How to Fish Green Bay: Best Patterns & Techniques

Green Bay

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Jun 1, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Green Bay

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	33-45	Pre-spawn walleye are actively staging near spawning areas, with males moving in first followed by larger females. Fish are actively feeding but require slower presentations in cold water conditions Movement patterns show fish utilizing current breaks and channel edges as migration routes, with peak activity during low light periods	Sand flats adjacent to river channels in 8-10 feet of water Current breaks and dam areas where fish stage during pre-spawn Channel edges and ledges where fish move between staging areas	Blade Baits worked with slow lifting motion and controlled drops Lipless Crankbaits hopped slowly in current areas Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly with long pauses	Perch Minnows Shad	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	47-56	Pre-spawn staging bass actively moving between deeper main lake areas (12-20 FOW) and shallow spawning areas, with larger females beginning to investigate spawning sites Selective feeding behavior showing strong preference for smaller profile baits despite fish size, particularly during the transition period Fish actively roaming in main lake areas, with shallow fish being less aggressive while deeper fish maintaining feeding activity	Transition areas where sheet rock meets boulders in 12-20 feet of water Main lake rock piles and boulder fields Protected shallow areas with reeds and bullrushes for spawning	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked extremely slowly Tubes worked around rock piles Hard Jerkbaits with extended pauses Drop Shot with small profile baits	Minnows Gobies Cisco/Whitefish	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	42-52	Yellow perch are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging, actively feeding near mid-depth structure Fish are schooling near rock piles and other hard structure, preparing for spawning while maintaining feeding activity	Rock piles in 10-19 foot depth range Transitional areas between shallow flats and deeper water Hard bottom areas near potential spawning locations	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Live Bait Rigs Blade Baits	Small minnows Crawfish emerging from winter habitat	Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Actively moving from winter deep-water areas to warming shallow bays and flats, beginning to stage for spawning. Feeding patterns become more aggressive as water temperatures rise. Starting to form loose schools in pre-spawn staging areas, particularly near emerging vegetation and brush piles that offer both cover and feeding opportunities.	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation, especially on the north side of the lake where water warms fastest Brush piles and woody cover in 6-12 foot transition areas between winter and spawning grounds Secondary points leading into spawning bays with submerged vegetation	Bobbers with small jigs suspended 2-4 feet deep near emerging vegetation Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around brush piles and wood cover Micro Crankbaits worked slowly through transition areas	Small invertebrates becoming active in the warming shallows Juvenile perch in and around vegetation Emerging aquatic insects near vegetation beds	Natural Craw Colors Light Neutral Colors Green Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	55-62	Bass are transitioning into pre-spawn mode, making reactive strikes in warming protected areas, particularly near rip rap in cuts and marinas Fish are staging in deeper pockets adjacent to potential spawning flats, moving shallower during warm periods of the day	Protected cuts and marina areas with rip rap, especially those receiving afternoon sun Secondary points leading into spawning bays with hard bottom Deep water transitions adjacent to shallow flats where fish stage between feeding moves	Neko Rigs worked slowly along bottom transitions and rip rap edges Texas Rigs (Worming) dragged through staging areas Shakey Heads worked methodically around hard cover	Minnows gathering in warming shallow areas Perch relating to hard cover and bottom transitions	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Lake Whitefish	38-48	Moving from deep winter haunts to shallower transition areas (20-35 feet) as water warms Actively feeding during early morning and late evening periods, particularly near bottom structure transitions Showing increased interest in smaller prey items as metabolism increases with warming water	Riprap to sand transition areas in 20-35 foot depth range Rock piles adjacent to deep basin areas Large flats with mixed gravel and sand composition	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Live Bait Rigs	Small invertebrates and insect larvae Young-of-year perch Ciscoes	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	48-58	White Bass are beginning their pre-spawn staging, moving from deeper wintering areas toward potential spawning tributaries and staging areas Fish are actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, often hunting in loose schools following baitfish Most active during dawn and dusk periods in the moderate clarity water, utilizing structure as ambush points	Main lake points and humps near potential spawning tributaries Rip rap areas with deep water access Offshore structure in 8-15 feet transitioning to deeper water	Blade Baits worked with a vertical presentation along structure edges Small Soft Body Swimbaits retrieved steadily through suspended fish Lipless Crankbaits worked through transitional areas	Schooling shad in mid-depth ranges Small baitfish congregating near structure Young-of-year perch in shallower areas	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Walleye are moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly focused on sand flats on the west side of the lake. Fish are most active during low light periods. Pre-spawn staging occurs in 8-10 feet of water, with fish gradually moving shallower as water temperatures increase	Sand flats on west side of lake for spawning activity Rock piles and reefs in 8-10 foot depth range for staging areas Current breaks and river channel areas leading to spawning grounds	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along transition areas to spawning flats Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow, subtle presentations Blade Baits worked through staging areas	Perch in the 8-10 foot staging areas Small minnows near spawning flats Shad in slightly deeper water near staging areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	47-56	Smallmouth bass transitioning into spawning phase, actively searching rock piles and transition areas between 12-20 feet during pre-spawn Fish showing preference for smaller profile baits despite their size, indicating selective feeding behavior in moderate clarity conditions	Rock piles and boulder fields where sheet rock transitions to scattered rocks, particularly in 12-20 foot depth range Shallow areas with emergent vegetation (reeds and bullrushes) for spawning Main lake rocky structure, focusing on primary points and transitions due to simple shoreline	Tubes worked slowly along rock transitions Drop Shot with finesse presentations Ned Rigs for bottom contact around rocky structure	Gobies Small baitfish Crawfish	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	44-52	Yellow perch moving into shallow, vegetated areas (reeds) for spawning, typically in large schools Males arrive first at spawning areas, followed by egg-laden females staging slightly deeper Active feeding periods during early morning and late evening, with less activity during peak spawning	Shallow reed beds and emergent vegetation in 3-8 feet of water Secondary points near spawning areas with mixed rock and vegetation Protected bays with stable temperatures and vegetation	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Small minnows and juvenile baitfish Aquatic insects emerging with spring warmup Small crawfish becoming active in warming waters	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Actively spawning in shallow protected areas, with males guarding nests and females moving in and out of spawning zones Heightened aggression from male bluegills defending nests, making them more likely to strike at small intruders Feeding activity increases in pre-spawn and post-spawn periods, particularly on insects and small invertebrates near vegetation	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom composition, typically 2-4 feet deep Areas adjacent to emergent vegetation in 3-6 feet of water Shallow flats near deeper water access points	Bobbers with small live bait or soft plastics suspended 1-3 feet deep Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly around spawning areas Micro Crankbaits cast parallel to spawning areas	Small aquatic insects and larvae Zooplankton Small crustaceans	Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Fish are transitioning from pre-spawn staging areas to spawning flats, actively searching for and creating beds in protected areas Males become increasingly territorial and aggressive, guarding nesting sites, while females move in waves between staging and spawning areas	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom and sparse vegetation near deeper water access Secondary points and cuts with rip rap or rock that warm quickly Areas with reeds or emerging vegetation in 2-6 feet of water	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around visible cover and potential bed areas Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly along spawning flat edges Shakey Heads for finesse presentations to spooky fish	Small bluegill and perch in spawning areas Minnows gathering in warming shallows	Natural Craw Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Lake Whitefish	42-52	Post-spawn Lake Whitefish are transitioning from deeper wintering areas to shallower feeding zones, particularly focusing on transitional areas between sand and rock Fish are actively feeding to recover energy after spawning, with increased activity during early morning and late evening periods	Rock to sand transition areas in 15-25 foot depths Deep rock piles adjacent to sandy flats Riprap areas with access to deeper water	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Live Bait Rigs Spoons	Benthic invertebrates and small insects Small baitfish like shiners Young perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	52-65	Moving into shallow spawning areas (2-8 feet) and staging near tributary mouths, starting to aggregate in large schools Aggressive feeding activity during pre-spawn, targeting shad and other baitfish in preparation for spawning	Tributary mouths and incoming creeks with hard bottom Shallow flats with rock or gravel substrate Main lake points leading to spawning bays	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked parallel to spawning flats Lipless Crankbaits retrieved with steady retrieve near staging areas Inline Spinners cast and retrieved through schooling fish	Shad schools moving into spawning areas Small baitfish in tributary areas	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	52-65	Post-spawn walleye are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer feeding locations, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are relating to structure adjacent to deep water, showing increased feeding activity during low light conditions	Reefs and rock piles adjacent to deep water Points intersecting with main lake basin Shallow flats near deep water transitions	Trolling Shallow (0-9') with crankbaits parallel to structure edges Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly along bottom transitions Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended fish	Shad schooling near structure Yellow Perch along rocky areas Small Minnows in transitional areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	47-56	Post-spawn smallmouth bass are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer feeding locations, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are showing preference for finesse presentations and smaller profile baits despite their size, likely due to clear water conditions	Rock piles where sheet rock meets boulders in 12-20 foot depth range Main lake rocky structure with transition areas Secondary points with access to deeper water	Tubes worked slowly along bottom transitions Drop Shot with small profile baits Ned Rigs for finesse presentation in clear water	Gobies near rocky structure Small baitfish in transitional areas	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	48-62	Post-spawn perch are actively feeding and beginning to form loose schools, moving between shallow vegetation and mid-depth structure Fish are becoming more active with warming waters, showing increased response to moving baits and larger feeding windows	Transitional areas between shallow reed beds and adjacent deeper water (8-15 feet) Mid-depth rock piles and mixed bottom areas (10-19 feet) Emerging weed edges near points and flats	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Live Bait Rigs Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Small minnows gathering near emerging vegetation Juvenile crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas Aquatic insects emerging with warming waters	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Post-spawn bluegills are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily targeting insects and small invertebrates in shallow to mid-depth zones Fish are establishing summer patterns, gradually moving from spawning areas to nearby feeding zones with protective cover	Submerged vegetation edges in 4-8 feet of water adjacent to spawning areas Brush piles and woody cover in 6-12 feet of water Protected shallow bays with emerging weed growth	Live Bait Rigs with light line and small hooks for natural presentation Bobbers suspended 2-4 feet deep over vegetation Micro Crankbaits worked slowly through cover Finesse Hair Jigs tipped with soft plastics	Aquatic insects and larvae Small crustaceans and zooplankton Juvenile perch and small baitfish	Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-72	Post-spawn bass are actively feeding to recover energy, moving from spawning flats to early summer locations Fish are becoming more structure-oriented, establishing deeper holding patterns but still making frequent shallow feeding moves	Submerged weed edges adjacent to spawning flats in 8-10 foot depth Rock piles and hard bottom areas near deep water access Protected cuts with rip rap offering both cover and feeding zones	Soft Jerkbaits worked with erratic retrieves parallel to weed edges Texas Rigs (Worming) worked through emerging vegetation Spinnerbaits worked along hard cover transitions	Perch relating to emerging weed growth Minnows schooling in warming shallows Alewife beginning to school in open water	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Lake Whitefish	42-54	Moving from deeper wintering areas to shallower feeding zones, typically following temperature breaks Actively feeding during early morning and late evening, targeting both benthic prey and small baitfish Concentrating around transition areas where bottom composition changes, especially near sand-rock interfaces	Sand to riprap transition areas in 15-25 foot depths Rocky points adjacent to deeper wintering areas Clean sand flats near structural elements in 20-30 foot depths	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Live Bait Rigs Blade Baits	Benthic invertebrates and insect larvae Small ciscoes and shiners Young perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	58-68	Post-spawn White Bass are actively feeding and recovering, moving in schools following baitfish in the upper water column Fish are transitioning from spawning areas to main lake structure, with aggressive feeding periods during dawn and dusk	Main lake points and riprap areas adjacent to deeper water Offshore humps and structure in 8-15 feet of water Open water areas where baitfish are schooling	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked at varied speeds to match baitfish movement Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') when fish are actively feeding on suspended bait Lipless Crankbaits for covering water and triggering reaction strikes	Schooling shad in upper water column Small baitfish concentrations around structure Young-of-year perch beginning to emerge	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Walleye	70-74	Walleyes are actively feeding on offshore structure, particularly humps and deep basin areas, with reports showing fish in pods that can be tracked with electronics Fish are showing clear depth preferences of 25-31 feet during peak summer temperatures, with some movement into vegetation edges during feeding periods	Offshore humps in 25-31 feet of water where bait is present Deep basin areas with access to structure Edges of submerged vegetation in medium depths	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Live Bait Rigs Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12')	Perch Alewife	Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	65-78	Smallmouth bass establish summer feeding patterns around main lake structure, particularly focusing on boulder-to-sheet rock transitions in 15-25 foot depths Fish become more active during dawn and dusk periods, moving shallower to feed, then returning to deeper haunts during bright midday periods With moderate water clarity, fish rely heavily on sight feeding and show selective behavior, preferring smaller profile baits despite their size	Main lake rock piles and boulder fields in 15-25 foot depths Transition areas where sheet rock meets boulder fields Secondary points with access to deep water and scattered rock	Drop Shot with small profile baits worked slowly along bottom transitions Tubes dragged and hopped through rocky areas Ned Rigs worked slowly around boulder fields Small/Medium Soft Body Swimbaits retrieved along depth changes	Gobies relating to rocky structure Small baitfish schools Crayfish in rocky areas	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Yellow Perch	68-78	Schools actively feeding in both open water basin areas and around structure, following baitfish and seeking crawfish Utilizing multiple depth zones with movement between deep basin areas and mid-depth structure throughout the day	Open water/basin areas where schools are suspending and following baitfish Mid-depth boulder fields and rock piles in 10-19 foot range Deep structure adjacent to open water feeding areas	Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) trolled through open water areas where schools are suspended Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around boulder structures and rock piles Live Bait Rigs with crawlers or minnows when schools are located	Small minnows and baitfish in open water Crawfish around rocky structure and boulder areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	68-82	Actively feeding in and around brush piles, showing suspended feeding patterns with a preference for small prey items like minnows Utilizing shallow to mid-depth zones during feeding periods, taking advantage of the moderate water clarity for sight feeding	Brush piles in shallow to mid-depth zones with nearby weed growth Shallow bays with submerged vegetation Suspended feeding areas near shoreline structure	Bobbers with live bait or small jigs, particularly effective for suspended fish Micro Crankbaits worked slowly around brush piles Finesse Hair Jigs for a more subtle presentation in clearer water	Minnows - primary forage based on recent fishing reports Zooplankton and aquatic insects - indicated by successful suspended feeding patterns Benthic invertebrates - suggested by healthy weed growth and presence of perch	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	65-74	Establishing summer patterns with primary activity during early morning and evening hours, seeking shade and cooler water during mid-day Actively feeding around weed edges and deep structure transitions, moving between shallow and deeper water based on light and temperature	Deep weed edges adjacent to rock piles (8-12 feet) Submerged vegetation near deep breaks and ledges Shaded areas under reed lines during bright conditions	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around vegetation and cover Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) along deep breaks Spinnerbaits during lowlight periods near weed edges	Perch relating to weed edges and rock piles Alewife schools in open water near structure breaks Minnows around vegetation edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Purple Colors
Summer	Lake Whitefish	48-55	Lake Whitefish moving to deeper, cooler waters during summer (typically 40-60 feet), following temperature preferences and foraging along bottom transitions Feeding activity peaks during early morning and late evening, focusing on benthic invertebrates and small baitfish near structure	Deep water basins adjacent to rock pile and riprap transitions (40-60 feet) Sand to rock transition areas in deeper water Deep water structure near benthic feeding areas	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Trolling Deep (20'+) Spoons	Benthic invertebrates and insect larvae Ciscoes and small baitfish Young perch	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	White Bass	68-82	Actively schooling and chasing baitfish in open water, particularly during early morning and evening hours Moving between offshore structure and main lake points, following shad schools throughout the water column	Main lake humps and offshore structure in 15-25 feet of water Rocky points and rip rap areas adjacent to deeper water Open water areas where baitfish are schooling, especially near structure	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are actively feeding on suspended bait schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for covering water and matching baitfish profile Spinnerbaits worked through schooling fish during active feeding periods	Shad schools Small baitfish	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Green Bay

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Walleye	52-65	Walleye are actively feeding to build fat reserves for winter, following baitfish schools and relating to structure breaks Fish are transitioning from summer deep water patterns to moderate depths, especially active during lowlight periods	Deep rock piles and reefs transitioning to adjacent flats (15-25 feet) Current breaks near river channels with baitfish presence Sharp breaks and points near deep water access	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits	Shad schools congregating in pods Yellow Perch along structure breaks Juvenile minnows in transitional areas	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	52-65	Fish are schooling and actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter, following baitfish migrations to deeper structures Aggressive feeding periods during low-light conditions, especially on main lake points and deep rock transitions	Deep rock-to-boulder transitions in 15-25 feet of water Main lake points with access to deep water Offshore rock piles near primary lake basin	Drop Shot with small profile baits worked slowly near bottom Tubes dragged along rock transitions Ned Rigs worked methodically through rocky areas Blade Baits for actively feeding fish	Gobies relating to rocky structure Small baitfish schools in transition areas Crawfish in rocky areas	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Yellow Perch	45-62	Yellow perch begin schooling more tightly in fall, following baitfish schools and preparing for winter Feeding activity increases as water cools, with most active periods during morning and evening	Mid-depth structure areas (10-19 feet) with mixed rock and weed edges Deep weed edges transitioning to rock piles Suspended schools over basin areas following baitfish	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Live Bait Rigs	Small minnows and young-of-year baitfish Crawfish near rocky structures Aquatic insects	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Natural Craw Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Bluegills are actively feeding to build energy reserves before winter, focusing on remaining vegetation and deeper edges of weed lines Fish are transitioning from shallow to mid-depth zones, following cooling water temperatures and migrating baitfish	Deep weed edges adjacent to flats (8-15 feet) Brush piles near drop-offs Remaining green vegetation in protected bays	Drop Shot with small soft plastics worked slowly near structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with tungsten jigs tipped with plastics Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or worms near weed edges	Small invertebrates and insects around remaining vegetation Juvenile perch and small baitfish Zooplankton in suspended water column	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	52-68	Actively feeding and following baitfish schools as water temperatures cool, with increased activity during overcast days Moving from summer deep water patterns to shallower feeding zones, particularly during morning and evening hours Transitioning between deep main lake structures and shallow feeding areas, with concentration on primary points and breaks	Main lake points and breaks adjacent to deep water Weed edges where vegetation is still healthy, especially near depth changes Rock piles and hard structure areas between 8-15 feet deep	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges and over points Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') parallel to break lines Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for matching prevalent baitfish	Perch schooling near remaining vegetation Alewife moving in schools along break lines Minnows concentrated around points and structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	Lake Whitefish	45-55	Lake Whitefish begin transitioning to deeper water as temperatures cool, staging near bottom transitions and structural elements Increased feeding activity as fish prepare for winter, with more aggressive pursuit of baitfish and invertebrates	Deep rock pile and riprap transitions near sand flats (18-30 feet) Steep breaks and structural transitions where baitfish congregate Areas where bottom composition changes create distinct feeding zones	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Blade Baits	Ciscoes and small baitfish Benthic invertebrates and insects Young perch	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	White Bass	52-68	White Bass are actively schooling and chasing baitfish in shallow to mid-depth ranges (4-8 feet), especially around hard structure Fish are likely to be most active during dawn and dusk periods, taking advantage of moderate water clarity for sight-feeding Schools are transitioning between shallow feeding areas and deeper staging areas as temperatures fluctuate	Rip Rap banks in 4-8 feet of water where baitfish congregate Main lake points and offshore humps that intersect with baitfish migration routes Open water areas near structure where schools can trap baitfish	Drop Shot with active bait movement to target suspended fish Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') when fish are actively feeding Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) to mimic fleeing baitfish	Shad schools moving through shallow and mid-depth ranges Small baitfish congregating around hard structure	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Walleye	38-45	Actively feeding in deeper water near structure, particularly during low light periods Suspending near structure and relating to current breaks Following and feeding on schools of perch and shad in deeper water	Deep rock piles and reefs in 25-31 feet Current breaks near river channels Suspended areas near deep structure with baitfish schools	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Blade Baits Spoons Damiki Rig	Perch Shad Minnows	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Winter	Yellow Perch	42-52	Yellow perch forming loose schools in mid-depth zones, following temperature breaks and forage Actively feeding during low-light periods with reduced activity during bright midday hours	Mid-depth structure areas (10-19 feet) with rocky bottom composition Deeper edges of remaining reed beds transitioning to hard bottom Basin edges where suspended schools follow baitfish	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Trolling Mid Depth (10-19')	Small baitfish schools in open water Crawfish near rock structures	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Natural Craw Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	38-45	Bluegills are concentrated in deep winter haunts, typically suspended near bottom structure in 15-25 foot zones Feeding periods are shorter but more intense, often occurring during mid-morning and late afternoon Fish are showing preference for slower, more subtle presentations due to colder water temperatures	Deep weed edges adjacent to flats, particularly in 15-25 foot range Deeper brush piles and woody structure near primary lake basins Deep water transitions where remaining green vegetation meets harder bottom	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Drop Shot Finesse Hair Jigs	Small aquatic insects and larvae Zooplankton in suspended water column Small invertebrates near remaining vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Winter	Lake Whitefish	38-45	Lake Whitefish are actively feeding in deep water, making periodic movements to transition areas to forage on benthic prey and baitfish Fish are schooling in large numbers near bottom transitions and structure, particularly near riprap/sand transitions	Deep water transitions where riprap meets sand, typically in 20-35 feet Rock piles and deep structure adjacent to feeding flats Deep basin areas near structural elements that provide ambush points	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Spoons Live Bait Rigs	Ciscoes and small baitfish Benthic invertebrates and insects Small perch	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Walleye	31-33	Walleye actively chasing and pursuing baits vertically in the water column, with aggressive responses to erratic presentations based on LiveScope observations Most active during low light periods, responding well to aggressive jigging followed by subtle 'keep away' movements	Deep breaks and ledges, particularly during low light periods Rock piles with suspended fish nearby Areas with concentrated baitfish schools	Ice Fishing Jigs with aggressive snap-jigging followed by subtle movements Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') when fish are suspended higher in water column Lipless Crankbaits worked through various depths to trigger reaction strikes	Minnows - primary forage based on multiple recent reports Yellow Perch - evidenced by successful perch-pattern baits	Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Yellow Perch	33-34	Yellow perch are congregating in shallow reed beds, likely relating to both feeding opportunities and winter habitat Fish showing selective feeding patterns, requiring location changes to find active schools	Shallow reed beds with remaining green vegetation Mid-depth transitions where reeds meet harder bottom Areas with mixed bottom composition near reed edges	Ice Fishing Jigs worked slowly with subtle movements Ice Fishing Spoons for more aggressive presentations when active fish are found Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set along reed edges to cover more area	Small minnows in and around reed beds Aquatic insects relating to vegetation	Firetiger Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	34-39	Concentrating in areas with remaining green vegetation, suspended at varying depths depending on oxygen levels Feeding patterns are most active during mid-morning and late afternoon, with a focus on small invertebrates	Submerged vegetation beds in 8-15 foot depth range Transition areas between vegetation and deeper basins Protected bays with remaining green vegetation	Ice Fishing Jigs with subtle jigging motion Ice Fishing Spoons worked slowly above vegetation Hover/Mid-Strolling near vegetation edges	Small aquatic insects and larvae Zooplankton concentrations Tiny crustaceans in vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Lake Whitefish	33-39	Lake Whitefish actively feeding near bottom transitions, particularly at riprap and sand interfaces where invertebrates and small prey are abundant Fish showing preference for small, compact prey presentations tipped with live bait, indicating selective winter feeding patterns	Riprap to sand transition areas, especially where structure meets natural bottom Deep water adjacent to distinct bottom transitions Rock piles and hard-bottom areas that hold winter forage	Ice Fishing Spoons jigged slowly and tipped with waxworms or minnow heads Ice Fishing Jigs worked methodically along bottom transitions Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set along transition edges with live minnows	Small invertebrates and insect larvae near bottom transitions Small baitfish including shiners and young-of-year cisco Benthic organisms in rocky areas	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Green Bay

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Sand flats adjacent to river channels in 8-10 feet of water	Current breaks and dam areas where fish stage during pre-spawn
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Transition areas where sheet rock meets boulders in 12-20 feet of water	Main lake rock piles and boulder fields
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Rock piles in 10-19 foot depth range	Transitional areas between shallow flats and deeper water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation, especially on the north side of the lake where water warms fastest	Brush piles and woody cover in 6-12 foot transition areas between winter and spawning grounds
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected cuts and marina areas with rip rap, especially those receiving afternoon sun	Secondary points leading into spawning bays with hard bottom
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Lake Whitefish	Riprap to sand transition areas in 20-35 foot depth range	Rock piles adjacent to deep basin areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Main lake points and humps near potential spawning tributaries	Rip rap areas with deep water access
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Sand flats on west side of lake for spawning activity	Rock piles and reefs in 8-10 foot depth range for staging areas
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles and boulder fields where sheet rock transitions to scattered rocks, particularly in 12-20 foot depth range	Shallow areas with emergent vegetation (reeds and bullrushes) for spawning
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Shallow reed beds and emergent vegetation in 3-8 feet of water	Secondary points near spawning areas with mixed rock and vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom composition, typically 2-4 feet deep	Areas adjacent to emergent vegetation in 3-6 feet of water
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom and sparse vegetation near deeper water access	Secondary points and cuts with rip rap or rock that warm quickly
Spring (Spawn)	Lake Whitefish	Rock to sand transition areas in 15-25 foot depths	Deep rock piles adjacent to sandy flats
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Tributary mouths and incoming creeks with hard bottom	Shallow flats with rock or gravel substrate
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Reefs and rock piles adjacent to deep water	Points intersecting with main lake basin
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles where sheet rock meets boulders in 12-20 foot depth range	Main lake rocky structure with transition areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Transitional areas between shallow reed beds and adjacent deeper water (8-15 feet)	Mid-depth rock piles and mixed bottom areas (10-19 feet)
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Submerged vegetation edges in 4-8 feet of water adjacent to spawning areas	Brush piles and woody cover in 6-12 feet of water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Submerged weed edges adjacent to spawning flats in 8-10 foot depth	Rock piles and hard bottom areas near deep water access
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Lake Whitefish	Sand to riprap transition areas in 15-25 foot depths	Rocky points adjacent to deeper wintering areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Main lake points and riprap areas adjacent to deeper water	Offshore humps and structure in 8-15 feet of water
Summer	Walleye	Offshore humps in 25-31 feet of water where bait is present	Deep basin areas with access to structure
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake rock piles and boulder fields in 15-25 foot depths	Transition areas where sheet rock meets boulder fields
Summer	Yellow Perch	Open water/basin areas where schools are suspending and following baitfish	Mid-depth boulder fields and rock piles in 10-19 foot range
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Brush piles in shallow to mid-depth zones with nearby weed growth	Shallow bays with submerged vegetation
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Deep weed edges adjacent to rock piles (8-12 feet)	Submerged vegetation near deep breaks and ledges
Summer	Lake Whitefish	Deep water basins adjacent to rock pile and riprap transitions (40-60 feet)	Sand to rock transition areas in deeper water
Summer	White Bass	Main lake humps and offshore structure in 15-25 feet of water	Rocky points and rip rap areas adjacent to deeper water
Fall	Walleye	Deep rock piles and reefs transitioning to adjacent flats (15-25 feet)	Current breaks near river channels with baitfish presence
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Deep rock-to-boulder transitions in 15-25 feet of water	Main lake points with access to deep water
Fall	Yellow Perch	Mid-depth structure areas (10-19 feet) with mixed rock and weed edges	Deep weed edges transitioning to rock piles
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges adjacent to flats (8-15 feet)	Brush piles near drop-offs
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points and breaks adjacent to deep water	Weed edges where vegetation is still healthy, especially near depth changes
Fall	Lake Whitefish	Deep rock pile and riprap transitions near sand flats (18-30 feet)	Steep breaks and structural transitions where baitfish congregate
Fall	White Bass	Rip Rap banks in 4-8 feet of water where baitfish congregate	Main lake points and offshore humps that intersect with baitfish migration routes
Winter	Walleye	Deep rock piles and reefs in 25-31 feet	Current breaks near river channels
Winter	Yellow Perch	Mid-depth structure areas (10-19 feet) with rocky bottom composition	Deeper edges of remaining reed beds transitioning to hard bottom
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges adjacent to flats, particularly in 15-25 foot range	Deeper brush piles and woody structure near primary lake basins
Winter	Lake Whitefish	Deep water transitions where riprap meets sand, typically in 20-35 feet	Rock piles and deep structure adjacent to feeding flats
Ice	Walleye	Deep breaks and ledges, particularly during low light periods	Rock piles with suspended fish nearby
Ice	Yellow Perch	Shallow reed beds with remaining green vegetation	Mid-depth transitions where reeds meet harder bottom
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Submerged vegetation beds in 8-15 foot depth range	Transition areas between vegetation and deeper basins
Ice	Lake Whitefish	Riprap to sand transition areas, especially where structure meets natural bottom	Deep water adjacent to distinct bottom transitions

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Perch	Minnows
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Minnows	Gobies
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small minnows	Crawfish emerging from winter habitat
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small invertebrates becoming active in the warming shallows	Juvenile perch in and around vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Minnows gathering in warming shallow areas	Perch relating to hard cover and bottom transitions
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Lake Whitefish	Small invertebrates and insect larvae	Young-of-year perch
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Schooling shad in mid-depth ranges	Small baitfish congregating near structure
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Perch in the 8-10 foot staging areas	Small minnows near spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Gobies	Small baitfish
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small minnows and juvenile baitfish	Aquatic insects emerging with spring warmup
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Zooplankton
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Small bluegill and perch in spawning areas	Minnows gathering in warming shallows
Spring (Spawn)	Lake Whitefish	Benthic invertebrates and small insects	Small baitfish like shiners
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools moving into spawning areas	Small baitfish in tributary areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Shad schooling near structure	Yellow Perch along rocky areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Gobies near rocky structure	Small baitfish in transitional areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small minnows gathering near emerging vegetation	Juvenile crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects and larvae	Small crustaceans and zooplankton
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Perch relating to emerging weed growth	Minnows schooling in warming shallows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Lake Whitefish	Benthic invertebrates and insect larvae	Small ciscoes and shiners
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Schooling shad in upper water column	Small baitfish concentrations around structure
Summer	Walleye	Perch	Alewife
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Gobies relating to rocky structure	Small baitfish schools
Summer	Yellow Perch	Small minnows and baitfish in open water	Crawfish around rocky structure and boulder areas
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Minnows - primary forage based on recent fishing reports	Zooplankton and aquatic insects - indicated by successful suspended feeding patterns
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Perch relating to weed edges and rock piles	Alewife schools in open water near structure breaks
Summer	Lake Whitefish	Benthic invertebrates and insect larvae	Ciscoes and small baitfish
Summer	White Bass	Shad schools	Small baitfish
Fall	Walleye	Shad schools congregating in pods	Yellow Perch along structure breaks
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Gobies relating to rocky structure	Small baitfish schools in transition areas
Fall	Yellow Perch	Small minnows and young-of-year baitfish	Crawfish near rocky structures
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small invertebrates and insects around remaining vegetation	Juvenile perch and small baitfish
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Perch schooling near remaining vegetation	Alewife moving in schools along break lines
Fall	Lake Whitefish	Ciscoes and small baitfish	Benthic invertebrates and insects
Fall	White Bass	Shad schools moving through shallow and mid-depth ranges	Small baitfish congregating around hard structure
Winter	Walleye	Perch	Shad
Winter	Yellow Perch	Small baitfish schools in open water	Crawfish near rock structures
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Zooplankton in suspended water column
Winter	Lake Whitefish	Ciscoes and small baitfish	Benthic invertebrates and insects
Ice	Walleye	Minnows - primary forage based on multiple recent reports	Yellow Perch - evidenced by successful perch-pattern baits
Ice	Yellow Perch	Small minnows in and around reed beds	Aquatic insects relating to vegetation
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Zooplankton concentrations
Ice	Lake Whitefish	Small invertebrates and insect larvae near bottom transitions	Small baitfish including shiners and young-of-year cisco

Bait Colors by Season for Green Bay

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Craw Colors Light Neutral Colors Green Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Lake Whitefish	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Lake Whitefish	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Lake Whitefish	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Walleye	Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Purple Colors
Summer	Lake Whitefish	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Walleye	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Natural Craw Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	Lake Whitefish	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Winter	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Natural Craw Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Winter	Lake Whitefish	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Walleye	Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Yellow Perch	Firetiger Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Lake Whitefish	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors