How to Fish Grand River: Best Patterns & Techniques

Grand River

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Mar 22, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Grand River

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	43-58	Pre-spawn largemouth bass are transitioning from winter patterns to spawning areas, actively feeding but remaining depth-flexible (evidenced by catches from shallow weed beds to 15' brush piles) Fish showing both aggressive feeding (reaction to chatterbaits, crankbaits) and more subtle behaviors (subtle crankbait bites in 43°F water)	Brush piles in 12-15 foot range, especially near spawning flats (multiple recent catches reported) Shallow weed beds and matted grass, particularly in protected areas (proven productive in reports) Laydowns and woody cover along transition routes to spawning areas	Drop Shot - especially effective on deeper brush piles as evidenced by recent success Bladed Jigs (Chatterbaits) - producing in shallow vegetation Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') - proven effective in open water areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) - successful on brush piles	Bluegill - primary forage evidenced by recent crankbait success Shad - confirmed in reports with spinnerbait success	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	43-68	Smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter deep water patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise, moving into shallower areas near potential spawning locations	Rocky points and boulder fields adjacent to deeper water Current areas near bridge structure where pre-spawn fish stage Shallow gravel and rock flats that warm quickly	Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom transitions Tubes dragged and hopped on rocky structure Ned Rigs worked methodically around boulders and rip rap	Minnows gathering in pre-spawn areas Crayfish becoming more active in warming waters	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Trout	45-58	Trout actively feeding in upper water column, particularly during low-light periods due to turbid conditions (1.5m Secchi depth) Fish relating to boulder structure and showing preference for suspended prey items	Boulder fields in 2-6 foot depth range, especially near points or coves Shallow feeding zones near submerged vegetation Protected coves with complex structure during windy conditions	Bobbers with jigs suspended 2-3 feet below surface Inline Spinners worked slowly through boulder fields Soft Jerkbaits with erratic retrieve in shallow zones	Minnows (primary forage based on reports) Aquatic insects and larvae	Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Drum	52-62	Drum are transitioning from winter deep water patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, becoming more active with warming trends Fish are actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, focusing on bottom-oriented prey near structure	Rocky points and boulder fields adjacent to deeper water in 8-15 foot range Emerging vegetation edges near hard bottom areas Submerged timber and laydowns in pre-spawn staging areas	Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly along bottom with subtle hops Live Bait Rigs with crawlers or minnows near structure Blade Baits worked with slow, vertical presentations	Crawfish emerging from winter hibernation Small minnows and shad schools Bottom-dwelling invertebrates	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	55-68	Pre-spawn catfish becoming more active as water warms, moving from winter deep holes to transitional staging areas near spawning flats Feeding activity increases during warming trends, with fish particularly active during dawn and dusk periods Groups of catfish gathering near structure-rich areas, especially around standing timber and laydowns	Standing timber and laydowns in 8-15 foot depth range Channel edges adjacent to spawning flats Areas where submerged vegetation is beginning to emerge	Live Bait Rigs with subtle presentations near structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around timber Carolina Rigs worked slowly along channel edges	Shad schools beginning spring movements Bluegill becoming more active in warming shallows Minnows congregating near emerging vegetation	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	43-52	Pre-spawn walleye are transitioning from winter areas to spawning grounds, actively feeding to build energy reserves Fish are most active during low-light periods, but the turbid water (1.5m Secchi) allows for feeding throughout the day Males arrive at spawning areas first, staging near rocky structures and preparing for spawn	Rocky points and boulder areas near spawning grounds Transition areas between shallow and deep water, especially near standing timber Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water where baitfish concentrate	Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom transitions Live Bait Rigs with minnows near rocky structure Hard Jerkbaits with extended pauses near boulders Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around standing timber	Minnows congregating near spawning areas Small baitfish schooling in transition zones Juvenile perch near weed edges	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Largemouth bass moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly around lily pads and other vegetation as noted in recent reports Fish are actively feeding on crawfish during the spawn period, with increased defensive behavior around nesting sites	Lily pad fields in 2-4 feet of water, especially where they meet slightly deeper water Protected shallow coves with vegetation Channel swing banks near spawning flats	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting visible cover Wacky Rigs worked slowly around spawning areas Bladed Jigs for covering water between likely spawning locations	Crawfish - primary forage as indicated by recent fishing reports Bluegill - beginning to move shallow with spawning bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	43-68	Smallmouth bass are in spawn/pre-spawn mode, with males guarding nests in rocky areas and females staging nearby. Fish are aggressive and territorial around spawning areas Active feeding periods occur during warmer parts of day, with fish responding well to current-based presentations as noted in recent fishing reports	Boulder fields and rocky areas in shallow water, especially those with current flow as mentioned in recent reports Points and coves with rock/gravel bottom, particularly in areas protected from strong winds Transition areas between shallow spawning flats and deeper water staging areas	Live Bait Rigs with minnows under float, matching successful recent reports Ned Rigs worked slowly around rocky structure Drop Shot with small minnow-style baits for staged fish	Minnows - primary forage as confirmed by recent fishing reports Crayfish emerging from winter habitat	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Trout	45-58	Trout actively feeding in upper water column during spring spawn, particularly during low-light periods due to turbid conditions Fish utilizing boulder and vegetation areas for spawning, while making frequent feeding runs to suspended bait pods	Boulder fields and rocky areas in 3-8 feet of water, particularly near points and coves Edges of submerged vegetation in 5-10 feet where it meets cleaner bottom Protected coves with complex structure providing spawning habitat	Live Bait Rigs with subtle presentations near structure Bobbers with suspended baits at 2-4 feet depth Inline Spinners worked slowly through the upper water column	Small Minnows in suspended schools Aquatic insects emerging in spring conditions	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Drum	58-68	Drum moving into shallower waters (8-15 feet) near hard bottom areas and vegetation edges for spawning Males actively patrol spawning areas and become more aggressive, while females stage slightly deeper Feeding activity increases as water warms, with fish particularly active during dawn and dusk periods	Rock and boulder areas adjacent to vegetation in 8-15 foot depth range Shallow flats with mixed vegetation and hard bottom Transition areas between vegetation and deeper water	Finesse Jigs worked slowly along bottom near spawning areas Live Bait Rigs with crawlers or minnows Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily along vegetation edges	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small minnows congregating near vegetation Young-of-year shad beginning to appear	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	62-75	Moving into shallow spawning areas near woody cover and matted grass in depths of 2-8 feet, particularly active during dawn and dusk Males actively guarding nest sites in protected areas with firm bottom composition Increased feeding activity as water temperatures rise, particularly aggressive near structure	Protected coves with standing timber and laydowns in 2-8 feet of water Areas near submerged vegetation with firm bottom composition Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water with woody structure	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live bait positioned near spawning areas Bobbers with suspended baits near structure and spawning zones Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around woody cover and vegetation	Shad congregating in spawning areas Bluegill in and around vegetation Minnows along shallow flats	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	43-52	Walleye are actively moving into spawning areas near rocky structure and boulders, with increased feeding activity during pre-spawn Due to the turbid water conditions (1.5m Secchi), fish are remaining active throughout the day, particularly in shallow zones	Boulder fields and rocky structure in shallow spawning areas Transition areas between shallow spawning flats and deeper water Standing timber and brush piles adjacent to spawning areas	Hard Jerkbaits worked slowly with long pauses Live Bait Rigs near bottom structure Blade Baits worked vertically along transitions	Minnows Small Baitfish	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	68-75	Bass are actively feeding post-spawn, targeting bluegill around docks and submerged grass, primarily in shallow to mid-depth zones Fish showing preference for shaded areas under deeper docks, particularly those with healthy vegetation growth	Deeper docks with coontail and green vegetation Submerged grass beds adjacent to deeper water Channel swing areas with vegetation	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting dock posts and vegetation Swim Jigs through grass edges and between docks Wacky Rigs for pressured fish around docks	Bluegill concentrated around docks and vegetation Shad moving along grass edges	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-68	Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily targeting minnows around rocky structures and points Fish are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper summer haunts, using mid-depth staging areas	Rocky points and boulder fields in 8-15 foot depth range Current areas near bridge structures Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper summer locations	Drop Shot with small minnow-style baits worked slowly along rock transitions Ned Rigs dragged through boulder fields and gravel areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily through current areas	Minnows gathering around rocky structure Small crayfish emerging in rocky areas Young of the year baitfish beginning to school	Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Trout	48-58	Trout are actively feeding in the upper water column during post-spawn, taking advantage of warming water and increased baitfish activity Due to turbid conditions (1.5m Secchi), fish are most active during early morning and evening hours, holding closer to structure during bright periods	Boulder fields and rocky points in 5-15 foot depths, especially those adjacent to deeper water Edges of submerged vegetation in 4-8 foot depths where baitfish concentrate Protected coves with complex structure, particularly during windy conditions	Inline Spinners worked through the upper water column, particularly effective during low light periods Live Bait Rigs under bobbers, positioned just above submerged vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly near structure	Small Minnows concentrating around structure Aquatic insects emerging in shallow areas Small crawfish becoming active near rocky areas	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Drum	58-68	Post-spawn drum are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily targeting crawfish and baitfish near structure and vegetation edges Fish are moving from deeper wintering areas to transitional depths, particularly focused on areas where hard structure meets vegetation	Rock-to-weed transition areas in 8-15 foot depth range Submerged timber and laydowns adjacent to vegetated flats Boulder fields near deeper water access	Finesse Jigs worked slowly along bottom near structure Football Jigs dragged through rocky areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily along weed edges	Crawfish emerging from winter habitats Small baitfish (minnows and shad) relating to vegetation edges Bottom-dwelling invertebrates	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	58-72	Post-spawn catfish are becoming increasingly active, moving from deeper wintering areas to feeding locations near structure and shallow flats as water warms Fish are establishing regular feeding patterns, particularly during dawn and dusk, focusing on abundant forage near woody cover and vegetation	Standing timber and laydowns in 8-15 feet of water Edges of submerged vegetation near deeper water access Creek channels and ditches adjacent to shallow feeding flats	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live offerings near structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') along timber edges Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly through cover	Shad schools beginning to move shallow Bluegill establishing spawning areas Minnows abundant in warming shallows	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	48-62	Post-spawn walleye are actively feeding to recover energy, taking advantage of the turbid conditions (1.5m Secchi) to feed throughout the day Fish are transitioning between spawning areas and early summer feeding zones, using rock-timber transitions as movement corridors	Rocky points and boulder areas, especially those adjacent to deeper water Standing timber edges where they intersect with emerging weed growth Shallow flats (4-12 feet) with scattered brush piles	Lipless Crankbaits worked along timber edges and through scattered brush Live Bait Rigs with leeches or minnows near rocky structure Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') along weed edges and points	Minnows gathering in post-spawn areas Small perch near emerging weed growth Juvenile shad beginning to school	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	78-82	Actively feeding in shallow water areas despite warm temperatures, utilizing heavy cover and shade during peak daylight hours Showing preference for ambush points near current or channel edges, particularly during shad movement periods	Matted grass edges along channel breaks Docks with adjacent vegetation Shallow wood cover (laydowns and stumps)	Swim Jigs worked through vegetation and along channel edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) near surface cover Bladed Jigs around grass edges and through scattered vegetation	Shad schooling in channels and around vegetation edges Bluegill relating to docks and vegetation Minnows scattered throughout shallow cover	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	68-78	Actively feeding around rip rap and bridge areas, particularly targeting minnow forage Establishing summer feeding patterns in moderately stained water, utilizing rock structure as ambush points	Bridge areas with rip rap and cement chunks Rocky points and boulder fields Current areas with rock structure	Ned Rigs worked slowly along bottom structure Drop Shot with minnow-style baits Tubes dragged through rocky areas	Minnows Crayfish	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Trout	58-68	Trout seeking thermal refuge in deeper, cooler water during peak daytime temperatures, moving shallower during dawn and dusk to feed Actively feeding near submerged structure and vegetation that provides both cover and oxygen-rich environments	Deep boulder fields adjacent to vegetation providing thermal refuge Shaded coves with submerged timber during midday Points and drop-offs near vegetation during low light periods	Trolling Shallow (0-9') during early morning and late evening Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') during midday Inline Spinners cast near structure during low light periods	Small minnows in the 2-3 inch range Aquatic insects near vegetation Smaller fish seeking shelter in vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Pink Colors
