How to Fish Fontana Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques | Omnia Fishing

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Fontana Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Apr 27, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Fontana Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	52-65	Pre-spawn spotted bass are transitioning from winter patterns to spawning areas, actively feeding while staging near points and channel swings adjacent to spawning flats Fish are becoming more aggressive as water warms, moving up in the water column and relating more to cover in transitional areas	Main lake points adjacent to river channels, especially those with transition from rock to pea gravel Channel swing banks with brush or rock in 15-25 foot range Secondary points in major creek arms leading to spawning pockets	Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked along point transitions Bladed Jigs worked through shallow cover on warming days Carolina Rigs dragged along deeper staging areas	Shad schools staging in pre-spawn areas Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-58	Staging in pre-spawn areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Moving from winter deep water patterns (20-30ft) to transitional areas, following warming trends Becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise, with increased reaction strike potential	Transition areas near river channel swings with boulder or rock structure Secondary points leading into spawning coves Steep rocky banks with access to deeper water	Blade Baits worked along channel edges and transitional structure Jerkbaits worked slowly over points and rocky banks Football Jigs dragged through rocky areas and channel swings	Shad schools moving from deep winter areas to shallower water Crawfish becoming more active as water warms	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-62	Bass actively moving from winter deep water patterns toward staging areas, following shad movements and responding to warming trends Fish positioning near transition areas between deep wintering holes and eventual spawning flats, often suspending with bait schools	Rock piles and ledges adjacent to deeper water, particularly in 15-25 foot range Main lake points and channel swings near potential spawning pockets Bluff walls with transitions to flatter banks	Umbrella Rigs targeting suspended fish around bait schools Lipless Crankbaits worked through transitional depths Bladed Jigs around rock and current breaks	Shad schools transitioning from deep winter areas Smaller baitfish beginning to move shallow	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	58-68	Spotted bass transitioning to spawning areas in protected pockets and coves, staging on adjacent points pre/post spawn Males actively guarding nests in protected areas while females move between shallow and deeper water	Protected rocky or gravel pockets near river channel swings Secondary points leading into spawning coves Shallow brush piles in 5-15 foot range near spawning flats	Soft Jerkbaits worked erratically around spawning areas Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentations to visible beds Spinnerbaits worked along transition areas between spawning pockets and deeper water	Shad schools congregating in spawning pockets Crawfish becoming more active in warming shallows	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Smallmouth bass are moving into spawning areas, focusing on rocky substrate and protected pockets near points and river channel swings Males are actively guarding nests while females stage nearby, making them territorial and aggressive Fish are splitting time between shallow spawning areas and slightly deeper transition zones	Rocky points and flats with mixed gravel/boulder substrate in 2-8 foot depth range Protected pockets near river channel swings with hard bottom Secondary points with access to deeper water	Tubes worked slowly along rocky bottom to imitate crawfish Ned Rigs dead-sticked near visible beds or likely spawning areas Soft Jerkbaits worked erratically to trigger reaction strikes from guarding males	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Shad schools in nearby deeper water Small bluegill and perch in spawning areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Largemouth bass moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly in protected coves and creek arms, staging on adjacent points and flats Males establish and guard nests while females move between staging and spawning areas during peak spawn Pre/post spawn fish actively feeding to build energy reserves, with increased aggression towards threats to nesting sites	Protected pockets and coves with firm bottom composition, especially near deeper water access Secondary points leading into spawning bays Shallow flats adjacent to river channel swings	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentations to visible beds and cover Swim Jigs for covering water and targeting staging areas Spinnerbaits for searching transitional areas between staging and spawning zones	Shad schools moving into spawning areas Bluegill beginning to move shallow Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	65-75	Post-spawn spotted bass showing split patterns - some fish remaining shallow while others moving to deeper river channels in 25-30' range Fish actively feeding as they recover from spawn, relating strongly to shad movements and suspended bait schools	River channels in 25-30 foot depth range Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water in 15-25 foot range Main lake points adjacent to spawning areas	Live Bait Rigs with shiners, especially for deeper fish Carolina Rigs worked along depth transitions Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') for actively feeding fish	Shad schools beginning their post-spawn movements Smaller baitfish in shallow transition areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-72	Post-spawn smallmouth actively feeding to recover energy, relating to current breaks and structure in 8-15 foot depth range Fish transitioning between spawning areas and summer holding areas, following shad schools and utilizing ambush points	River channel swings with adjacent boulder fields in 8-15 foot range Rocky points and fallen trees near deeper water access Current breaks in river arms where shad congregate	Swim Jigs worked along channel edges and through boulders Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) to match shad presence Spinnerbaits around current breaks and structure	Shad schools moving along channel edges Crawfish emerging in rocky areas Small bluegill in shallow cover	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	65-75	Post-spawn largemouth bass are beginning to transition to early summer patterns, moving from shallow spawning areas to deeper structure, with active feeding periods throughout the day to recover energy Fish are actively feeding on shad schools that are also transitioning to deeper water, while still making occasional shallow water feeding moves	Secondary points and channel swings in 8-15 foot depth range adjacent to spawning flats River channel ledges and bluff transitions in 15-25 foot range Deeper brush piles and standing timber near main lake points	Texas Rigs (Worming) worked along ledges and points for transitioning fish Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') parallel to channel swings Football Jigs dragged on deeper structure and around brush piles	Shad schools beginning their transition to summer patterns Bluegill in shallow areas near cover	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Spotted Bass	78-85	Spotted bass are suspending near deep structure (25-35 feet) following large schools of shad in the river channels Fish are holding tight to specific structure elements like boulders and brush piles within the river channel systems During peak summer heat, fish are showing strong preference for vertical feeding patterns, moving up to feed on shad schools then returning to deeper cooler water	River channels with boulders and brush piles in 25-35 foot range Main lake points adjacent to river channels Deep brush piles near channel swings	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Drop Shot Carolina Rigs	Shad Small Baitfish	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	72-82	Actively schooling and feeding on shad in deeper water, with fish moving between points and channel breaks following bait schools Most active during early morning and evening periods, seeking cooler water depths during midday heat	Main lake points with access to deep water, especially those with boulder structure River channel swing areas where current meets structure Deep water areas adjacent to shallow flats where bait schools are holding	Swim Jigs with swimbait trailer cast to actively feeding schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for matching shad profile Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked along points and channel edges	Shad schools in 20-25 foot range Smaller baitfish relating to points and structure	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-82	Bass are establishing summer offshore patterns, relating strongly to main lake points and deeper structure due to warming water temperatures Fish are likely feeding heavily on shad schools during early morning and evening periods, with more selective feeding during bright midday hours	Main lake points with access to deep water, particularly those with 20-35 foot depth transitions Offshore structure adjacent to river channels where shad schools congregate Secondary points in major creek arms where current creates feeding opportunities	Ned Rigs worked slowly along bottom structure Drop Shot with small profile baits for pressured fish Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) for covering water and targeting active fish	Shad schools moving along deeper structure Bottom-dwelling crawfish in rocky areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns

Fall Fishing Guide for Fontana Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Spotted Bass	58-68	Actively chasing shad schools in 15-20 foot depths, moving between main lake points and back coves as they follow bait Utilizing ambush points near depth changes to intercept migrating bait schools	Back coves off main lake points in 15-20 foot depths Main lake points with access to river channels Suspended areas over river channels where shad schools are present	Hard Jerkbaits worked with aggressive jerks and longer pauses Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) matched to shad size Spinnerbaits worked at varying depths through bait schools	Shad schools migrating from main lake to coves Smaller baitfish following similar migration patterns	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	58-72	Actively following and feeding on shad schools in 20-25 foot depth range, utilizing boulders and fallen trees as ambush points Schooling behavior increases as fish group up to feed on migrating baitfish, particularly in river arms	River arm structure (boulders, fallen trees) in 20-25 foot range that's holding bait Channel swings with current breaks near deep structure Main lake points adjacent to river channels where bait schools congregate	Live Bait Rigs with shiners matched to bait size Swim Jigs worked through bait schools Drop Shot with shad-profile baits near structure Spinnerbaits worked along current breaks	Shad (primary forage based on multiple reports) Live Shiners (proven effective in recent reports) Small Baitfish (naturally present in river systems)	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Bass actively pursuing shad schools in creek arms and along channel edges, moving shallower during feeding periods Fish transitioning between summer deep structure and winter holding areas, using ledges and points as migration routes	Main lake points and channel swings where shad schools are migrating River channel edges in 15-25 foot depth range Secondary points in major creek arms where bait is congregating	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along channel edges to mimic shad schools Lipless Crankbaits burned through suspending bait schools Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked along points and channel breaks	Shad schools migrating into creeks Smaller baitfish following shad movements	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Spotted Bass	44-61	Spotted bass are actively following and feeding on shad schools in deeper water, particularly along river channels and near points in 20-35 foot depths Fish are suspending in the water column rather than holding tight to bottom structure, requiring vertical presentations and electronics to locate	River channels in 20-35 foot depth range where shad schools are present Main lake points, especially those adjacent to deeper water Boulder fields and hard structure in 25-35 foot range	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Umbrella Rigs Drop Shot	Shad schools in deeper water Suspended baitfish in the water column	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	44-52	Smallmouth bass are actively following and feeding on large schools of shad in deeper water, typically 20-30 feet Fish are schooling and exhibiting pelagic feeding patterns, less structure-oriented than other seasons	Deep points adjacent to river channel swings in 20-30 foot range Deeper dock areas where baitfish schools are congregating Main lake points with access to deep water	Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses to mimic dying shad Spinnerbaits slow-rolled through suspended baitfish schools Blade Baits vertically jigged in deeper water	Shad - primary forage based on multiple reports Smaller baitfish suspended in deeper water	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	44-52	Bass are schooling with shad in deeper water, primarily relating to vertical structure like bluff walls and steep ledges Fish are making vertical movements following bait schools, requiring active tracking and targeting of specific depth zones	Bluff walls with access to deep water Deep ledges adjacent to river channels Deep points with vertical structure	Blade Baits worked vertically along bluff walls Umbrella Rigs targeting suspended fish Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+)	Shad schools in deeper water Suspended baitfish near vertical structure	Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Fontana Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Main lake points adjacent to river channels, especially those with transition from rock to pea gravel	Channel swing banks with brush or rock in 15-25 foot range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Transition areas near river channel swings with boulder or rock structure	Secondary points leading into spawning coves
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Rock piles and ledges adjacent to deeper water, particularly in 15-25 foot range	Main lake points and channel swings near potential spawning pockets
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Protected rocky or gravel pockets near river channel swings	Secondary points leading into spawning coves
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and flats with mixed gravel/boulder substrate in 2-8 foot depth range	Protected pockets near river channel swings with hard bottom
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected pockets and coves with firm bottom composition, especially near deeper water access	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	River channels in 25-30 foot depth range	Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water in 15-25 foot range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	River channel swings with adjacent boulder fields in 8-15 foot range	Rocky points and fallen trees near deeper water access
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points and channel swings in 8-15 foot depth range adjacent to spawning flats	River channel ledges and bluff transitions in 15-25 foot range
Summer	Spotted Bass	River channels with boulders and brush piles in 25-35 foot range	Main lake points adjacent to river channels
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points with access to deep water, especially those with boulder structure	River channel swing areas where current meets structure
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points with access to deep water, particularly those with 20-35 foot depth transitions	Offshore structure adjacent to river channels where shad schools congregate
Fall	Spotted Bass	Back coves off main lake points in 15-20 foot depths	Main lake points with access to river channels
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	River arm structure (boulders, fallen trees) in 20-25 foot range that's holding bait	Channel swings with current breaks near deep structure
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points and channel swings where shad schools are migrating	River channel edges in 15-25 foot depth range
Winter	Spotted Bass	River channels in 20-35 foot depth range where shad schools are present	Main lake points, especially those adjacent to deeper water
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Deep points adjacent to river channel swings in 20-30 foot range	Deeper dock areas where baitfish schools are congregating
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Bluff walls with access to deep water	Deep ledges adjacent to river channels

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools staging in pre-spawn areas	Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools moving from deep winter areas to shallower water	Crawfish becoming more active as water warms
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools transitioning from deep winter areas	Smaller baitfish beginning to move shallow
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools congregating in spawning pockets	Crawfish becoming more active in warming shallows
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Shad schools in nearby deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools moving into spawning areas	Bluegill beginning to move shallow
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools beginning their post-spawn movements	Smaller baitfish in shallow transition areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools moving along channel edges	Crawfish emerging in rocky areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools beginning their transition to summer patterns	Bluegill in shallow areas near cover
Summer	Spotted Bass	Shad	Small Baitfish
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools in 20-25 foot range	Smaller baitfish relating to points and structure
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools moving along deeper structure	Bottom-dwelling crawfish in rocky areas
Fall	Spotted Bass	Shad schools migrating from main lake to coves	Smaller baitfish following similar migration patterns
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Shad (primary forage based on multiple reports)	Live Shiners (proven effective in recent reports)
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools migrating into creeks	Smaller baitfish following shad movements
Winter	Spotted Bass	Shad schools in deeper water	Suspended baitfish in the water column
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Shad - primary forage based on multiple reports	Smaller baitfish suspended in deeper water
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools in deeper water	Suspended baitfish near vertical structure

Bait Colors by Season for Fontana Lake

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

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