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

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Garfield Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 11, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Garfield Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-60	Staging in pre-spawn locations, moving from winter deep water to transitional areas near spawning flats Actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, with increased activity during warming trends	Main lake points adjacent to spawning bays Secondary points leading into potential spawning coves Deep weed edges at 14-17 feet transitioning to shallower flats	Lipless Crankbaits worked along transitional areas from deep to shallow Bladed Jigs slow-rolled through emerging vegetation Football Jigs dragged along points and deep weed edges	Bluegill congregating near emerging vegetation Perch schools along deep weed edges Crappie in transitional areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Moving from deep wintering areas to warmer, shallow flats (8-12 feet) as water temperatures rise Staging in pre-spawn areas near emerging vegetation and protected bays Actively feeding during warming trends, especially during afternoon hours	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 8-12 foot range Transition areas between deep wintering holes and spawning flats Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Micro Crankbaits	Small aquatic insects emerging from winter dormancy Benthic invertebrates in shallow flats Small crustaceans in emerging weed growth	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-65	Moving into shallow spawning areas (2-6 feet) near shore, particularly around hard bottom areas and protected bays Males preparing and guarding nests while females stage in slightly deeper water (8-12 feet) near spawning flats Increased aggression and territorial behavior around nesting sites	Protected bays with firm bottom composition in 2-6 foot depth range Secondary points leading into spawning bays Shallow flats adjacent to the deep weedline	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) Soft Jerkbaits Shakey Heads	Bluegill in shallow spawning areas Perch along transition areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	62-75	Actively moving into shallow bays and protected areas for spawning, typically establishing nests in 2-4 feet of water Males becoming territorial and aggressive while guarding nests, making them more likely to strike at small presentations Pre-spawn fish staging along the first break near spawning areas, moving between deep and shallow water based on conditions	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom composition for spawning Transitions between shallow flats and deeper water near spawning areas Shallow areas adjacent to emerging weed growth	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly near spawning areas Bobbers with small jigs suspended just above bottom in spawning areas Micro Crankbaits worked parallel to shoreline transitions	Small aquatic insects and larvae Benthic invertebrates Newly hatched baitfish fry	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	65-76	Post-spawn largemouth bass are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy but still relatively shallow Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior but requiring methodical presentations, typical of post-spawn recovery period	Main lake points adjacent to spawning bays, particularly where the weedline meets the point Thick weedline edges in 14-17 foot range where bass stage for summer pattern Secondary points and flats between spawning bays and deep water access	Bladed Jigs worked slowly along weedline edges and points Swim Jigs paralleling transitional areas between shallow and deep water Soft Jerkbaits worked with long pauses over emerging vegetation	Bluegill concentrating near developing weed growth Yellow Perch along deeper weedline edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-72	Post-spawn bluegills transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish beginning to establish deeper holding patterns near weed edges, making frequent feeding moves to shallow zones	Weedline transitions in 14-17 foot range, especially where they intersect with points Secondary breaks between spawning bays and main lake points Shallow feeding zones adjacent to deeper weed edges	Live Bait Rigs suspended at specific depths near weed edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with light jigs around transition areas Bobbers with suspended presentations for targeting specific depth zones	Small aquatic insects emerging from warming waters Benthic invertebrates along weed edges Small crustaceans in weed growth	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	74-78	Bass actively feeding on the deep weed edge, showing typical summer pattern behavior with fish relating strongly to the thick weedline in 14-17 feet Fish responding well to slow-rolled presentations, indicating deliberate feeding behavior rather than reaction strikes	Thick weedline edges in 14-17 foot depth range, especially where it intersects with main lake points Deep weed tops, particularly in areas where the vegetation creates distinct edges Main lake points with established weed growth, offering ambush positions	Bladed Jigs slow-rolled along weed edges and over weed tops Swim Jigs worked methodically through and around weed edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) worked through gaps in the weeds	Bluegill concentrating around deep weed edges Yellow Perch relating to the same depth range as bass Crappie present in similar depth ranges providing additional forage	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	72-78	Actively feeding along weedline transitions at 14-15 feet, with peak activity during morning and evening periods Establishing summer patterns with consistent depth preferences, suspending near vegetation edges for feeding and cover	Weedline edges in 14-15 foot depth range Inside turns of weed beds where vegetation meets deeper water Scattered vegetation patches near primary lake points	Bobbers with 1/16oz jigs suspended at specific depths Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Hover/Mid-Strolling	Aquatic insects and larvae near weed edges Small benthic invertebrates Zooplankton in and around vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Garfield Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	52-68	Moving shallower following baitfish movements, actively feeding to build up pre-winter reserves Transitioning between summer deep weedline and shallower feeding zones, particularly during low-light periods	Main lake points intersecting with the deep weedline at 14-17 feet Shallow bays with remaining green vegetation in 4-8 foot range Creek channel edges adjacent to shallow feeding flats	Spinnerbaits worked along weedline edges and points Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') parallel to depth transitions Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for matching fall baitfish	Bluegill concentrating near remaining vegetation Perch schools roaming point to point Crappie schools suspended near channel edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	55-68	Transitioning to deeper water as temperatures cool, actively feeding to build reserves for winter Forming larger schools around key structure, particularly near deep weed edges and points Most active during mid-morning and afternoon hours when water temperatures peak	Deep weed edges at 14-17 foot range where vegetation is still healthy Secondary points with access to both shallow and deep water Protected bays with remaining vegetation, especially during warming trends	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Live Bait Rigs Ice Fishing Jigs	Small aquatic insects concentrating near remaining vegetation Benthic invertebrates in deeper zones Young-of-year baitfish schooling near structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	34-39	Bluegills are suspending at first ice in 14-17 foot weedlines, gradually moving deeper as winter progresses Feeding activity is most intense during morning and evening periods, with fish remaining relatively stationary in their chosen depth zones	Thick weedlines at 14-17 feet where vegetation is still green and holding life Deep basin areas adjacent to weedlines serving as winter refuge zones Transitions between weeds and basin areas where panfish stage during feeding periods	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just above the weed tops Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with tiny flutter presentations Ice Fishing Spoons for more aggressive fish during prime feeding windows	Small aquatic insects emerging from the weed growth Benthic invertebrates in and around the weed edges Tiny zooplankton suspended in the water column	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	34-38	Concentrating in mid-depth basins (14-17 feet) near weedline transitions that provided summer cover, as these areas often hold dormant vegetation and provide winter sanctuary Most active during early morning and late afternoon periods, with a secondary peak during stable weather patterns	Deep weedline transitions in 14-17 foot range where summer vegetation was thick Secondary basin areas adjacent to shallow feeding flats Protected bays with consistent depths, particularly near points due to the lake's 1.57 shoreline development index	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just off bottom Ice Fishing Spoons with erratic action to trigger reaction strikes Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') during prime morning and evening periods	Small aquatic insects and larvae Dormant aquatic invertebrates Tiny crustaceans near remaining vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Garfield Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points adjacent to spawning bays	Secondary points leading into potential spawning coves
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 8-12 foot range	Transition areas between deep wintering holes and spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected bays with firm bottom composition in 2-6 foot depth range	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom composition for spawning	Transitions between shallow flats and deeper water near spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points adjacent to spawning bays, particularly where the weedline meets the point	Thick weedline edges in 14-17 foot range where bass stage for summer pattern
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Weedline transitions in 14-17 foot range, especially where they intersect with points	Secondary breaks between spawning bays and main lake points
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Thick weedline edges in 14-17 foot depth range, especially where it intersects with main lake points	Deep weed tops, particularly in areas where the vegetation creates distinct edges
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Weedline edges in 14-15 foot depth range	Inside turns of weed beds where vegetation meets deeper water
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points intersecting with the deep weedline at 14-17 feet	Shallow bays with remaining green vegetation in 4-8 foot range
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges at 14-17 foot range where vegetation is still healthy	Secondary points with access to both shallow and deep water
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Thick weedlines at 14-17 feet where vegetation is still green and holding life	Deep basin areas adjacent to weedlines serving as winter refuge zones
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weedline transitions in 14-17 foot range where summer vegetation was thick	Secondary basin areas adjacent to shallow feeding flats

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill congregating near emerging vegetation	Perch schools along deep weed edges
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects emerging from winter dormancy	Benthic invertebrates in shallow flats
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in shallow spawning areas	Perch along transition areas
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Benthic invertebrates
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating near developing weed growth	Yellow Perch along deeper weedline edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects emerging from warming waters	Benthic invertebrates along weed edges
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating around deep weed edges	Yellow Perch relating to the same depth range as bass
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects and larvae near weed edges	Small benthic invertebrates
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating near remaining vegetation	Perch schools roaming point to point
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects concentrating near remaining vegetation	Benthic invertebrates in deeper zones
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects emerging from the weed growth	Benthic invertebrates in and around the weed edges
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Dormant aquatic invertebrates

Bait Colors by Season for Garfield Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals

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