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

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Gull Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Jun 30, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Gull Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-62	Fish are transitioning from winter depths to warmer, shallow staging areas near spawning flats Actively feeding during warming trends, with increased activity around shallow structure as water temperatures rise Moving between deep wintering areas and shallow pre-spawn staging points based on daily temperature fluctuations	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation, especially cabbage and reeds Docks adjacent to deeper water, providing staging areas with quick deep water access Secondary points leading into spawning bays with 6-12 foot depth transitions	Lipless Crankbaits worked through emerging vegetation Bladed Jigs around dock areas and vegetation edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting shallow cover and emerging vegetation	Bluegill gathering in shallow warming areas Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas and around docks Small baitfish schools in transition areas	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-48	Pre-spawn pike are actively feeding to build energy reserves, making frequent moves between deeper staging areas and shallow spawning locations Fish are most active during warming trends, especially during mid-morning to early afternoon when water temperatures rise	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation, especially near deeper water access Transition areas between deep wintering holes and spawning bays Weed edges adjacent to spawning areas in 6-12 foot depth range	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through transition areas Spinnerbaits retrieved at moderate speeds parallel to emerging weed edges Live Bait Rigs with large minnows near spawning areas	Bluegills congregating in pre-spawn areas Minnow schools in transition areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Bass actively engaging in spawning behavior, moving between staging areas and shallow spawning flats Fish showing increased aggression in protecting spawning areas, with some pre-spawn and post-spawn fish focusing on feeding	Shallow protected areas near docks with spawning substrate Secondary points with mixed vegetation leading to spawning flats Areas with emerging cabbage and curly leaf vegetation near deeper water	Wacky Rigs worked slowly around visible beds and dock areas Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for targeting fish under docks and near vegetation Soft Jerkbaits for covering water between spawning areas	Bluegill congregating near shallow vegetation and dock areas Juvenile bass and panfish in spawning areas	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	42-52	Northern Pike are in shallow spawning areas, typically right after ice-out when water temperatures reach the mid-40s Fish are aggressive but focused on spawning activities, with feeding occurring opportunistically Males arrive first and stay longer in spawning areas, while females move in and out quickly	Shallow bays with emergent vegetation and flooded grass Protected backwater areas with soft bottom Transition areas between spawning bays and deeper water	Spinnerbaits worked slowly through shallow spawning areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve Live Bait Rigs with large minnows near spawning areas	Large spawning minnows Shallow water bluegills Small pike (cannibalistic behavior)	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	70-74	Post-spawn largemouth are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to summer patterns, with fish scattered across multiple depth ranges. Males are still shallow while larger females are moving deeper Active feeding periods around bluegill beds, using docks and grass edges as ambush points	Boat docks with good depth, particularly those near deeper water Deeper grass edges where vegetation isn't too congested Areas adjacent to bluegill spawning beds	Swim Jigs worked through vegetation and around docks Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) in grass and around dock posts Bladed Jigs (chatterbaits) in areas with less dense vegetation	Bluegill, particularly around spawning beds Crawfish, especially around docks and rocky areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	48-65	Post-spawn pike are actively feeding to recover energy, particularly during early morning and evening hours Fish are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper vegetation edges, following forage fish	Cabbage bed edges in 8-12 feet of water Points and bays with emerging vegetation in 6-15 feet Transition areas between shallow spawning bays and deeper water	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve Inline Spinners near emerging vegetation	Bluegills gathering near emerging weed growth Minnow schools in transition areas Small pike and perch in shallow bays	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	70-74	Largemouth bass are actively feeding in multiple depth ranges (6-25 feet) with distinct shallow and deep patterns, utilizing weedlines, docks, and deep structure as primary ambush points Fish are showing increased activity during optimal temperature range (70-73°F), with aggressive feeding on bluegill and other forage around vegetation and structure	Weed edges and seedbeds in 6-12 feet, particularly cabbage beds Docks providing shade and ambush points Deep rock piles and humps in 14-25 foot range	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting thick vegetation and seedbeds Drop Shot for deeper fish around rock piles and humps Swim Jigs around docks and weed edges with faster retrieves	Bluegill concentrated around vegetation and dock areas Minnows present in deeper water around rock piles	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	70-74	Pike moving between deep cabbage beds (15-25 feet) and weed edges during day, more active in shallower water during morning/evening Actively ambushing prey from vegetation edges and points, especially during lower light periods Seeking cooler water during peak temperatures, suspending near deep weed edges	Deep cabbage beds in 15-25 foot range Weed edges adjacent to deeper water Points with submerged vegetation Rock piles near deep water access	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along weed edges Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) through suspended fish Live Bait Rigs near deep structure	Bluegill in and around vegetation Minnows suspended near structure Young-of-year panfish in weed beds	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Gull Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	55-68	Moving into shallower water following baitfish migrations, actively feeding to build up reserves for winter Relating heavily to remaining vegetation edges and dock areas as ambush points	Deep weed edges adjacent to remaining cabbage and curly leaf patches (12-15 feet) Docks with deep water access, especially those near points or creek channels Secondary points with rock or wood structure in 8-15 foot range	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to deep weed edges and dock lines Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') along points and transitions Drop Shot with finesse presentations for pressured fish in deeper water	Bluegill concentrating near remaining vegetation Crayfish active on rocky structure before winter	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	45-65	Northern Pike becoming more aggressive in cooling fall waters, actively pursuing baitfish in vegetation edges and points Fish staging near deep weed edges (15-20ft) during midday, moving shallow during morning and evening to feed	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, especially cabbage beds in 8-15 feet Points and rocky areas intersecting with vegetation Shallow bays with remaining vegetation during morning and evening periods	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges and through scattered vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled near vegetation edges Trolling Shallow (0-9') early and late in the day Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') during midday periods	Bluegills congregating near remaining weed beds Minnows schooling in deeper water near structure Young-of-year panfish in shallow vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	38-45	Pike become more active during low-light hours, moving to shallower areas around weed edges and points to hunt During midday, fish transition to deeper water (15-25 feet) near structure, particularly around rock piles and deep weed edges	Deep rock piles adjacent to vegetation in 15-25 foot range Remaining green weed edges, especially those near deeper water Points and inside turns that provide access to both shallow and deep water	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Spoons Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) Blade Baits	Bluegills congregating in deeper water near structure Schools of minnows utilizing remaining vegetation and deeper water Small perch around rock piles	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Northern Pike	33-39	Northern Pike will be relatively stationary during ice season, concentrating near structural elements that provide access to both shallow and deeper water Most active feeding periods occur during early morning and late afternoon, with fish showing preference for slower-moving prey	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, particularly remaining cabbage beds in 8-12 feet Rocky points and humps that transition from shallow to deep water Areas near deep rock piles that provide ambush opportunities for suspended forage	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with live bait positioned at varying depths Ice Fishing Spoons worked with aggressive jigging followed by pauses Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows for a more subtle presentation	Bluegills suspended near remaining weed edges Various minnow species relating to structure Small perch schooling near bottom structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Gull Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation, especially cabbage and reeds	Docks adjacent to deeper water, providing staging areas with quick deep water access
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation, especially near deeper water access	Transition areas between deep wintering holes and spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shallow protected areas near docks with spawning substrate	Secondary points with mixed vegetation leading to spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with emergent vegetation and flooded grass	Protected backwater areas with soft bottom
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Boat docks with good depth, particularly those near deeper water	Deeper grass edges where vegetation isn't too congested
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Cabbage bed edges in 8-12 feet of water	Points and bays with emerging vegetation in 6-15 feet
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Weed edges and seedbeds in 6-12 feet, particularly cabbage beds	Docks providing shade and ambush points
Summer	Northern Pike	Deep cabbage beds in 15-25 foot range	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Deep weed edges adjacent to remaining cabbage and curly leaf patches (12-15 feet)	Docks with deep water access, especially those near points or creek channels
Fall	Northern Pike	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, especially cabbage beds in 8-15 feet	Points and rocky areas intersecting with vegetation
Winter	Northern Pike	Deep rock piles adjacent to vegetation in 15-25 foot range	Remaining green weed edges, especially those near deeper water
Ice	Northern Pike	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, particularly remaining cabbage beds in 8-12 feet	Rocky points and humps that transition from shallow to deep water

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill gathering in shallow warming areas	Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas and around docks
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegills congregating in pre-spawn areas	Minnow schools in transition areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill congregating near shallow vegetation and dock areas	Juvenile bass and panfish in spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Large spawning minnows	Shallow water bluegills
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill, particularly around spawning beds	Crawfish, especially around docks and rocky areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegills gathering near emerging weed growth	Minnow schools in transition areas
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrated around vegetation and dock areas	Minnows present in deeper water around rock piles
Summer	Northern Pike	Bluegill in and around vegetation	Minnows suspended near structure
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating near remaining vegetation	Crayfish active on rocky structure before winter
Fall	Northern Pike	Bluegills congregating near remaining weed beds	Minnows schooling in deeper water near structure
Winter	Northern Pike	Bluegills congregating in deeper water near structure	Schools of minnows utilizing remaining vegetation and deeper water
Ice	Northern Pike	Bluegills suspended near remaining weed edges	Various minnow species relating to structure

Bait Colors by Season for Gull Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors

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