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Grand Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 12, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Grand Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-60	Bass are transitioning from winter depths to shallow pre-spawn staging areas, becoming more active with warming water Fish are beginning to feed more aggressively to prepare for spawning, particularly during warmer afternoon periods	Shallow vegetation edges in 4-7 feet adjacent to slightly deeper water Docks with deep water access, especially those near potential spawning flats Protected areas with stable water temperatures, particularly on the north side of the lake	Soft Jerkbaits worked with long pauses to mimic sluggish baitfish Spinnerbaits slow-rolled along vegetation edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) worked methodically around dock posts and vegetation	Bluegill beginning to become more active in warming shallows Small baitfish moving into pre-spawn staging areas	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	48-58	Crappies are transitioning from deeper winter haunts to pre-spawn staging areas, becoming more active as water temperatures rise Fish are beginning to form larger schools and moving towards spawning areas, primarily relating to vegetation edges and other structure in 4-15 foot range	Submerged vegetation edges in 8-15 foot depth range where pre-spawn staging occurs Deeper dock areas adjacent to spawning flats Inside edges of deep basin areas where winter-pattern fish are transitioning shallower	Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Dock Shooting	Small invertebrates becoming more active in warming waters Small bluegills in and around vegetation Emerging insect larvae	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-65	Moving into shallow spawning areas (2-6 feet) during daylight hours, staging on nearby deeper structure during cold fronts Males actively preparing and guarding nests in protected areas, particularly around docks and vegetation	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom near weed edges in 2-6 foot depth Dock areas with adjacent vegetation in protected zones Secondary points with gradual slopes leading to spawning flats	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) worked slowly around shallow cover Soft Jerkbaits with subtle twitches near spawning areas Shakey Heads worked methodically through staging areas	Bluegill concentrating in shallow spawning areas Small baitfish moving into warming shallows	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappies moving into shallow spawning areas (4-8 feet) around vegetation and structure, becoming more aggressive as water warms Males arriving first to establish nesting sites, with females staging slightly deeper until ready to spawn Feeding activity increases during pre-spawn, with fish actively pursuing smaller prey items	Submerged vegetation in 4-15 foot range, particularly in protected areas Dock areas providing staging and spawning structure Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water where vegetation is present	Crappie Dock Shooting Bobbers Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling)	Small bluegills and juvenile panfish Aquatic insects emerging in warming water Small minnows gathering in spawning areas	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	65-75	Post-spawn largemouth bass are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily targeting bluegill in and around vegetation Fish are establishing summer patterns, transitioning between shallow spawning areas and deeper summer haunts Most active during early morning and evening, seeking shade during bright conditions	Weed points in 7-15 foot depth range Dock areas adjacent to deeper water Shallow vegetation flats with access to deeper water	Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly with bottom contact Swim Jigs around weed edges Soft Jerkbaits with twitching presentation	Bluegill Young of year baitfish	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	62-72	Post-spawn crappies transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, becoming more active and feeding heavily to recover Fish forming loose schools around structure, particularly near submerged vegetation edges in 4-15 foot range	Submerged vegetation edges in 8-15 foot range where weeds meet deeper water Dock areas adjacent to deeper water, especially those with 6-12 feet depth Suspended schools in open water near deep basins, typically 12-18 feet deep	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along weed edges and through suspended schools Crappie Dock Shooting for fish relating to dock structure Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') for suspended schools	Small insects and zooplankton around vegetation Young-of-year bluegill fry Small minnows gathering near vegetation edges	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-85	Bass are establishing summer patterns in and around vegetation beds, particularly in the 7-12 foot depth range where they can access cooler water while remaining near feeding zones Fish are showing preference for slower presentations, likely due to limited water clarity, and are actively feeding on bluegill in vegetation pockets	Submerged vegetation beds in 7-12 foot depth range, especially pockets and edges Dock areas adjacent to deeper water and vegetation Secondary points with vegetation where bluegill concentrate	Grass Jigs worked slowly through vegetation pockets Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting specific vegetation clumps Frogs/Toads worked over vegetation mats	Bluegill concentrating in vegetation Young of year baitfish beginning to school	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Crappie	68-78	Crappies will be actively feeding in and around submerged vegetation in 4-15 foot range during early morning and evening, moving slightly deeper during bright midday periods Schools will be relating to structure and suspending near edges of vegetation, particularly where it intersects with deeper water	Submerged weed edges in 8-15 foot depth range, especially where vegetation meets deeper water Dock areas with access to deep water, particularly those with shade Suspended schools in deeper basins during midday heat	Crappie Spider Rigging to effectively cover water depths and find suspended schools Crappie Dock Shooting for targeting fish holding under docks during bright conditions Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') for working suspended schools once located	Small baitfish and juvenile bluegills around weed edges Aquatic insects emerging from vegetation Young-of-year perch in weed beds	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Grand Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	55-70	Bass are schooling tightly around key structure, particularly docks, with multiple fish occupying the same spots as they feed heavily before winter Fish are utilizing shallow to mid-depth zones (4-7 ft) during feeding periods, likely relating to bluegill forage concentrations in these areas	Deeper docks in 4-7 feet of water, especially those with nearby weed growth Weed edges in 4-7 feet, particularly those adjacent to slightly deeper water Isolated structure in the same depth range that can concentrate both bass and forage	Finesse Jigs worked slowly around dock posts and edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting precise spots where fish are schooled Swim Jigs moved slowly through weed edges adjacent to docks	Bluegill concentrating around dock structures Small baitfish relating to weed edges	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Fall	Crappie	52-65	Crappies are transitioning from summer patterns, actively feeding to build up reserves for winter. Schools are becoming more concentrated around key structure. Fish are following baitfish movements and utilizing dock areas as ambush points, especially during morning and evening feeding periods.	Docks in 8-15 foot depth range, especially those near deep water access Deep weed edges in 12-15 foot range where vegetation is still healthy Deep basin areas adjacent to structural elements where schools suspend	Crappie Dock Shooting - Effective for reaching fish holding tight under docks Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') - For targeting suspended schools near structure Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) - For working weed edges and scattered fish	Young-of-year bluegill concentrating around structure Small baitfish schools in transition areas Late-season aquatic insects around vegetation	Dark Neutrals Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Crappie	38-45	Suspended schooling behavior in deep basins, suspending 6-15 feet off bottom over 15-25 foot depths Feeding patterns concentrated during early morning and late afternoon, with less activity during bright midday periods Schools actively pursuing small baitfish and zooplankton in the water column	Deep basins with 15-25 foot depths, particularly near transitions to shallower flats Submerged vegetation edges in 12-15 foot range where vegetation is still green Suspended areas near deep water docks where baitfish congregate	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with light jigs worked slowly through suspended schools Hover/Mid-Strolling near depth transitions and weed edges Damiki Rig when fish are tightly schooled and visible on electronics	Small baitfish (primarily young-of-year bluegill) Zooplankton concentrations in the water column Small invertebrates near remaining green vegetation	Pink Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Ice	Crappie	33-39	Crappies are schooling in deep basin areas, suspended and actively feeding on insects Fish are showing aggressive behavior when located, particularly responding to vertical presentations with live bait enhancement	Deep basin areas where schools are suspending Submerged vegetation edges in 12-15 foot range Transitions between deep basins and remaining green weeds	Ice Fishing Jigs with waxworms worked vertically Ice Fishing Spoons for more aggressive fish Finesse Hair Jigs when fish are less aggressive	Insects, particularly small aquatic invertebrates Small baitfish near remaining vegetation	Dark Neutrals Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Grand Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shallow vegetation edges in 4-7 feet adjacent to slightly deeper water	Docks with deep water access, especially those near potential spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Submerged vegetation edges in 8-15 foot depth range where pre-spawn staging occurs	Deeper dock areas adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom near weed edges in 2-6 foot depth	Dock areas with adjacent vegetation in protected zones
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Submerged vegetation in 4-15 foot range, particularly in protected areas	Dock areas providing staging and spawning structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Weed points in 7-15 foot depth range	Dock areas adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Submerged vegetation edges in 8-15 foot range where weeds meet deeper water	Dock areas adjacent to deeper water, especially those with 6-12 feet depth
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Submerged vegetation beds in 7-12 foot depth range, especially pockets and edges	Dock areas adjacent to deeper water and vegetation
Summer	Crappie	Submerged weed edges in 8-15 foot depth range, especially where vegetation meets deeper water	Dock areas with access to deep water, particularly those with shade
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Deeper docks in 4-7 feet of water, especially those with nearby weed growth	Weed edges in 4-7 feet, particularly those adjacent to slightly deeper water
Fall	Crappie	Docks in 8-15 foot depth range, especially those near deep water access	Deep weed edges in 12-15 foot range where vegetation is still healthy
Winter	Crappie	Deep basins with 15-25 foot depths, particularly near transitions to shallower flats	Submerged vegetation edges in 12-15 foot range where vegetation is still green
Ice	Crappie	Deep basin areas where schools are suspending	Submerged vegetation edges in 12-15 foot range

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill beginning to become more active in warming shallows	Small baitfish moving into pre-spawn staging areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Small invertebrates becoming more active in warming waters	Small bluegills in and around vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating in shallow spawning areas	Small baitfish moving into warming shallows
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small bluegills and juvenile panfish	Aquatic insects emerging in warming water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill	Young of year baitfish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Small insects and zooplankton around vegetation	Young-of-year bluegill fry
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating in vegetation	Young of year baitfish beginning to school
Summer	Crappie	Small baitfish and juvenile bluegills around weed edges	Aquatic insects emerging from vegetation
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating around dock structures	Small baitfish relating to weed edges
Fall	Crappie	Young-of-year bluegill concentrating around structure	Small baitfish schools in transition areas
Winter	Crappie	Small baitfish (primarily young-of-year bluegill)	Zooplankton concentrations in the water column
Ice	Crappie	Insects, particularly small aquatic invertebrates	Small baitfish near remaining vegetation

Bait Colors by Season for Grand Lake

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

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