Summer	Drum	68-78	Actively feeding along vegetation edges and submerged structure during early morning and evening, utilizing lateral line sensing in turbid conditions Moving between shallow feeding zones and deeper holding areas as temperatures fluctuate throughout the day	Submerged vegetation edges in 8-15 foot range Boulder and timber areas adjacent to vegetation Deep structure in 15-20 foot range for midday holding	Finesse Jigs worked slowly along bottom near structure Football Jigs dragged through deeper holding areas Carolina Rigs for covering water along vegetation edges	Minnows relating to vegetation edges Crawfish in rocky and vegetated areas Small panfish in vegetation	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Catfish	72-82	Active feeding during daylight hours due to turbid conditions (1.5m secchi), particularly around structure Moving between different depth zones throughout the day, with increased activity near standing timber and woody cover Opportunistic feeding behavior on both live bait and artificial presentations, showing aggressive strikes in 72-82°F water	Standing timber areas with nearby deep water access Submerged vegetation edges where baitfish concentrate Complex shoreline areas with woody cover and irregular features	Drop Shot with live bait or soft plastics Live Bait Rigs near structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around timber	Shad Bluegill Minnows	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Walleye	68-82	Walleye transitioning between shallow and deep water zones over a 24-hour period, with peak activity during dawn and dusk Seeking thermal refuge in deeper water during midday, actively feeding on weed edges and near structure during lower light conditions	Deep weed edges adjacent to standing timber in 12-18 feet of water Rocky points and boulder fields transitioning to deeper water Submerged brush piles near deeper water access	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along weed edges and structure transitions Live Bait Rigs with leeches or minnows near deep structure Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around standing timber	Minnows suspending near weed edges and brush Young-of-year fish relating to vegetation Crayfish near rocky structures	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Grand River

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	55-72	Fish are actively feeding and following baitfish schools, particularly shad, as they prepare for winter Bass are transitioning from shallow vegetation to deeper channel edges and brush piles More aggressive feeding during overcast conditions, moving shallower during these periods	Channel swing areas adjacent to shallow flats with remaining vegetation Brush piles and laydowns in 8-15 feet of water near deeper channels Shallow vegetation mats during overcast conditions or early/late day	Lipless Crankbaits worked through remaining vegetation and across flats Spinnerbaits parallel to deeper channel edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for actively feeding fish chasing shad	Shad schooling in creek channels and flats Bluegill relating to remaining vegetation and brush piles Minnows scattered throughout various depth zones	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	52-65	Actively feeding on baitfish, following schools in deeper water and main lake structure while aggressively chasing prey to build energy reserves for winter Moving between deep main lake structure and adjacent shallow flats, with increased activity during low-light periods	Deep rocky points adjacent to deeper water, especially near current areas Bridge structure with current and baitfish presence Steep shoreline transitions where boulders meet deeper water	Blade Baits worked vertically along deep structure edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily through baitfish schools Drop Shot rigged with finesse baits near rocky structure	Schooling baitfish/minnows congregating in deeper water Crayfish still active in rocky areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Trout	52-65	Trout becoming more active with cooling water temperatures, feeding aggressively to build energy reserves for winter Fish moving between deep structure and shallow feeding zones, particularly during low-light periods due to turbid conditions	Boulder fields near drop-offs where cool water upwelling occurs Submerged vegetation edges in 5-12 foot depth range Points and coves with complex structure providing ambush opportunities	Inline Spinners worked parallel to structure edges Trolling Shallow (0-9') with small crankbaits during low light periods Live Bait Rigs near boulder fields and vegetation edges	Small Minnows schooling in the upper water column Aquatic insects near vegetation edges Young-of-year baitfish in shallow coves	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Drum	55-68	Drum are actively feeding to build energy reserves before winter, focusing on bottom-oriented prey near structure Fish are transitioning to deeper water as temperatures cool, but still making feeding movements to mid-depth areas	Deep structure areas with boulders and laydowns in 15-20 foot range Edges of dying vegetation where it meets harder bottom Points and drop-offs adjacent to shallow feeding flats	Blade Baits worked vertically along deep structure Football Jigs dragged slowly across hard bottom areas Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near structure	Crawfish retreating to deeper rocky areas Shad schools congregating in deeper water Small bottom-dwelling prey fish	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Catfish	58-72	Catfish begin transitioning to deeper water as temperatures cool, actively feeding to build reserves for winter. They concentrate near deep structure and channel edges during daylight, moving shallower to feed during low-light periods. Feeding activity becomes more concentrated during prime periods like dusk and dawn, with fish showing increased response to scent trails in the cooling water	Deep timber and stump fields adjacent to channel edges Deep holes near creek channel bends with woody cover Transition areas between shallow flats and deeper water with structure	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live offerings positioned near structure Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) working deep structure systematically Texas Rigs (Worming) dragged slowly through timber-rich areas	Shad schools congregating in deeper water Bluegill moving to deeper structure Dying or injured baitfish	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Fall	Walleye	48-65	Walleye are actively feeding to build fat reserves for winter, with increased activity during cloudy days and low-light periods due to the turbid water conditions (1.5m Secchi) Fish are transitioning between shallow feeding areas and deeper winter holding areas, often suspending near structure during the day	Deep edges of weed beds where they meet standing timber, especially in 12-20 foot ranges Rocky points and boulder fields adjacent to deeper water Brush piles and standing timber near creek channel edges	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with aggressive snap-jigging presentations Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended fish Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along structure edges	Minnows schooling near structure edges Young-of-year baitfish congregating near remaining vegetation Smaller panfish relating to brush piles	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Trout	38-45	Due to the turbid water (1.5m Secchi), trout will hold in shallower water than typical winter patterns, likely 8-15 feet deep, and become more active during low-light periods Fish will concentrate near structure (boulders and submerged vegetation) that provides both cover and access to forage	Boulder fields in 8-15 foot depth range, especially those adjacent to deeper water Points and coves with submerged vegetation that hasn't fully died back Complex shoreline areas where multiple types of structure intersect	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Inline Spinners	Small Minnows (primary forage based on reports) Suspended invertebrates	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Winter	Drum	38-45	Drum will be concentrated in deeper, stable water zones (15-20 feet) near hard structure and bottom transitions, moving less but feeding opportunistically Fish become more lethargic and group up in schools, relying heavily on their lateral line sense to detect prey in the turbid conditions	Deep holes and channels near submerged timber and boulder fields in 15-20 foot range Sharp breaks and transitions near dormant vegetation edges Deep water areas adjacent to primary points and coves	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with slow, controlled movements Blade Baits worked with subtle lifts and drops Live Bait Rigs near bottom structure	Slowed and concentrated schools of shad Bottom-dwelling prey like small crayfish	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Catfish	38-45	Catfish become less active but still feed during winter, concentrating in deeper areas with structure and moving slower Feeding windows are shorter and typically occur during the warmest parts of the day	Deep holes near standing timber and laydowns where catfish congregate for winter Channel edges with woody structure providing winter shelter Deep water adjacent to shallow feeding flats that warm quickly on sunny days	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Live Bait Rigs Blade Baits	Stunned or dying shad in deeper water Bluegills holding near deep structure Bottom-dwelling invertebrates near woody cover	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Winter	Walleye	38-45	Walleye become more concentrated in deeper water, moving between 15-30 feet, with active feeding during low-light periods Fish establish predictable daily movements between deep-water holding areas and adjacent feeding zones near structure	Deep brush piles and standing timber in 15-30 foot range Rocky points and drop-offs adjacent to deeper water Deep edges of weed lines where they meet channel breaks	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Blade Baits Ice Fishing Jigs	Concentrated schools of winter minnows Small perch in deeper water	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Trout	34-39	Trout become more lethargic during ice season, typically holding in deeper water near structure and making shorter movements to feed Due to the turbid water conditions (1.5m Secchi), trout will likely stay in the upper half of the water column, even during ice season	Boulder fields in 8-15 foot depth range, especially near drop-offs Edges of submerged vegetation in 6-12 foot range Deep coves and points where structure provides thermal refuge	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements near structure Ice Fishing Spoons jigged aggressively to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set with live minnows at varying depths	Small Minnows Aquatic Insects	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Ice	Walleye	33-39	Walleye concentrate in moderate depth basins and deep structure during ice season, moving between primary and secondary break lines to feed Most active during low-light periods near dawn and dusk, with a strong early morning bite in areas adjacent to deeper water	Deep basin areas adjacent to standing timber and brush piles Secondary break lines near rocky structure Transitions between weed edges and deeper water	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements near bottom Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging to attract fish from distance Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at various depths with live bait	Small Minnows Young-of-Year Perch Small Crayfish near rocky structure	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Grand River

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Brush piles in 12-15 foot range, especially near spawning flats (multiple recent catches reported)	Shallow weed beds and matted grass, particularly in protected areas (proven productive in reports)
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and boulder fields adjacent to deeper water	Current areas near bridge structure where pre-spawn fish stage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Trout	Boulder fields in 2-6 foot depth range, especially near points or coves	Shallow feeding zones near submerged vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Drum	Rocky points and boulder fields adjacent to deeper water in 8-15 foot range	Emerging vegetation edges near hard bottom areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Standing timber and laydowns in 8-15 foot depth range	Channel edges adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points and boulder areas near spawning grounds	Transition areas between shallow and deep water, especially near standing timber
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Lily pad fields in 2-4 feet of water, especially where they meet slightly deeper water	Protected shallow coves with vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Boulder fields and rocky areas in shallow water, especially those with current flow as mentioned in recent reports	Points and coves with rock/gravel bottom, particularly in areas protected from strong winds
Spring (Spawn)	Trout	Boulder fields and rocky areas in 3-8 feet of water, particularly near points and coves	Edges of submerged vegetation in 5-10 feet where it meets cleaner bottom
Spring (Spawn)	Drum	Rock and boulder areas adjacent to vegetation in 8-15 foot depth range	Shallow flats with mixed vegetation and hard bottom
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Protected coves with standing timber and laydowns in 2-8 feet of water	Areas near submerged vegetation with firm bottom composition
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Boulder fields and rocky structure in shallow spawning areas	Transition areas between shallow spawning flats and deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Deeper docks with coontail and green vegetation	Submerged grass beds adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and boulder fields in 8-15 foot depth range	Current areas near bridge structures
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Trout	Boulder fields and rocky points in 5-15 foot depths, especially those adjacent to deeper water	Edges of submerged vegetation in 4-8 foot depths where baitfish concentrate
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Drum	Rock-to-weed transition areas in 8-15 foot depth range	Submerged timber and laydowns adjacent to vegetated flats
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Standing timber and laydowns in 8-15 feet of water	Edges of submerged vegetation near deeper water access
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points and boulder areas, especially those adjacent to deeper water	Standing timber edges where they intersect with emerging weed growth
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Matted grass edges along channel breaks	Docks with adjacent vegetation
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Bridge areas with rip rap and cement chunks	Rocky points and boulder fields
Summer	Trout	Deep boulder fields adjacent to vegetation providing thermal refuge	Shaded coves with submerged timber during midday
Summer	Drum	Submerged vegetation edges in 8-15 foot range	Boulder and timber areas adjacent to vegetation
Summer	Catfish	Standing timber areas with nearby deep water access	Submerged vegetation edges where baitfish concentrate
Summer	Walleye	Deep weed edges adjacent to standing timber in 12-18 feet of water	Rocky points and boulder fields transitioning to deeper water
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Channel swing areas adjacent to shallow flats with remaining vegetation	Brush piles and laydowns in 8-15 feet of water near deeper channels
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Deep rocky points adjacent to deeper water, especially near current areas	Bridge structure with current and baitfish presence
Fall	Trout	Boulder fields near drop-offs where cool water upwelling occurs	Submerged vegetation edges in 5-12 foot depth range
Fall	Drum	Deep structure areas with boulders and laydowns in 15-20 foot range	Edges of dying vegetation where it meets harder bottom
Fall	Catfish	Deep timber and stump fields adjacent to channel edges	Deep holes near creek channel bends with woody cover
Fall	Walleye	Deep edges of weed beds where they meet standing timber, especially in 12-20 foot ranges	Rocky points and boulder fields adjacent to deeper water
Winter	Trout	Boulder fields in 8-15 foot depth range, especially those adjacent to deeper water	Points and coves with submerged vegetation that hasn't fully died back
Winter	Drum	Deep holes and channels near submerged timber and boulder fields in 15-20 foot range	Sharp breaks and transitions near dormant vegetation edges
Winter	Catfish	Deep holes near standing timber and laydowns where catfish congregate for winter	Channel edges with woody structure providing winter shelter
Winter	Walleye	Deep brush piles and standing timber in 15-30 foot range	Rocky points and drop-offs adjacent to deeper water
Ice	Trout	Boulder fields in 8-15 foot depth range, especially near drop-offs	Edges of submerged vegetation in 6-12 foot range
Ice	Walleye	Deep basin areas adjacent to standing timber and brush piles	Secondary break lines near rocky structure

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill - primary forage evidenced by recent crankbait success	Shad - confirmed in reports with spinnerbait success
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Minnows gathering in pre-spawn areas	Crayfish becoming more active in warming waters
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Trout	Minnows (primary forage based on reports)	Aquatic insects and larvae
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Drum	Crawfish emerging from winter hibernation	Small minnows and shad schools
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools beginning spring movements	Bluegill becoming more active in warming shallows
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Minnows congregating near spawning areas	Small baitfish schooling in transition zones
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish - primary forage as indicated by recent fishing reports	Bluegill - beginning to move shallow with spawning bass
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Minnows - primary forage as confirmed by recent fishing reports	Crayfish emerging from winter habitat
Spring (Spawn)	Trout	Small Minnows in suspended schools	Aquatic insects emerging in spring conditions
Spring (Spawn)	Drum	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small minnows congregating near vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Shad congregating in spawning areas	Bluegill in and around vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Minnows	Small Baitfish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrated around docks and vegetation	Shad moving along grass edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Minnows gathering around rocky structure	Small crayfish emerging in rocky areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Trout	Small Minnows concentrating around structure	Aquatic insects emerging in shallow areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Drum	Crawfish emerging from winter habitats	Small baitfish (minnows and shad) relating to vegetation edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools beginning to move shallow	Bluegill establishing spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Minnows gathering in post-spawn areas	Small perch near emerging weed growth
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling in channels and around vegetation edges	Bluegill relating to docks and vegetation
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Minnows	Crayfish
Summer	Trout	Small minnows in the 2-3 inch range	Aquatic insects near vegetation
Summer	Drum	Minnows relating to vegetation edges	Crawfish in rocky and vegetated areas
Summer	Catfish	Shad	Bluegill
Summer	Walleye	Minnows suspending near weed edges and brush	Young-of-year fish relating to vegetation
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling in creek channels and flats	Bluegill relating to remaining vegetation and brush piles
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Schooling baitfish/minnows congregating in deeper water	Crayfish still active in rocky areas
Fall	Trout	Small Minnows schooling in the upper water column	Aquatic insects near vegetation edges
Fall	Drum	Crawfish retreating to deeper rocky areas	Shad schools congregating in deeper water
Fall	Catfish	Shad schools congregating in deeper water	Bluegill moving to deeper structure
Fall	Walleye	Minnows schooling near structure edges	Young-of-year baitfish congregating near remaining vegetation
Winter	Trout	Small Minnows (primary forage based on reports)	Suspended invertebrates
Winter	Drum	Slowed and concentrated schools of shad	Bottom-dwelling prey like small crayfish
Winter	Catfish	Stunned or dying shad in deeper water	Bluegills holding near deep structure
Winter	Walleye	Concentrated schools of winter minnows	Small perch in deeper water
Ice	Trout	Small Minnows	Aquatic Insects
Ice	Walleye	Small Minnows	Young-of-Year Perch

Bait Colors by Season for Grand River

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Trout	Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Drum	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Trout	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Drum	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Trout	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Drum	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Trout	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Pink Colors
Summer	Drum	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Catfish	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Trout	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Drum	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Catfish	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Fall	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Trout	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Winter	Drum	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Catfish	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Winter	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Trout	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Ice	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals