges where deeper water provides winter sanctuary	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements near bottom structure Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging followed by pause periods Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to target active fish	Small perch and juvenile baitfish concentrated near structure Minnow species holding in deeper water columns	Vibrant Assorted Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	33-39	Northern Pike will be concentrated near oxygenated bays and areas with good forage density, becoming more active during low-light periods Fish are typically less mobile but will aggressively strike when prey is presented within their strike zone	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water in 8-12 feet, particularly in bays with good oxygen content Shallow rock/boulder fields near deeper water transitions where baitfish school Areas near current or springs that maintain higher oxygen levels	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned at varying depths Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows for a more subtle presentation	Panfish (particularly bluegills) concentrated in winter schools Shiners and other silvery baitfish in mid-depth ranges Small walleye in areas where both species overlap	Vibrant Assorted Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	34-39	Schooling in deeper basins near structure, with most active feeding during early morning and late afternoon Moving between prime feeding areas and deeper water refuge zones throughout the day Suspending at consistent depths where oxygen levels are optimal	Deep basins adjacent to shallow flats in 12-15 foot range Weed edges that remain green in 4-8 foot range Areas near man-made structures like dock pylons that provide vertical coverage	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just above the fish Ice Fishing Spoons with erratic action to trigger reaction strikes Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or waxworms for finicky fish	Small invertebrates and zooplankton Tiny minnows and fish fry Aquatic insect larvae	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Fall Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Dam area in 15-19 foot depths	Deep rock structures and reefs near spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 2-6 feet of water	Points and shallow rock/boulder fields adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 2-6 foot depth	Areas near dock pylons with morning sun exposure
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Rock and gravel areas in 2-8 foot depths, particularly near points and shoreline transitions	River channel edges where current meets spawning habitat
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow, weedy bays and backwater areas with emerging vegetation	Points and irregularities along shoreline adjacent to spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom composition, especially near weed edges in 2-4 feet	Areas between docks and man-made structures where spawning colonies gather
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	River channel edges in 10-19 foot depth range	Rocky points and humps adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow weed edges and emerging vegetation in 4-8 feet of water	Protected bays with developing weed growth
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Dock pylons and posts in 4-8 foot depth range	Emerging weed edges near shoreline structure
Summer	Walleye	Main lake points and humps in 11-19 foot depth range	Deep weedline edges near complex shoreline features
Summer	Northern Pike	Weed edges and points in 8-12 feet where shallow flats transition to deeper water	Boulder fields and rock piles near shallow bays, especially those adjacent to deeper water
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Weed edges in 4-8 foot depth range, particularly near points and bays	Dock pylons and other man-made structures providing shade and cover
Fall	Walleye	Shallow humps in 11-13 feet of water	Points transitioning into deeper water
Fall	Northern Pike	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, especially near points and bays	Shallow rock/boulder fields near drop-offs
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges adjacent to points and inside turns	Deeper dock areas in 8-12 foot range
Winter	Walleye	Deep breaks near river channels and dam areas where current provides oxygenated water	Mid-depth humps and rock structures in 11-19 foot ranges
Winter	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges adjacent to points and humps in 11-13 feet	Rock/boulder fields near drop-offs where baitfish schools concentrate
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges in 12-15 foot range where remaining green vegetation provides oxygen and cover	Bridge pylons and dock structures in deeper water that provide vertical cover
Ice	Walleye	Mid-depth humps and structural elements in 11-19 foot ranges that provide current breaks	Areas near the dam where depth changes create prime winter holding areas
Ice	Northern Pike	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water in 8-12 feet, particularly in bays with good oxygen content	Shallow rock/boulder fields near deeper water transitions where baitfish school
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep basins adjacent to shallow flats in 12-15 foot range	Weed edges that remain green in 4-8 foot range

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Minnows	Shiners
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow panfish (particularly bluegills) near docks and emerging vegetation	Shiners and shad moving into warming shallows
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small minnows gathering in warming shallows	Emerging aquatic insects
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Minnows gathering in spawning areas	Small perch in shallow feeding zones
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Panfish/Bluegills near docks and shallow areas	Shiners/Shad in transitional areas
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae	Tiny minnows and fry
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Minnows (shiners and small baitfish)	Young of year perch
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegills and panfish in shallow spawning areas	Shiners and small baitfish moving shallow
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small minnows	Emerging aquatic insects
Summer	Walleye	Yellow Perch schooling in mid-depth ranges	Shiners relating to weedline edges
Summer	Northern Pike	Panfish (particularly bluegills) around docks and shallow structure	Shad or shiners (based on silver bait effectiveness)
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae in the weed growth	Tiny minnows and fry
Fall	Walleye	Yellow Perch	Shiners
Fall	Northern Pike	Shiners and shad schooling in transitional areas	Panfish relating to remaining weed growth
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Zooplankton
Winter	Walleye	Slower-moving baitfish schools in mid-depth ranges	Lethargic crawfish near rock structure
Winter	Northern Pike	Shad and shiners congregating in schools	Walleye as opportunistic larger prey
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Tiny crustaceans near remaining vegetation
Ice	Walleye	Small perch and juvenile baitfish concentrated near structure	Minnow species holding in deeper water columns
Ice	Northern Pike	Panfish (particularly bluegills) concentrated in winter schools	Shiners and other silvery baitfish in mid-depth ranges
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Small invertebrates and zooplankton	Tiny minnows and fish fry

Bait Colors by Season for Fall Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Vibrant Assorted Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Summer	Walleye	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Fall	Walleye	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Northern Pike	Bold Striped Patterns Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Winter	Walleye	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Northern Pike	Vibrant Assorted Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Walleye	Vibrant Assorted Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	Vibrant Assorted Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals