How to Fish Green Lake (WI): Best Patterns & Techniques

Green Lake (WI)

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 23, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Green Lake (WI)

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	49-55	Fish are staging in pre-spawn locations, actively feeding but not yet on beds. Schools are following perch and responding to sun/cloud conditions by adjusting depth. Showing increased shallow water activity, especially during cloudy conditions, with multiple fish often found together in prime areas.	Medium depth rock piles in 8-12 foot range Points with scattered rock in 8 feet or less Areas where perch schools are concentrating	Ned Rigs worked slowly through rocky areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) kept slightly off bottom Drop Shot targeting suspended fish following bait schools	Perch Crawfish	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	55-65	Bass are transitioning into shallow spawning areas, actively seeking warmer water and staging near spawning flats Females are making frequent movements between staging areas and spawning zones, becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise	Shallow protected bays and pockets with spawning potential Docks adjacent to spawning flats providing staging areas Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Wacky Rigs worked slowly around shallow cover Soft Jerkbaits fished with long pauses near staging areas Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around dock posts and shallow cover	Bluegill congregating in shallow spawning areas Crawfish becoming more active in warming shallows	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	55-65	Bluegills moving from winter depths to warming shallows, staging near spawning areas but not yet on beds Actively feeding during warmer parts of day, particularly around new vegetation growth and emerging insects	Submerged vegetation edges in 4-8 foot depth range Protected coves with emerging vegetation Rock piles adjacent to potential spawning flats	Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly near cover Live Bait Rigs under slip bobbers Micro Crankbaits retrieved steadily along weed edges	Emerging aquatic insects Small crustaceans near rock piles Newly emerging vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Pre-spawn walleyes staging near spawning areas, making short feeding movements during low-light periods Fish transitioning between wintering areas and shallow spawning zones, congregating near rock-to-sand transitions Increased daytime activity due to turbid conditions (1.9m secchi), making them less light-sensitive	Rock piles adjacent to potential spawning flats in 8-15 foot depth range Shallow points and inside turns with mixed rock and gravel substrate Deep water access points near spawning areas, particularly along channel edges	Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom transitions Live Bait Rigs with minnows near rock structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow lifts and drops	Small perch in 5-12 foot depth range Spawning minnows moving shallow Early season crayfish becoming active near rock structure	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Lake Trout	38-48	Lake trout moving from deep winter haunts into shallower transitional areas (30-60 feet) as water temperatures begin to warm Becoming more active in feeding as they prepare for spawning, actively pursuing cisco and whitefish schools along depth contours	Deep points and underwater humps adjacent to spawning areas (30-60 foot range) Complex shoreline areas where deep water meets shallow rocky structures Steep breaks and contour changes near main lake basin	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with suspended presentations Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') over marked fish Spoons worked vertically through suspended bait schools	Cisco schools gathering in pre-spawn staging areas Whitefish moving into shallower transitional zones Small yellow perch in rocky areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	60-70	Smallmouth bass are actively staging for spawn in 10-12 foot depth range around rock structure, as evidenced by multiple recent reports. Fish are showing increased activity with warming water temperatures in the 60-70°F range. Fish are spooky in clear water conditions requiring longer casts, but becoming more aggressive during rain events as noted in reports. Pre-spawn feeding activity is focused on crawfish and shad.	Rock piles and boulder fields in 10-12 foot depth range, particularly evident from multiple recent catches Points with rock structure, as mentioned in recent successful reports Transitions between rock structure and scattered vegetation, indicated by lake profile data	Tubes - multiple recent reports show success with this technique around rock structure Wacky Rigs - proven effective in recent reports, especially during morning periods Drop Shot - successful in slightly warmer water conditions as noted in reports	Crawfish - primary forage based on multiple spring reports Shad - secondary forage mentioned in recent reports Perch - tertiary forage noted in lake profile seasonal patterns	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	59-62	Largemouth bass are actively spawning in shallow bays and pockets, with males guarding nests and females moving in and out of spawning areas Fish are highly territorial and aggressive when protecting beds, but can be spooky in clear shallow water Some post-spawn fish beginning to transition to dock areas, showing mixed patterns	Protected shallow bays and pockets with hard bottom or rocks for spawning Docks adjacent to spawning areas, especially in backs of pockets Submerged vegetation in 3-6 foot depth range near spawning areas	Wacky Rigs worked slowly around beds and cover Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentations to beds and dock areas Grass Jigs worked around vegetation and dock posts	Bluegill concentrating in shallow spawning areas Perch relating to dock areas and vegetation Crawfish becoming active in rocky areas	Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Bluegills are actively spawning in colonies, creating visible beds in shallow protected areas, typically 2-6 feet deep Males are aggressively guarding nests and will strike at small baits that enter their territory	Protected coves with firm bottom near matted grass in 2-6 foot depth Shallow areas near docks with sand or gravel bottom Weed edges in protected bays where spawning colonies gather	Bobbers with small jigs suspended 2-4 feet deep over spawning beds Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with light tackle near visible beds Live Bait Rigs with small hooks and split shot for finicky fish	Small insects and larvae in spawning areas Freshwater shrimp near rock piles and vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Pre-spawn walleyes staging near rocky spawning areas, with increased activity during dawn and dusk Males arrive first and stay longer on spawning grounds, while females move in briefly to deposit eggs Feeding activity is sporadic but aggressive when occurring, particularly in areas adjacent to spawning grounds	Rock piles and rocky points in 3-8 feet of water Transition areas between rocks and weeds in 6-12 feet Protected shallow bays with firm bottom composition	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along rocky areas Blade Baits with slow, vertical presentations Jigs (Finesse) with controlled, subtle movements	Smaller perch gathering in spawning areas Minnows and small baitfish in shallow water Juvenile crawfish emerging in rocky areas	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Lake Trout	38-48	Lake trout transitioning from deep winter haunts to spawning areas, actively feeding to prepare for spawn Fish moving along deep-to-shallow transitions, particularly near rocky structures More aggressive feeding behavior as water temperatures begin to rise	Rocky points and shorelines with nearby deep-water access Steep breaks and underwater humps in 30-50 foot range Complex shoreline areas with rubble or boulder substrate	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along transition areas Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') over marked fish Spoons worked through suspended fish	Cisco/Whitefish schools transitioning to shallower water Small Lake Trout (cannibalistic feeding) Spring-spawning baitfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-68	Smallmouth bass are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer locations, actively feeding in 6-10 foot depth range Fish are relating heavily to wind-blown points and boulder/rock transition areas, showing aggressive feeding behavior	Transition areas with boulders between spawning flats and summer depths Wind-blown points with scattered rock in 6-10 foot range Rock piles adjacent to spawning flats	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked steadily through the strike zone Tubes dragged slowly along bottom in rocky areas Grass Jigs pitched to visible rock structure	Crawfish emerging in rocky areas Minnows relating to transition areas Small perch in rocky areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-72	Post-spawn largemouth are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper summer haunts, actively feeding to recover energy Fish showing mixed patterns - some still shallow around docks and vegetation, others moving to deeper weed edges in 10-12 foot range	Weed edges and isolated weed patches in 10-12 foot range Docks with nearby deep water access Matted grass and sparse vegetation in protected shallow areas	Wacky Rigs worked slowly around docks and vegetation Ned Rigs along deep weed edges Football Jigs in deeper isolated weed patches Frogs/Toads in areas with sparse vegetation	Perch cruising along weed edges Bluegill around docks and shallow cover Crawfish in deeper vegetation	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Post-spawn bluegills transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding around shallow cover Fish showing preference for structure-oriented feeding, particularly around docks and rock piles as evidenced by recent reports	Docks with 4-8 feet of water, especially those near spawning flats Shallow rock piles providing cover and feeding opportunities Weed edges adjacent to spawning areas where fish are transitioning	Bobbers with small jigs or live bait for precise presentation around cover Ned Rigs worked slowly around rock piles and dock posts Neko Rigs for finesse presentation, particularly effective around docks as shown in recent reports	Small insects and larvae around rock piles Freshwater shrimp in hard bottom areas Small crustaceans around dock areas	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	48-62	Post-spawn walleye transitioning from spawning areas to early-summer feeding locations, actively feeding during dawn/dusk periods with increased daytime activity due to turbid conditions Fish relating strongly to rock-to-weed transitions and utilizing complex shoreline structure as recovery and feeding zones	Rock piles adjacent to emerging weed growth in 8-15 foot depth range Complex shoreline points with mixed rock and emerging vegetation Secondary drop-offs near spawning areas in 12-18 foot range	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along rock-to-weed transitions Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') during low light periods near points Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with steady retrieves along emerging weed edges	Perch concentrating near emerging weed growth Crayfish becoming active post-winter in rocky areas Small baitfish schools relating to warming shallows	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Lake Trout	42-52	Post-spawn lake trout actively feeding to recover energy, moving between deep basin areas and transitional structures Fish following cisco and whitefish schools, primarily in 40-70 foot depth range as water begins to warm	Deep points and underwater saddles adjacent to spawning areas Basin edges where 40-70 foot contours meet main lake structure Steep breaks near complex shoreline features where baitfish schools congregate	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with downriggers along contour breaks Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are actively feeding on bait schools Spoons worked through suspended bait schools	Cisco schools suspending in transitional areas Whitefish moving along deep structure Smelt in open water columns	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	70-80	Actively feeding on crawfish around rock structures in 8-15 foot depth range, with most aggressive feeding during lower light conditions Moving slightly deeper during midday sun and transitioning between rock piles and weed edges as cover Showing preference for slower presentations with light bites, especially during bright conditions	Rock piles adjacent to weed edges in 8-15 foot depth range Scattered boulder fields in 10-19 foot depth Rocky flats extending from deep to shallow water	Tubes dragged slowly across rocks with occasional hops Drop Shot rigged with finesse baits worked methodically Football jigs worked along rock to weed transitions Ned Rigs worked slowly through rocky areas	Crawfish (2.5 inch size predominant) Perch (secondary forage during transition periods)	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	73-79	Largemouth bass are establishing summer patterns, holding near shaded cover during bright days with water temps 73-79°F. They're actively feeding early/late in day, becoming more selective during bright conditions Fish are relating strongly to weed edges and dock structures, moving between shallow and moderate depths (2-12ft) depending on time of day and light conditions	Docks with adjacent deep water, especially those near weed edges Weed edges and submerged vegetation in 10-12 foot depth range Matted grass and lily pad areas in protected shallow bays	Wacky Rigs worked slowly around docks and weed edges Drop Shot along deeper weed edges in 10-12 feet Frogs/Toads over matted vegetation and lily pads Swim Jigs around dock areas early in day	Bluegill - primary forage based on multiple reports Minnows - consistently mentioned in fishing reports Perch - indicated by successful perch-colored bait patterns	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	65-79	Bluegills are actively spawning and defending beds in 7-12 foot depth range, particularly around submerged vegetation Feeding actively on insects near matted grass and weed edges, with increased activity during morning and evening hours	Submerged vegetation beds in 7-12 foot depth range Matted grass areas, particularly edges and openings Rock piles with nearby weed growth	Bobbers with small jigs, particularly slip bobber rigs for precise depth control Live Bait Rigs worked slowly through vegetation Micro Crankbaits worked along weed edges	Insects, particularly around vegetation Small bluegills and juvenile panfish Freshwater shrimp and insect larvae near rock piles	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Summer	Walleye	70-80	Walleye transitioning between shallow feeding and deeper resting areas, with peak activity during low light periods Utilizing rock-to-weed transitions as primary ambush points, staying close to structure during daylight hours	Rock piles adjacent to deep water, particularly during morning and evening transitions Deep weed edges where baitfish schools congregate Complex bottom structure areas requiring precise boat positioning	Ned Rigs worked slowly along rock piles and transitions Live Bait Rigs along deep weed edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') during midday	Perch Baitfish schools near weed edges	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Lake Trout	42-52	Lake trout seeking deep, cold water refuges in 90-120 foot range due to warm surface temperatures Actively feeding on suspended cisco/whitefish schools near thermocline edges Most active during early morning and late evening when light penetration is optimal in deeper water	Deep basin areas in 90-120 foot range with suspended baitfish schools Deep structure adjacent to main lake points where cold water meets structure Thermocline edges where baitfish concentrate	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with blade baits for suspended fish Trolling Deep (20'+) along thermocline edges Spoons worked vertically through baitfish schools	Cisco/Whitefish - primary summer forage Other cold water baitfish suspended in deep water	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Green Lake (WI)

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	65-75	Moving from deeper weeds to rock structures, following perch and baitfish schools Actively feeding around scattered vegetation and drop-offs, focusing on 9-12 foot depth range Showing preference for natural presentation in moderately stained water conditions	Deep weed edges with pods of baitfish Rock piles in 8-15 foot range Scattered vegetation on drop edges	Drop Shot with 8lb fluorocarbon Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with underspin Spybaits in perch patterns	Perch Minnows	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	55-73	Bass are actively feeding on bluegill and other baitfish in preparation for winter, with increased activity around vegetation edges and rock structures Fish are showing diverse depth patterns, from shallow topwater activity early in the day to deeper structure-oriented feeding Aggressive feeding behavior noted during overcast conditions, particularly during morning hours	Rock and weed transitions, particularly where they intersect Open water areas near vegetation edges Shallow flats during early morning hours	Bladed Jigs worked along weed/rock transitions Hard Topwater (Prop) during early morning or overcast conditions Lipless Crankbaits in open water areas	Bluegill concentrated around vegetation Cisco/Whitefish in open water areas Various baitfish schools	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	55-68	Bluegills are transitioning to deeper water and beginning to school more tightly as water temperatures cool Feeding activity increases during fall as fish build energy reserves for winter, with most active periods during mid-morning and afternoon hours	Deep weed edges adjacent to rock piles in 8-15 foot range Deeper docks with nearby vegetation in 6-12 feet of water Hard bottom areas near drop-offs where insects and freshwater shrimp congregate	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Ice Fishing Jigs	Aquatic insects and larvae Freshwater shrimp Small crustaceans	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Fall	Walleye	48-62	Actively feeding in low-light periods on deep weed edges and rock piles, moving shallower during dawn/dusk feeding windows Following perch schools and transitioning between shallow and deep structure based on light conditions Exhibiting increased daytime activity due to turbid water conditions (1.9m secchi)	Deep weed edges adjacent to rock piles (12-20 feet) Main lake points with rock-to-weed transitions Shallow rock piles during low light periods (6-12 feet)	Blade Baits worked vertically along deep weed edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with aggressive lifts Live Bait Rigs with large minnows near rock-weed transitions	Yellow Perch concentrating in deep weed edges Baitfish schools relating to rock-weed transition areas Juvenile panfish in remaining green weeds	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Lake Trout	45-55	Lake trout moving shallower as water temperatures cool, following cisco/whitefish schools into mid-depth ranges (40-70 feet) Increased feeding activity as fish prepare for winter, targeting suspended baitfish near thermocline edges and structure breaks	Deep main lake points and humps transitioning from 40-80 feet Steep shoreline breaks near deep basin areas Mid-lake reefs and underwater points where baitfish schools concentrate	Trolling Deep (20'+) with downriggers targeting suspended fish Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are actively feeding on marked baitfish schools Spoons worked vertically through suspended bait balls	Ciscoes schooling in mid-depth ranges Whitefish moving to moderate depths	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	45-55	Bluegills will be holding near bottom structure in protected areas, moving minimally to conserve energy while seeking out small prey items Feeding activity is reduced but still occurs during warmer parts of the day, particularly near rock piles where insect larvae and small crustaceans are present	Deep weed edges adjacent to rock piles in 12-15 foot range Protected coves with hard bottom areas in 8-12 foot depths Deeper dock areas that provide both cover and access to deeper water	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Drop Shot Live Bait Rigs	Insect larvae and aquatic invertebrates near rock piles Small crustaceans in weed edge areas	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Winter	Walleye	42-52	During late fall/early winter, walleye are actively feeding to build reserves, concentrating near deep structure adjacent to shallow flats Fish are most active during low-light periods, but the turbid water (1.9m secchi) allows for extended daylight feeding opportunities	Deep rock piles adjacent to weed edge transitions (15-25 feet) Main lake points with access to both shallow and deep water Deep weed edges where baitfish schools concentrate	Blade Baits worked vertically along deep structure edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with aggressive lift-drop cadence Live Bait Rigs with large minnows near structure transitions	Yellow Perch schooling near deep structure Baitfish schools concentrated along deep weed edges	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Lake Trout	34-45	Lake trout actively feed throughout the water column in winter due to optimal temperature conditions, following cisco/whitefish schools Fish likely suspend near depth changes and structure, moving up to feed during low-light periods	Deep basin areas adjacent to structural elements in 60-90 foot range Points and steep breaks that provide access to both deep water and feeding zones Areas where cisco schools concentrate, typically near thermocline edges	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Trolling Deep (20'+) Blade Baits Spoons	Ciscoes Whitefish Small Lake Trout	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	34-39	Bluegills will be schooled tightly in deeper basin areas adjacent to weed edges, typically suspending slightly off bottom Feeding activity becomes more concentrated during prime daylight hours, with less aggressive bite windows	Deep weed edges in 12-15 foot range near basin areas Rock piles adjacent to deeper water Transition areas between weeds and hard bottom	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just off bottom Ice Fishing Spoons with erratic action to trigger reaction strikes Live Bait Rigs with smaller presentations for finicky fish	Small aquatic insects and larvae Freshwater shrimp near rock structures Dormant micro invertebrates	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Ice	Walleye	34-40	Walleye concentrate around primary structural elements at predictable depths, often remaining in relatively small areas during ice season Active feeding periods occur during dawn and dusk, with a strong correlation to low-light conditions given the lake's turbidity	Rock piles adjacent to deep water transitions, particularly in 15-25 foot range Deep weed edges where they intersect with rock structure Main lake points with access to both shallow and deep water	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements near bottom structure Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging during prime feeding windows Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set with live bait along structural transitions	Perch - primary forage based on lake reports Baitfish schools concentrated near structure	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Lake Trout	34-39	Lake trout concentrate in deep basins around large schools of suspended cisco and whitefish, with most active feeding during low-light periods Fish typically holding in 40-60 foot range during ice season, moving shallower during dawn/dusk to pursue baitfish	Deep basins adjacent to steep breaks where cisco and whitefish schools suspend Underwater points and saddles in 40-60 foot range that funnel baitfish movement Transition areas between deep basins and shallower feeding flats	Ice Fishing Spoons worked with aggressive jigging action to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths with live bait Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows or minnow heads	Cisco schools suspended in deep water columns Whitefish relating to deep structure Small perch in transitional areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Green Lake (WI)

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Medium depth rock piles in 8-12 foot range	Points with scattered rock in 8 feet or less
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shallow protected bays and pockets with spawning potential	Docks adjacent to spawning flats providing staging areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Submerged vegetation edges in 4-8 foot depth range	Protected coves with emerging vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Rock piles adjacent to potential spawning flats in 8-15 foot depth range	Shallow points and inside turns with mixed rock and gravel substrate
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Lake Trout	Deep points and underwater humps adjacent to spawning areas (30-60 foot range)	Complex shoreline areas where deep water meets shallow rocky structures
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles and boulder fields in 10-12 foot depth range, particularly evident from multiple recent catches	Points with rock structure, as mentioned in recent successful reports
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow bays and pockets with hard bottom or rocks for spawning	Docks adjacent to spawning areas, especially in backs of pockets
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected coves with firm bottom near matted grass in 2-6 foot depth	Shallow areas near docks with sand or gravel bottom
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Rock piles and rocky points in 3-8 feet of water	Transition areas between rocks and weeds in 6-12 feet
Spring (Spawn)	Lake Trout	Rocky points and shorelines with nearby deep-water access	Steep breaks and underwater humps in 30-50 foot range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Transition areas with boulders between spawning flats and summer depths	Wind-blown points with scattered rock in 6-10 foot range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Weed edges and isolated weed patches in 10-12 foot range	Docks with nearby deep water access
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Docks with 4-8 feet of water, especially those near spawning flats	Shallow rock piles providing cover and feeding opportunities
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Rock piles adjacent to emerging weed growth in 8-15 foot depth range	Complex shoreline points with mixed rock and emerging vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Lake Trout	Deep points and underwater saddles adjacent to spawning areas	Basin edges where 40-70 foot contours meet main lake structure
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles adjacent to weed edges in 8-15 foot depth range	Scattered boulder fields in 10-19 foot depth
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Docks with adjacent deep water, especially those near weed edges	Weed edges and submerged vegetation in 10-12 foot depth range
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Submerged vegetation beds in 7-12 foot depth range	Matted grass areas, particularly edges and openings
Summer	Walleye	Rock piles adjacent to deep water, particularly during morning and evening transitions	Deep weed edges where baitfish schools congregate
Summer	Lake Trout	Deep basin areas in 90-120 foot range with suspended baitfish schools	Deep structure adjacent to main lake points where cold water meets structure
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Deep weed edges with pods of baitfish	Rock piles in 8-15 foot range
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Rock and weed transitions, particularly where they intersect	Open water areas near vegetation edges
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges adjacent to rock piles in 8-15 foot range	Deeper docks with nearby vegetation in 6-12 feet of water
Fall	Walleye	Deep weed edges adjacent to rock piles (12-20 feet)	Main lake points with rock-to-weed transitions
Fall	Lake Trout	Deep main lake points and humps transitioning from 40-80 feet	Steep shoreline breaks near deep basin areas
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges adjacent to rock piles in 12-15 foot range	Protected coves with hard bottom areas in 8-12 foot depths
Winter	Walleye	Deep rock piles adjacent to weed edge transitions (15-25 feet)	Main lake points with access to both shallow and deep water
Winter	Lake Trout	Deep basin areas adjacent to structural elements in 60-90 foot range	Points and steep breaks that provide access to both deep water and feeding zones
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges in 12-15 foot range near basin areas	Rock piles adjacent to deeper water
Ice	Walleye	Rock piles adjacent to deep water transitions, particularly in 15-25 foot range	Deep weed edges where they intersect with rock structure
Ice	Lake Trout	Deep basins adjacent to steep breaks where cisco and whitefish schools suspend	Underwater points and saddles in 40-60 foot range that funnel baitfish movement

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Perch	Crawfish
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill congregating in shallow spawning areas	Crawfish becoming more active in warming shallows
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Emerging aquatic insects	Small crustaceans near rock piles
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Small perch in 5-12 foot depth range	Spawning minnows moving shallow
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Lake Trout	Cisco schools gathering in pre-spawn staging areas	Whitefish moving into shallower transitional zones
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish - primary forage based on multiple spring reports	Shad - secondary forage mentioned in recent reports
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating in shallow spawning areas	Perch relating to dock areas and vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae in spawning areas	Freshwater shrimp near rock piles and vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Smaller perch gathering in spawning areas	Minnows and small baitfish in shallow water
Spring (Spawn)	Lake Trout	Cisco/Whitefish schools transitioning to shallower water	Small Lake Trout (cannibalistic feeding)
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging in rocky areas	Minnows relating to transition areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Perch cruising along weed edges	Bluegill around docks and shallow cover
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae around rock piles	Freshwater shrimp in hard bottom areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Perch concentrating near emerging weed growth	Crayfish becoming active post-winter in rocky areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Lake Trout	Cisco schools suspending in transitional areas	Whitefish moving along deep structure
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish (2.5 inch size predominant)	Perch (secondary forage during transition periods)
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill - primary forage based on multiple reports	Minnows - consistently mentioned in fishing reports
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Insects, particularly around vegetation	Small bluegills and juvenile panfish
Summer	Walleye	Perch	Baitfish schools near weed edges
Summer	Lake Trout	Cisco/Whitefish - primary summer forage	Other cold water baitfish suspended in deep water
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Perch	Minnows
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrated around vegetation	Cisco/Whitefish in open water areas
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects and larvae	Freshwater shrimp
Fall	Walleye	Yellow Perch concentrating in deep weed edges	Baitfish schools relating to rock-weed transition areas
Fall	Lake Trout	Ciscoes schooling in mid-depth ranges	Whitefish moving to moderate depths
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Insect larvae and aquatic invertebrates near rock piles	Small crustaceans in weed edge areas
Winter	Walleye	Yellow Perch schooling near deep structure	Baitfish schools concentrated along deep weed edges
Winter	Lake Trout	Ciscoes	Whitefish
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Freshwater shrimp near rock structures
Ice	Walleye	Perch - primary forage based on lake reports	Baitfish schools concentrated near structure
Ice	Lake Trout	Cisco schools suspended in deep water columns	Whitefish relating to deep structure

Bait Colors by Season for Green Lake (WI)

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Lake Trout	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Lake Trout	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Lake Trout	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Summer	Walleye	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Lake Trout	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Fall	Walleye	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Lake Trout	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Winter	Walleye	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Lake Trout	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Ice	Walleye	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Lake Trout	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors