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Omnia Fishing
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Omnia Fishing

Falls Lake

Published: Updated:

Spring Fishing Patterns on Falls Lake

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth Bass54-63
  • Bass are transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to prepare for spawning. Males are moving shallower while females stage on nearby points.
  • Feeding activity is temperature-dependent, with most active periods during warmer parts of the day, particularly around shallow wood cover.
  • Laydowns and woody cover in spawning coves, particularly near small points
  • Secondary points leading into spawning bays
  • Shallow wood cover in protected areas
  • Shakey Heads worked slowly around wood cover and points
  • Spinnerbaits early in the day around shallow wood
  • Bladed Jigs around transition areas and points
  • Crawfish emerging as primary forage in warming water
  • Shad present in transition areas
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Catfish55-65
  • Pre-spawn catfish actively moving from winter deep water locations to transitional areas, becoming more aggressive in feeding patterns as water warms
  • Fish staging near spawning areas like flooded brush and timber, making frequent feeding movements to nearby flats
  • Increasing activity levels during warming trends, with peak feeding during early morning and evening hours
  • River channel edges where deep water meets emerging shallow flats
  • Flooded brush and timber areas adjacent to deeper water
  • Secondary creek arms with abundant woody cover
  • Live Bait Rigs with slip sinkers for precise depth control
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around structure
  • Carolina Rigs worked slowly along channel edges
  • Shad schools moving into shallower water
  • Bluegill becoming more active in brush areas
  • Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Crappie53-68
  • Crappie are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging, moving from deeper creek channels toward spawning areas in coves and creek arms
  • Fish are actively feeding to build energy for spawn, congregating around structure in 8-15 foot depths
  • Creek channel bends with adjacent brush piles in 8-15 foot depths
  • Secondary points leading into spawning coves with laydowns or brush
  • Staging areas near flooded brush in 5-10 foot depths
  • Crappie Spider Rigging to methodically work brush piles and channel edges
  • Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along creek channels and point transitions
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around visible cover and brush
  • Shad in 2-4 inch range gathering in pre-spawn areas
  • Bluegill beginning to become more active in warmer areas
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Pink Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Lake Whitefish50-57
  • Lake Whitefish are transitioning from deeper winter haunts to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding on both benthic invertebrates and small baitfish near rock piles and points
  • Fish are becoming more active with warming temperatures, making daily movements between deeper staging areas and shallower feeding zones
  • Rocky points and humps in 15-25 foot depth range where pre-spawn staging occurs
  • River channel edges where current creates feeding opportunities
  • Transition areas between rock piles and softer bottom where invertebrates are abundant
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')
  • Blade Baits
  • Ice Fishing Jigs
  • Benthic invertebrates near rock piles and points
  • Small shad and baitfish
  • Aquatic insects beginning spring hatches
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth Bass57-68
  • Pre-spawn females staging in mouths of coves near spawning areas, transitioning to males moving shallow to prepare beds as water warms
  • Activity levels increasing with warming trends, fish becoming more aggressive during cloudy conditions with light wind
  • Laydowns in mouths of coves serving as pre-spawn staging areas
  • Protected shallow areas in backs of coves where males are preparing beds
  • Submerged vegetation edges providing cover during spawning transition
  • Spinnerbaits worked around laydowns and cover, especially during cloudy conditions
  • Shakey Heads worked slowly in spawning pockets and around bedding areas
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for targeting specific pieces of cover and bed areas
  • Shad - primary forage based on multiple fishing reports
  • Bluegill - secondary forage becoming more important as fish move shallow
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)Catfish65-75
  • Actively seeking spawning areas in flooded brush, timber, and cavities in 5-10 foot depth range
  • Males guarding nests become aggressive and territorial, while females stage in nearby deeper water
  • Feeding activity increases as water warms, with peak activity during dawn and dusk periods
  • Flooded timber and brush areas near river channel edges
  • Rock piles and laydowns in 5-10 foot depth
  • Protected coves with woody structure
  • Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live offerings
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') near structure
  • Bobbers for suspended presentations around spawning areas
  • Shad concentrations in spawning areas
  • Bluegill in shallow brush
  • Crawfish emerging in rocky areas
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)Crappie62-72
  • Crappie are in spawning mode, moving into shallow flooded brush and staging areas, with most active periods during warmer parts of the day at 68°F
  • Fish are actively feeding on shad and bluegill in the 2-4 inch range while preparing for and during spawn
  • Flooded brush in 2-8 feet of water, particularly in protected coves and creek arms
  • Shallow staging areas adjacent to spawning flats near creek channels
  • Protected coves with woody cover and laydowns
  • Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) around visible brush and cover
  • Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding tight to cover
  • Bobbers with light jigs for precise depth control in spawning areas
  • Shad in 2-4 inch range
  • Bluegill in 2-4 inch range
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
  • Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)Lake Whitefish42-52
  • Moving from deep winter locations to shallower spawning areas, typically seeking rock piles and gravel substrate in 15-25 foot depths
  • Actively feeding during pre-spawn period to build energy reserves, with most active periods during early morning and late evening
  • Rock piles and gravel areas near river channel intersections
  • Transition areas between deep winter haunts and spawning grounds
  • Points and humps with hard bottom composition
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')
  • Live Bait Rigs
  • Small Tubes
  • Small shad and baitfish
  • Benthic invertebrates
  • Aquatic insect larvae
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth Bass69-77
  • Bass are transitioning to post-spawn patterns, actively feeding on shad during their spawn near shorelines early in the morning, then moving to deeper structure as the day progresses
  • Fish are showing increased feeding activity with water temperatures between 69-77°F, particularly responsive to moving baits and shad imitations
  • Rock and clay banks with active shad spawn early morning
  • Offshore humps and points with bait present
  • Wind-blown banks with cover
  • Rock piles and ledges in deeper water
  • Hard Topwater (Walking) early morning during shad spawn
  • Spinnerbaits around shad and on wind-blown banks
  • Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) on points with bait present
  • Ned Rigs worked slowly on rock piles and ledges
  • Shad (primary forage, actively spawning)
  • Bluegill (secondary forage in shallow areas)
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Catfish65-75
  • Post-spawn catfish are actively feeding and recovering energy, transitioning from spawning areas to main lake feeding zones
  • Fish are moving between different depth ranges throughout the day, following baitfish schools and responding to warming water temperatures
  • River channel edges near spawning flats where catfish stage during post-spawn recovery
  • Laydowns and flooded timber in 8-15 foot depths where baitfish congregate
  • Rock piles and creek arm intersections with the main river channel
  • Live Bait Rigs positioned near structure and channel edges
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around laydowns and timber
  • Carolina Rigs worked slowly along rocky transitions
  • Shad schools moving into post-spawn feeding areas
  • Bluegill in and around shallow cover
  • Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)Crappie65-75
  • Post-spawn crappie transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper summer holding areas, actively feeding to recover energy
  • Fish beginning to school up and suspend near structure, especially in relation to baitfish movements
  • Brush piles and woody cover in 8-15 feet of water adjacent to spawning flats
  • Creek arm channel edges with flooded timber
  • Secondary points with submerged brush near deeper water
  • Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along channel edges and points
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around brush piles
  • Crappie Spider Rigging near suspended schools
  • Shad in 2-4 inch range gathering in schools
  • Young-of-year bluegill beginning to appear in shallow areas
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Pink Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Lake Whitefish50-57
  • Moving from deep wintering areas to mid-depth zones (15-25 feet) as water warms, following preferred temperature range
  • Actively feeding on both baitfish and benthic invertebrates near rock piles and river channel edges
  • Most active during early morning and late evening, seeking clearer water zones due to the lake's turbid conditions
  • Rock piles and river channel edges in 15-25 foot depth range
  • Points and humps adjacent to deep water wintering areas
  • Areas where submerged vegetation meets hard bottom structure
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')
  • Live Bait Rigs
  • Trolling Mid Depth (10-19')
  • Shad in the 2-4 inch range
  • Benthic invertebrates near rock piles
  • Small crayfish emerging from winter dormancy
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals

Summer Fishing Patterns

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
SummerLargemouth Bass78-82
  • Bass are establishing summer patterns with both shallow and deep water movements. Early/late shallow feeding windows near cover, then moving to deeper structure during bright conditions
  • Fish are actively feeding on shad schools, particularly around humps and river channel edges during lower light periods
  • Night time activity increases with fish moving shallow to feed around laydowns and other cover
  • River channel edges and turns, especially where they intersect with other structure
  • Offshore humps with deep water access
  • Grass lines and submerged vegetation edges
  • Laydowns and woody cover, particularly for night fishing
  • Carolina Rigs along channel edges and humps
  • Bladed Jigs around grass lines early and late
  • Drop Shot on offshore structure
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for targeting shad-feeding fish
  • Shad - primary forage based on multiple reports
  • Bluegill - secondary forage especially around shallow cover
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
SummerCatfish72-82
  • During summer, catfish are actively feeding but adjust their patterns throughout the day. They move to deeper, cooler water during bright midday hours, and become more active in shallower areas during dawn, dusk, and night.
  • Fish are seeking thermally optimal zones near channel edges where cooler, oxygenated water is available, especially during peak summer temperatures
  • River channel edges and deeper holes, especially where they intersect with creek arms
  • Flooded timber and brush piles in 8-15 feet of water
  • Laydowns and woody cover adjacent to deeper water
  • Live Bait Rigs positioned near structure or channel edges
  • Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) in main lake channels during midday
  • Texas Rigs (Worming) worked through timber and brush piles
  • Shad schools suspended in deeper water
  • Bluegill in and around shallow cover
  • Bottom-dwelling invertebrates near structure
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
SummerCrappie72-82
  • Crappie are suspending near deeper brush piles and channel edges during the heat of summer, moving shallower during early morning and late evening to feed
  • Schools are concentrating around shaded areas and deeper structure during bright days, becoming more active in low-light conditions
  • Deep brush piles in 15-25 feet of water near creek channel edges
  • Shaded dock areas with 8-15 feet of water
  • Creek arm bends with submerged timber in 12-20 feet
  • Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling)
  • Crappie Spider Rigging
  • Crappie Dock Shooting
  • Shad schools in 8-15 feet of water
  • Small bluegill near brush and dock areas
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
  • Pink Colors
SummerLake Whitefish50-57
  • Lake Whitefish are seeking deep, cold-water refuges due to warm surface temperatures, concentrating in areas with good dissolved oxygen near thermocline
  • Feeding activity shifts to early morning and late evening periods when light penetration is lower in the stained water
  • Fish are suspending near structure that intersects with preferred temperature zones, moving between feeding areas following baitfish schools
  • Deep river channel edges where cooler water intersects with structure
  • Offshore humps and points in 20-30 foot depth range
  • Areas where rock piles meet deeper water, providing access to both structure and thermal refuge
  • Trolling Deep (20'+)
  • Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+)
  • Drop Shot
  • Shad schools in deeper water
  • Benthic invertebrates near rock piles
  • Small baitfish relating to deep structure
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Bold Striped Patterns

Fall Fishing Guide for Falls Lake

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
FallLargemouth Bass65-76
  • Actively chasing shad in the 12-16 foot range near points and transitional areas, with early morning shallow feeding periods
  • Utilizing flooded shoreline cover and laydowns during feeding periods, particularly during low light conditions
  • Main lake and secondary points with nearby deep water access
  • Laydowns and stumps in creek arms
  • Flooded shoreline vegetation and brush
  • Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked along points in 12-16 foot range
  • Wacky Rigs worked around laydowns and overhanging cover
  • Buzzbaits and topwater during early morning hours around shallow cover
  • Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') around stumps and shallow structure
  • Shad schooling near points and in creek arms
  • Bluegill relating to shallow cover and vegetation
  • Minnows around laydowns and woody structure
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
FallCatfish58-72
  • Moving from summer deep water patterns to shallower feeding areas, following shad migrations into creeks and coves
  • Increased feeding activity to build reserves for winter, with most active periods during dawn and dusk
  • Congregating near channel swings and transition areas where deep water meets shallow feeding zones
  • River channel edges where they intersect with creek arms
  • Shallow flats adjacent to deep water, especially near woody cover
  • Back of creek arms where shad are migrating
  • Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or large minnows
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') near channel edges
  • Texas Rigs (Worming) with scented baits around wood cover
  • Shad schools migrating into creeks
  • Bluegill in shallow cover
  • Bottom-dwelling crawfish
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Chartreuse Colors
FallCrappie58-72
  • Fall crappie are actively schooling and feeding on shad, following baitfish movements into creek arms and coves
  • Fish are transitioning from shallow to medium depths, concentrating around structure in 8-15 feet of water
  • Creek arm channels with adjacent woody cover in 8-15 feet
  • Deep brush piles near creek channel bends
  • Main lake points with submerged timber
  • Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling)
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')
  • Hover/Mid-Strolling
  • Shad schools in 8-15 foot depth range
  • Bluegill around brush piles and woody cover
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Light Neutral Colors
FallLake Whitefish50-57
  • Lake Whitefish are transitioning to deeper water as temperatures cool, following preferred temperature ranges and baitfish schools
  • Fish are actively feeding to build up energy reserves, with increased activity during dawn and dusk periods
  • Congregating around structure that concentrates baitfish and provides access to both deep water and feeding zones
  • Deep rock piles and humps near river channel edges (15-25 feet)
  • Points that extend into deeper water, especially those with sharp drops
  • Areas where submerged vegetation meets deeper water structure
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')
  • Trolling Mid Depth (10-19')
  • Blade Baits
  • Shad schools moving into deeper water
  • Benthic invertebrates near rock piles and channel edges
  • Small baitfish utilizing remaining vegetation edges
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
WinterLargemouth Bass48-58
  • Largemouth bass are in pre-spawn mode, actively chasing bait in shallow waters and showing increased feeding activity due to warming trends
  • Fish are exhibiting aggressive feeding behavior throughout the day, particularly responding to reaction baits in stained water conditions
  • Shallow flats and protected areas in 6 feet or less of water where baitfish are congregating
  • Laydowns and submerged vegetation in protected areas
  • Rock piles in transition areas between shallow and deeper water
  • Lipless Crankbaits worked aggressively through shallow areas
  • Spinnerbaits worked around cover and vegetation
  • Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') targeting transition areas
  • Shad concentrating in shallow water areas
  • Bluegill around shallow cover and vegetation
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Chartreuse Colors
WinterCatfish45-52
  • Catfish become less active and congregate in deeper, more stable water temperatures, particularly in river channels and deep holes
  • Feeding windows are shorter but more predictable, typically during warmer afternoon periods
  • Fish tend to school more tightly in winter, with multiple fish often found in the same location
  • Deep river channels with depths over 20 feet, especially near sharp bends
  • Deep holes adjacent to creek channel intersections
  • Areas where woody cover intersects with deep water
  • Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or large minnows fished near bottom
  • Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with heavy jigs tipped with meat
  • Trolling Deep (20'+) along channel edges
  • Shad schools concentrated in deeper water
  • Winter-stressed or dying baitfish
  • Dormant bluegill in deeper brush piles
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Bold Striped Patterns
WinterCrappie45-55
  • Schooling tightly in deeper water near bottom structure, moving less and conserving energy
  • Feeding less frequently but more aggressively during prime feeding windows, especially during warmer parts of the day
  • Deep creek arm channels with nearby brush piles (12-20 feet)
  • Protected coves with deeper water access (8-15 feet)
  • Deeper sections near standing timber or laydowns
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')
  • Crappie Spider Rigging
  • Hover/Mid-Strolling
  • Smaller shad concentrations in deeper water
  • Suspended bluegill near structure
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Pink Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
WinterLake Whitefish50-57
  • Lake Whitefish will be schooling in deeper water near structure, actively feeding during daylight hours due to optimal winter water temperatures
  • Fish are likely to concentrate around bottom transitions where rock piles meet softer substrate, feeding on benthic invertebrates and small baitfish
  • Deep rock piles and river channel edges in 20-35 foot depth range
  • Deeper points and humps that provide current breaks and congregation areas for baitfish
  • Areas where hard bottom transitions meet softer substrate, especially near deep water access
  • Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+)
  • Ice Fishing Spoons
  • Blade Baits
  • Benthic invertebrates around rock piles
  • Small shad and baitfish in deeper water
  • Zooplankton in water column
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Falls Lake

SeasonSpeciesPrimary StructureSecondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth BassLaydowns and woody cover in spawning coves, particularly near small pointsSecondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Pre-Spawn)CatfishRiver channel edges where deep water meets emerging shallow flatsFlooded brush and timber areas adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)CrappieCreek channel bends with adjacent brush piles in 8-15 foot depthsSecondary points leading into spawning coves with laydowns or brush
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Lake WhitefishRocky points and humps in 15-25 foot depth range where pre-spawn staging occursRiver channel edges where current creates feeding opportunities
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth BassLaydowns in mouths of coves serving as pre-spawn staging areasProtected shallow areas in backs of coves where males are preparing beds
Spring (Spawn)CatfishFlooded timber and brush areas near river channel edgesRock piles and laydowns in 5-10 foot depth
Spring (Spawn)CrappieFlooded brush in 2-8 feet of water, particularly in protected coves and creek armsShallow staging areas adjacent to spawning flats near creek channels
Spring (Spawn)Lake WhitefishRock piles and gravel areas near river channel intersectionsTransition areas between deep winter haunts and spawning grounds
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth BassRock and clay banks with active shad spawn early morningOffshore humps and points with bait present
Spring (Post-Spawn)CatfishRiver channel edges near spawning flats where catfish stage during post-spawn recoveryLaydowns and flooded timber in 8-15 foot depths where baitfish congregate
Spring (Post-Spawn)CrappieBrush piles and woody cover in 8-15 feet of water adjacent to spawning flatsCreek arm channel edges with flooded timber
Spring (Post-Spawn)Lake WhitefishRock piles and river channel edges in 15-25 foot depth rangePoints and humps adjacent to deep water wintering areas
SummerLargemouth BassRiver channel edges and turns, especially where they intersect with other structureOffshore humps with deep water access
SummerCatfishRiver channel edges and deeper holes, especially where they intersect with creek armsFlooded timber and brush piles in 8-15 feet of water
SummerCrappieDeep brush piles in 15-25 feet of water near creek channel edgesShaded dock areas with 8-15 feet of water
SummerLake WhitefishDeep river channel edges where cooler water intersects with structureOffshore humps and points in 20-30 foot depth range
FallLargemouth BassMain lake and secondary points with nearby deep water accessLaydowns and stumps in creek arms
FallCatfishRiver channel edges where they intersect with creek armsShallow flats adjacent to deep water, especially near woody cover
FallCrappieCreek arm channels with adjacent woody cover in 8-15 feetDeep brush piles near creek channel bends
FallLake WhitefishDeep rock piles and humps near river channel edges (15-25 feet)Points that extend into deeper water, especially those with sharp drops
WinterLargemouth BassShallow flats and protected areas in 6 feet or less of water where baitfish are congregatingLaydowns and submerged vegetation in protected areas
WinterCatfishDeep river channels with depths over 20 feet, especially near sharp bendsDeep holes adjacent to creek channel intersections
WinterCrappieDeep creek arm channels with nearby brush piles (12-20 feet)Protected coves with deeper water access (8-15 feet)
WinterLake WhitefishDeep rock piles and river channel edges in 20-35 foot depth rangeDeeper points and humps that provide current breaks and congregation areas for baitfish

Primary Forage by Season

SeasonSpeciesPrimary ForageSecondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth BassCrawfish emerging as primary forage in warming waterShad present in transition areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)CatfishShad schools moving into shallower waterBluegill becoming more active in brush areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)CrappieShad in 2-4 inch range gathering in pre-spawn areasBluegill beginning to become more active in warmer areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Lake WhitefishBenthic invertebrates near rock piles and pointsSmall shad and baitfish
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth BassShad - primary forage based on multiple fishing reportsBluegill - secondary forage becoming more important as fish move shallow
Spring (Spawn)CatfishShad concentrations in spawning areasBluegill in shallow brush
Spring (Spawn)CrappieShad in 2-4 inch rangeBluegill in 2-4 inch range
Spring (Spawn)Lake WhitefishSmall shad and baitfishBenthic invertebrates
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth BassShad (primary forage, actively spawning)Bluegill (secondary forage in shallow areas)
Spring (Post-Spawn)CatfishShad schools moving into post-spawn feeding areasBluegill in and around shallow cover
Spring (Post-Spawn)CrappieShad in 2-4 inch range gathering in schoolsYoung-of-year bluegill beginning to appear in shallow areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)Lake WhitefishShad in the 2-4 inch rangeBenthic invertebrates near rock piles
SummerLargemouth BassShad - primary forage based on multiple reportsBluegill - secondary forage especially around shallow cover
SummerCatfishShad schools suspended in deeper waterBluegill in and around shallow cover
SummerCrappieShad schools in 8-15 feet of waterSmall bluegill near brush and dock areas
SummerLake WhitefishShad schools in deeper waterBenthic invertebrates near rock piles
FallLargemouth BassShad schooling near points and in creek armsBluegill relating to shallow cover and vegetation
FallCatfishShad schools migrating into creeksBluegill in shallow cover
FallCrappieShad schools in 8-15 foot depth rangeBluegill around brush piles and woody cover
FallLake WhitefishShad schools moving into deeper waterBenthic invertebrates near rock piles and channel edges
WinterLargemouth BassShad concentrating in shallow water areasBluegill around shallow cover and vegetation
WinterCatfishShad schools concentrated in deeper waterWinter-stressed or dying baitfish
WinterCrappieSmaller shad concentrations in deeper waterSuspended bluegill near structure
WinterLake WhitefishBenthic invertebrates around rock pilesSmall shad and baitfish in deeper water

Bait Colors by Season for Falls Lake

SeasonSpeciesBait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Catfish
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Crappie
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Pink Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Lake Whitefish
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)Catfish
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)Crappie
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
  • Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)Lake Whitefish
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth Bass
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Catfish
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)Crappie
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Pink Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Lake Whitefish
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
SummerLargemouth Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
SummerCatfish
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
SummerCrappie
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
  • Pink Colors
SummerLake Whitefish
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Bold Striped Patterns
FallLargemouth Bass
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
FallCatfish
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Chartreuse Colors
FallCrappie
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Light Neutral Colors
FallLake Whitefish
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
WinterLargemouth Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Chartreuse Colors
WinterCatfish
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Bold Striped Patterns
WinterCrappie
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Pink Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
WinterLake Whitefish
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals