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

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Ham Lake

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

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Ham Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	55-65	Largemouth bass are transitioning to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding near root systems and vertical cover in 8-10ft depth range Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior targeting larger profile baits, particularly around structure that provides both cover and vertical feeding zones	Exposed lily pad root systems in 8-10ft of water Deep vegetation edges adjacent to spawning flats Protected coves with emerging vegetation	Structure Jigs worked slowly around root systems and vegetation Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) with creature baits around vertical cover Football Jigs dragged along deeper transitions	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Bluegill in deeper vegetation edges	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	58-68	Bluegills are transitioning from deeper wintering areas to shallow pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding on emerging insects and small invertebrates Fish are becoming increasingly active with warming water temperatures, congregating near spawning areas but not yet on beds	Shallow sand flats adjacent to vegetation in 2-4 feet of water where spawning will occur Protected areas near bullrush/reed edges providing cover and insect food sources Docks and shoreline structure offering warming areas and protection	Bobbers with small ice fishing jigs suspended 1-3 feet deep, worked slowly near vegetation edges Live Bait Rigs with small hooks and split shots for precise presentation in shallow areas Micro Crankbaits worked slowly parallel to emerging vegetation	Emerging aquatic insects and larvae Small crustaceans and invertebrates Zooplankton in shallow warming waters	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Pre-spawn walleye staging near spawning areas, actively feeding during low light periods given the lake's shallow nature and 1.9m Secchi depth Fish moving between deeper holding areas during day and shallow feeding zones during dawn/dusk, particularly around dock structures and sandy transitions	Sandy transitions near dock areas, especially where adjacent to slightly deeper water Hard bottom areas between vegetation edges, particularly on the east side Shallow points and coves with firm bottom composition	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom transitions Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') during low light periods Blade Baits worked through deeper holding areas	Small Bluegills concentrated near vegetation edges Minnows gathering in pre-spawn areas Young of year perch in shallow zones	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	65-72	Largemouth bass are in spawning mode, with fish moving between staging areas and shallow nesting sites. They are actively defending territories and responding aggressively to intrusions. Fish are utilizing shallow vegetation edges and sandy areas between docks as spawning locations, showing territorial behavior and short-range feeding activity.	Sandy areas between docks in 2-3 feet of water Submerged vegetation edges adjacent to spawning flats Protected shallow coves with mixed bottom composition	Wacky Rigs worked slowly with long pauses near visible beds Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting vegetation edges Shakey Heads worked methodically through sandy areas	Bluegill concentrating in similar spawning areas Small baitfish relating to emerging vegetation	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-72	Actively spawning and creating beds in sandy areas at 2-4 feet depth, with males guarding nests Feeding opportunistically on insects near submerged vegetation between spawning activities	Sandy flats in 2-4 feet of water where spawning beds are present Edges of submerged vegetation adjacent to spawning areas Protected shallow bays with mixed bottom composition	Bobbers with small jigs suspended 1-2 feet deep over spawning beds Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') along vegetation edges Ice Fishing Jigs worked horizontally near cover	Insects, particularly emerging aquatic insects Small crustaceans in vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	67-75	Walleye are in spawning mode, actively using shallow areas near hard bottom and structure, most active during low light periods given the lake's clarity conditions Fish are transitioning between spawning areas and feeding zones, using docks as staging points and ambush locations	Docks with nearby sandy areas, particularly those providing shade and ambush points Hard bottom areas between structures in 4-8 foot depth range Transition areas where submerged vegetation meets harder bottom	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to dock edges Live Bait Rigs near sandy transitions Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) during low light periods	Bluegills holding near dock areas Small baitfish utilizing shallow vegetation	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	67-75	Bass are actively feeding in shallow water (2-3 feet) around vegetation, particularly during morning and evening periods Fish are holding tight to cover and structure, showing aggressive responses to moving baits in and around vegetation	Lily pad fields and pad stems in 2-3 feet of water Submerged vegetation edges and pockets Bullrush/reed beds in shallow water	Swim Jigs worked through vegetation with craw trailers Wacky Rigs worked along vegetation edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with slow retrieves Hard Topwater (Popping) during lower light periods	Bluegill Young of year panfish	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Fish are transitioning from spawning areas to deeper feeding zones, actively foraging in and around vegetation edges Feeding patterns become more consistent throughout the day, with peaks during morning and evening hours near vegetation	Outer edges of weed beds in 4-8 feet of water Scattered vegetation near dock areas Transition areas between sand and vegetation in 3-5 feet	Bobbers with small jigs suspended at varying depths Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Inline Spinners worked slowly through vegetation gaps	Aquatic insects and larvae Small crustaceans Zooplankton	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	55-75	Transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding during dawn/dusk periods due to clear water conditions Moving between shallow feeding areas and slightly deeper holding areas throughout the day, utilizing vegetation edges and dock structures as ambush points	Dock areas adjacent to sandy flats where spawning occurred Edges of submerged vegetation in 4-6 foot depth range Transition areas between sandy bottoms and vegetated zones	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along vegetation edges Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') during low light periods Swim Jigs worked through sparse vegetation	Young of year bluegills in shallow vegetation Minnows relating to dock structures Small crawfish on sandy transition areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-85	Bass are actively feeding in and around dense vegetation, particularly lily pads, with aggressive surface strikes during optimal conditions Fish are holding tight to cover in shallow water (2-3 feet), moving between pad fields and adjacent vegetation for feeding opportunities	Lily pad fields on the east side of the lake, particularly the northeast section Edges and openings within pad fields where bass can ambush prey Transition areas between pads and other vegetation types in 2-3 feet of water	Frogs/Toads worked fast across pads with long pauses in open areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) parallel to pad edges Buzzbaits along outer edges of vegetation early and late in the day	Bluegill concentrating around vegetation edges Young-of-year baitfish utilizing pad fields for cover Frogs and other surface-dwelling prey	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	72-82	Actively feeding in and around vegetation edges, particularly during early morning and evening hours Moving between shallow and mid-depth vegetation zones based on sunlight intensity and temperature Forming loose schools near submerged vegetation and lily pads, targeting insect larvae and small invertebrates	Edges of lily pad fields in 4-6 feet of water Submerged vegetation adjacent to deeper water Shaded areas under docks with nearby vegetation	Bobbers with small jigs suspended at varying depths Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around vegetation edges Live Bait Rigs with light leaders near cover	Aquatic insects and larvae Small crustaceans Zooplankton	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Walleye	72-82	Primarily feeding during dawn, dusk, and cloudy conditions due to shallow lake with full light penetration Moving between shallow feeding areas and limited deeper water zones throughout the day for temperature comfort	Deep pockets adjacent to weed edges, especially during daylight hours Shaded areas under docks with nearby vegetation Sandy transitions between weed beds during low light periods	Trolling Shallow (0-9') along weed edges during low light periods Live Bait Rigs near dock structures and deeper pockets Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) during cloudy conditions or dawn/dusk	Bluegills concentrated around vegetation and dock structures Young of year baitfish utilizing weed edges and shallow flats	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Ham Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	52-68	Actively feeding and following baitfish schools, particularly bluegill, as they prepare for winter Moving between shallow vegetation edges and slightly deeper water (8-10 feet) as water temperatures cool More aggressive during warming trends, becoming less active during cold fronts	Vegetation edges near deeper water access (2-3 feet dropping to 8-10 feet) Sandy areas between docks where baitfish congregate Remaining lily pad fields with deep water access	Lipless Crankbaits worked through vegetation edges Spinnerbaits parallel to depth transitions Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for mimicking bluegill	Bluegill congregating in remaining vegetation Small baitfish schools in slightly deeper water	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Bluegill are transitioning from shallow summer patterns to deeper, more concentrated schools in preparation for winter Feeding activity increases during mid-day hours when water temperatures are optimal, with fish relating closely to remaining vegetation and structure	Deep edges of weed beds in 6-8 feet of water where vegetation is still green Dock areas with remaining vegetation nearby Deeper pockets adjacent to shallow flats where vegetation is dying off	Live Bait Rigs with small tungsten jigs worked slowly through vegetation edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with subtle movements near structure Bobbers set slightly above vegetation tops for suspended fish	Small aquatic insects and larvae still present in remaining vegetation Tiny crustaceans and zooplankton in deeper water columns Small minnows and young-of-year fish gathering near structure	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Fall	Walleye	52-65	In fall, walleye become more active feeders as they prepare for winter, following baitfish schools in shallow to mid-depth areas during low light periods With the lake's limited depth and clear water, expect walleye to utilize shaded areas near vegetation edges during daylight, moving to shallow flats during dawn/dusk	Edges where submerged vegetation meets sandy areas, especially in 4-6 foot depths Dock areas providing shade and ambush points, particularly those near vegetation transitions Any slightly deeper pockets or depressions, especially those adjacent to shallow feeding flats	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') Live Bait Rigs	Young-of-year bluegills congregating near vegetation edges Small minnows and shiners schooling in sandy transitions Juvenile perch relating to weed edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	34-42	Panfish concentrate in deeper basin areas in winter, typically 12-15 feet deep, moving to slightly shallower water during prime daytime feeding periods Slower metabolism during winter leads to more subtle feeding patterns, with fish often suspended just off bottom or near remaining vegetation edges	Deep basin areas adjacent to remaining vegetation edges, particularly in 12-15 foot zones Transitions between sandy bottom and deeper water, especially near old weedline edges Deeper dock areas that provide structure and cover in winter depths	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Ice Fishing Jigs Live Bait Rigs	Small aquatic insects and larvae Zooplankton Dormant aquatic invertebrates	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Winter	Walleye	65-75	Walleye are actively feeding in low-light conditions, moving between deeper areas during day and shallow areas during dawn/dusk Fish are relating to the limited deeper pockets in the lake during bright conditions, using vegetation edges as transition zones	Deeper pockets adjacent to vegetation edges Areas between docks with sandy bottom Shallow flats with scattered vegetation during low light	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') Live Bait Rigs	Bluegills concentrating near vegetation Young-of-year baitfish in shallow areas Invertebrates near sandy bottom areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	34-39	Bluegill are concentrated in deeper basins and remaining vegetation during ice season, suspending near bottom in 4-8 foot ranges Feeding activity is most intense during early morning and late afternoon periods, with fish becoming more selective during midday	Deep edges of vegetation in 6-8 foot ranges where remaining green plants provide oxygen and cover Transitions between sand and vegetation in 4-6 foot depths where insects and small crustaceans concentrate Areas near dock pilings where winter-hardy vegetation provides shelter	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements 6-12 inches off bottom Ice Fishing Spoons using a slow lift-and-flutter technique to trigger reaction strikes Live Bait Rigs with small tungsten jigs tipped with waxworms or eurolarva	Small aquatic insects and larvae Micro-invertebrates and zooplankton Small crustaceans near vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Walleye	33-39	Walleye concentrate in the limited deeper pockets during daylight hours, moving to shallower flats during low light periods for feeding Fish become less active during midday, with peak activity during dawn and dusk periods Schooling behavior increases during winter, with fish often grouping in areas of favorable oxygen levels	Deeper pockets adjacent to shallow flats, particularly where hard bottom is present Areas where submerged vegetation meets sandy transitions Deep water near dock structures where baitfish concentrate	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements near bottom Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to pattern fish Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive action to trigger reaction strikes	Bluegills concentrated near remaining vegetation Small perch in schools near bottom structure Minnows schooling in deeper water	Vibrant Craw Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Ham Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Exposed lily pad root systems in 8-10ft of water	Deep vegetation edges adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Shallow sand flats adjacent to vegetation in 2-4 feet of water where spawning will occur	Protected areas near bullrush/reed edges providing cover and insect food sources
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Sandy transitions near dock areas, especially where adjacent to slightly deeper water	Hard bottom areas between vegetation edges, particularly on the east side
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Sandy areas between docks in 2-3 feet of water	Submerged vegetation edges adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Sandy flats in 2-4 feet of water where spawning beds are present	Edges of submerged vegetation adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Docks with nearby sandy areas, particularly those providing shade and ambush points	Hard bottom areas between structures in 4-8 foot depth range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Lily pad fields and pad stems in 2-3 feet of water	Submerged vegetation edges and pockets
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Outer edges of weed beds in 4-8 feet of water	Scattered vegetation near dock areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Dock areas adjacent to sandy flats where spawning occurred	Edges of submerged vegetation in 4-6 foot depth range
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Lily pad fields on the east side of the lake, particularly the northeast section	Edges and openings within pad fields where bass can ambush prey
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Edges of lily pad fields in 4-6 feet of water	Submerged vegetation adjacent to deeper water
Summer	Walleye	Deep pockets adjacent to weed edges, especially during daylight hours	Shaded areas under docks with nearby vegetation
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Vegetation edges near deeper water access (2-3 feet dropping to 8-10 feet)	Sandy areas between docks where baitfish congregate
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep edges of weed beds in 6-8 feet of water where vegetation is still green	Dock areas with remaining vegetation nearby
Fall	Walleye	Edges where submerged vegetation meets sandy areas, especially in 4-6 foot depths	Dock areas providing shade and ambush points, particularly those near vegetation transitions
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep basin areas adjacent to remaining vegetation edges, particularly in 12-15 foot zones	Transitions between sandy bottom and deeper water, especially near old weedline edges
Winter	Walleye	Deeper pockets adjacent to vegetation edges	Areas between docks with sandy bottom
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep edges of vegetation in 6-8 foot ranges where remaining green plants provide oxygen and cover	Transitions between sand and vegetation in 4-6 foot depths where insects and small crustaceans concentrate
Ice	Walleye	Deeper pockets adjacent to shallow flats, particularly where hard bottom is present	Areas where submerged vegetation meets sandy transitions

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Bluegill in deeper vegetation edges
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Emerging aquatic insects and larvae	Small crustaceans and invertebrates
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Small Bluegills concentrated near vegetation edges	Minnows gathering in pre-spawn areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating in similar spawning areas	Small baitfish relating to emerging vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Insects, particularly emerging aquatic insects	Small crustaceans in vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Bluegills holding near dock areas	Small baitfish utilizing shallow vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill	Young of year panfish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects and larvae	Small crustaceans
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Young of year bluegills in shallow vegetation	Minnows relating to dock structures
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating around vegetation edges	Young-of-year baitfish utilizing pad fields for cover
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects and larvae	Small crustaceans
Summer	Walleye	Bluegills concentrated around vegetation and dock structures	Young of year baitfish utilizing weed edges and shallow flats
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill congregating in remaining vegetation	Small baitfish schools in slightly deeper water
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae still present in remaining vegetation	Tiny crustaceans and zooplankton in deeper water columns
Fall	Walleye	Young-of-year bluegills congregating near vegetation edges	Small minnows and shiners schooling in sandy transitions
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Zooplankton
Winter	Walleye	Bluegills concentrating near vegetation	Young-of-year baitfish in shallow areas
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Micro-invertebrates and zooplankton
Ice	Walleye	Bluegills concentrated near remaining vegetation	Small perch in schools near bottom structure

Bait Colors by Season for Ham Lake

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

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