How to Fish Herrington Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

Herrington Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 11, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Herrington Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	55-65	Spotted bass are actively transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging, suspending in the water column and actively feeding on shad Fish are following bait schools while gradually moving toward spawning areas, utilizing both vertical and horizontal movements throughout the day	Main lake points and channel swings near spawning pockets Suspended areas near deep docks with access to spawning flats Rocky banks and rip rap transitions leading into spawning coves	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked at varying depths to target suspended fish Spinnerbaits around rocky transitions and points Shakey Heads worked along rocky banks and dock posts	Shad schools suspending in the water column Crawfish becoming more active on rocky substrate	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	53-67	Staging in pre-spawn areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning while gradually moving from winter to spawning locations Transitioning between deeper winter haunts and shallow spawning areas, using channel swings and points as migration routes Becoming increasingly aggressive as water temperatures rise, with feeding activity intensifying during stable weather periods	Secondary points and channel swings adjacent to spawning coves Steep rock walls with access to both deep and shallow water Docks in pre-spawn staging areas, especially those near deep water access	Bladed Jigs worked along transitions from deep to shallow water Lipless Crankbaits around submerged vegetation and flats Football Jigs worked slowly along rocky banks and points	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Shad schools in pre-spawn staging areas Small bluegill near shallow water structure	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	52-65	Pre-spawn striped bass are actively feeding and beginning to stage near river channels and major creek arms, preparing for their spawning run Fish are showing aggressive schooling behavior during prime feeding windows, particularly around concentrations of shad	Main river channel edges and adjacent points where pre-spawn staging occurs Secondary points and creek arms with standing timber in 15-30 foot depths Areas where shad schools are concentrated, particularly near structure transitions	Umbrella Rigs worked through suspended bait schools and around points Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses to trigger reaction strikes from suspended fish Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along channel edges and through bait schools	Large schools of pre-spawn shad moving into warmer, shallower waters Secondary forage including small white bass also staging for spawning runs	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	Fish are transitioning from winter depths to shallower pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Crappie are becoming more aggressive, moving up in the water column and relating to transition areas between deep winter haunts and spawning flats	Secondary points and channel swings adjacent to spawning flats Deeper dock edges in 8-15 feet of water near spawning coves Laydowns and standing timber along transition routes to spawning areas	Crappie Dock Shooting - targeting pre-spawn staging fish relating to dock structure Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') - working suspended fish near channel edges Crappie Spider Rigging - covering water to locate transitioning schools	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn staging areas Small minnows in and around dock structure	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	58-68	Bluegill transitioning from winter deep water patterns to shallower pre-spawn staging areas, becoming more active with warming water Fish beginning to aggregate near spawning areas but still focused on feeding to build energy reserves for spawn More aggressive feeding periods during mid-morning and afternoon as water temperatures rise	Protected coves with laydowns and standing timber in 4-8 feet of water Main lake bluff walls offering quick access to both shallow and deeper water Dock areas with deeper water access, especially those near spawning flats	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with light jigs close to cover Bobbers with precise depth control near structure Micro Crankbaits worked slowly around transition areas	Aquatic insects and larvae becoming more active in warming water Small crustaceans near woody cover Juvenile shad in open water areas	Dark Neutrals Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	52-62	Pre-spawn white bass are staging near tributary mouths and river channels, actively feeding before the spawn Fish are schooling in groups of 2-50, following shad schools and utilizing standing timber as staging areas Moving between deeper staging areas and shallower pre-spawn locations based on daily temperature fluctuations	River channel mouths and major tributary entrances Standing timber areas in 5-20ft depth range Secondary points leading into spawning areas	Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily through staging areas Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near structure	Shad schools suspended in water column Small baitfish relating to structure	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	58-68	Spotted bass transitioning to spawning areas, with males preparing beds near rocky banks and dock areas in 2-8 feet of water Females staging in slightly deeper water (10-15 feet) near spawning flats, making frequent moves between deep and shallow water Aggressive territorial behavior around beds, with increased feeding activity during pre-spawn	Rocky banks and rip rap areas adjacent to deeper water Shallow dock areas with gravel or rock bottom Secondary points leading into spawning pockets	Shakey Heads worked slowly around rocky areas and dock posts Soft Jerkbaits fished with erratic retrieves in staging areas Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow cover and bedding areas	Crawfish emerging in shallow rocky areas Suspended shad in nearby deeper water Small bluegill in shallow spawning areas	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	53-67	Pre-spawn to spawning transition with bass moving into shallower areas, particularly along steeper banks with good spawning habitat Actively feeding on crawfish during staging periods, utilizing laydowns and other structure as ambush points Fish showing deliberate, methodical feeding patterns at 59°F, requiring slower presentations	Steeper banks with laydowns and natural wood cover Protected coves with spawning flats adjacent to deeper water Main lake points with complex structure serving as staging areas	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) worked slowly around laydowns and wood cover Shakey Heads for a finesse approach on staging areas Carolina Rigs for covering transitional areas between staging and spawning zones	Crawfish - primary forage during spring transition Shad - secondary forage pattern noted in lake profile	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	55-68	Striped bass are actively pursuing shad schools and starting their pre-spawn movement patterns, with aggressive feeding behavior noted through live-scope observations Fish are transitioning between deeper winter haunts and spawning areas, utilizing points and timber as staging areas Showing competition-based feeding behavior, particularly during prime feeding windows	Main lake points with access to deeper water, especially those near river channel routes Standing timber in 30-50 foot depths, focusing on suspended fish River channel edges where pre-spawn staging occurs	Hard Jerkbaits worked with aggressive cadence around points Umbrella Rigs targeting suspended fish around timber Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked through bait schools	Shad schools, particularly those suspended around structure Suspended baitfish in open water	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-65	Moving into shallow water (2-8 feet) around cover for spawning, with males preparing and guarding nests while females stage slightly deeper Highly active during dawn and dusk periods, with increased sensitivity to light due to clear water conditions Concentrating around protected areas with stable temperatures, particularly in coves and around dock structures	Protected shallow coves with laydowns and standing timber Dock areas in 4-8 feet of water, especially those near channel swings Secondary points leading into spawning coves with woody cover	Crappie Dock Shooting with light jigs around extensive dock structures Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) with small jigs around shallow cover Bobbers with live minnows or small jigs around spawning areas	Shad fry beginning to emerge in spawning areas Small minnows concentrated in shallow areas Small invertebrates active in warming waters	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Bluegill moving into shallow protected areas to spawn, with males aggressively guarding nests in colonies Most active during dawn and dusk, but will feed throughout day when protecting spawning beds	Protected coves with firm bottom and shallow flats (2-4 feet deep) Areas near laydowns and standing timber in spawning depth Shallow pockets between docks where spawning colonies establish	Live Bait Rigs with light line and small hooks for spawning beds Bobbers with precise depth control for suspended pre-spawn fish Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') for bedding fish	Small insects and larvae Plankton and micro-invertebrates Small crustaceans	Light Neutral Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	55-65	Actively migrating up river channels and tributaries for spawning, congregating in large schools Following and feeding on shad schools in the 5-20ft depth range Transitioning between pre-spawn staging and active spawning, with fish becoming increasingly aggressive	River channels and tributary areas with moderate current Staging areas adjacent to spawning grounds in 5-20ft depth Points and creek mouths intersecting with migration routes	Trolling Shallow (0-9') with shad-imitating crankbaits Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked through suspended schools Inline Spinners cast and retrieved in migration channels	Shad schools suspended in river channels Small baitfish congregating near spawning areas	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	62-72	Post-spawn spotted bass are actively recovering and feeding, transitioning between spawning areas and summer patterns, often suspending near points and channel swings Fish are targeting shad schools while opportunistically feeding on crawfish, especially during morning and evening periods Spotted bass are utilizing both shallow and suspended patterns, moving between depths based on light conditions and bait movement	Main lake points and secondary points adjacent to spawning pockets, especially those with rock transitions Channel swing banks with dock coverage, particularly in 15-25 foot depth ranges Shallow flat areas with quick access to deeper water, especially near shad spawning areas	Shakey Heads worked along rocky points and transitions Spinnerbaits parallel to dock lines and channel swing banks Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for suspended fish following shad	Shad schools beginning their post-winter activity Crawfish emerging from winter patterns and becoming more active Small bluegill in shallow spawning areas	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	65-72	Post-spawn bass are transitioning to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy after spawning. Fish are holding on steep rock walls and main lake structure, becoming more active during low light periods Fish are showing a preference for ambush points near deep water access, utilizing the complex shoreline and numerous structural elements for feeding opportunities	Steep rock walls on the main lake, especially those adjacent to spawning bays Main lake points with access to deep water Docks providing shade and ambush points River channel edges with nearby wood cover	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) with rage bugs around rock walls and wood cover Shakey Heads worked slowly along steep breaks Bladed Jigs parallel to transition areas Carolina Rigs dragged along main lake points	Crawfish actively moving on rocky structures Shad schools beginning to gather in deeper water Bluegill moving into shallow areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	62-72	Post-spawn stripers actively feeding and recovering, transitioning from spawning areas to main lake points and channels Fish forming loose schools around bait concentrations, exhibiting aggressive competition-based feeding behavior	Main lake points adjacent to river channels where shad congregate Standing timber in 30-50 foot depths near channel swings Secondary points and creek arms with access to deep water	Umbrella Rigs worked through suspended bait schools Hard Jerkbaits fished aggressively around points and timber Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) targeted at schooling fish	Shad schools transitioning to post-spawn patterns White bass providing additional forage opportunities	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	62-72	Crappie transitioning to deeper structure after spawning, actively feeding to recover energy Fish beginning to school up and suspend near creek channels and dock edges	Deep edges of docks in 12-15 feet of water Suspended areas near channel breaks with standing timber Deeper brush piles adjacent to spawning flats	Crappie Dock Shooting Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Spider Rigging	Shad Small Minnows Young-of-year baitfish	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Post-spawn bluegill are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily targeting insects and small crustaceans near shallow to mid-depth structure Fish are establishing summer patterns, moving between shaded areas and feeding zones throughout the day	Shaded dock areas in 4-8 feet of water with access to deeper water Protected coves with laydowns and standing timber Main lake bluff walls offering shade and vertical structure	Live Bait Rigs Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Bobbers	Small insects and larvae Tiny crustaceans Plankton	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	62-72	Fish transitioning from spawning areas to main lake feeding patterns, actively chasing shad schools in 5-20ft depth range Exhibiting strong schooling behavior, with groups of 2-50 fish targeting baitfish in open water and near structure	Main lake points and creek channel intersections in 5-20ft depth range Standing timber areas adjacent to river channels Suspended areas over deeper water where shad schools are present	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked at varying depths to match shad movements Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along channel edges and points Inline Spinners cast and retrieved through suspended schools	Shad schools suspended in the water column Small baitfish relating to standing timber and structure	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	Spotted Bass	72-84	Spotted bass are utilizing both shallow and suspended patterns, actively feeding around docks and rocky structure during summer Fish are showing typical summer behavior with both shallow feeding periods and suspended patterns following bait schools	Docks with deep water access, especially those near channel swings Rocky banks and rip rap areas, particularly during low light periods Suspended areas in mid-lake near major creek channels	Ned Rigs worked slowly along rocky structure Hover/Mid-Strolling with underspin and minnow baits for suspended fish Shakey Heads around docks and rocky structure	Shad - primary forage for suspended fish Crawfish - actively feeding on them around rocky structure	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Largemouth Bass	68-85	Actively feeding during early morning and late evening, seeking shade during midday Relating heavily to cover (docks, laydowns, brush piles) for shade and ambush points Moving between shallow feeding areas and deeper adjacent structure throughout the day	Docks with deep water access, especially those near channel swings Brush piles and laydowns in 15-25 foot range Main lake points with access to deep water Standing timber in 30-50 foot zones for suspended fish	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around docks and shallow cover Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) along channel edges and points Drop Shot for suspended fish near deep structure Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) during shad-oriented feeding periods	Shad schools suspending near structure Crawfish in rocky areas and around docks Bluegill around shallow cover and dock pilings	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Striped Bass	72-85	Striped bass are suspending in deeper water during daylight hours, moving to feed in shallower water during dawn/dusk periods Fish are actively schooling and chasing shad in open water, with aggressive competition-based feeding behavior during prime windows	Main lake points adjacent to deep water, especially those with standing timber in 30-50 foot range Open water areas where bait schools are congregating, typically near channel swings Creek arm mouths with significant depth changes	Trolling Deep (20'+) with umbrella rigs and deep diving crankbaits during midday heat Hard Topwater (Walking) during early morning and late evening feeding windows Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are spotted on electronics near structure	Shad schools in open water and around structure White bass as secondary forage, especially around points and channel edges	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Crappie	72-85	Crappie are suspending near docks and woody cover in 8-15 foot depths, with early morning and evening feeding periods in shallower water Fish are relating strongly to shade during bright days, utilizing dock shadows and deeper structure during peak daylight hours	Dock areas with 8-15 feet of water, especially those near channel swings Laydowns and standing timber adjacent to deeper water Channel edges with nearby brush or structure	Crappie Dock Shooting Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')	Shad Small Minnows	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	72-84	Bluegills are actively feeding in shaded areas during summer, using docks and bluff walls as ambush points and temperature refuge Fish are schooling in defined depth zones, with quality-sized fish requiring sorting through smaller ones	Shaded areas under and around docks, particularly where they intersect with drop-offs Main lake bluff walls providing shade and vertical structure Protected coves with dock structures	Bobbers with small jigs positioned at specific depth zones near structure Vertical jigging in shaded areas around docks and bluff walls Crappie Dock Shooting for skittish fish under docks	Plankton and small aquatic insects Small crustaceans and invertebrates around dock structures	Pink Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	White Bass	72-85	White bass actively schooling and chasing shad schools in open water, particularly during early morning and evening hours Fish suspending near structure and channels during midday, moving between 5-20ft depths following bait Aggressive feeding behavior when encountering concentrated bait schools, creating surface activity	Main lake points and channel edges where bait schools congregate Standing timber areas in 10-15ft depth range Creek channel intersections with primary river channel	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked through suspended schools Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along channel edges Underspins when fish are actively chasing shad Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') for suspended fish near structure	Shad schools in open water and near structure Small baitfish relating to timber and channel edges	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Herrington Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Spotted Bass	72-76	Spotted bass are actively following and feeding on shad schools, suspending in 30-50 foot depths during early morning hours Fish are utilizing dock areas as ambush points and suspended holding zones, particularly during daytime hours Activity levels are heavily influenced by baitfish movements, with peak feeding occurring early morning before tapering off	Suspended zones near deep docks in 30-50 foot range Main lake dock areas with access to deep water Channel swings and river channels where shad schools congregate	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked through suspended fish Hover/Mid-Strolling with electronics to target suspended fish Drop Shot presented to dock-related suspended fish	Shad schools suspended in open water Baitfish relating to dock structures	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	52-62	Bass are actively chasing shad in shallow water near docks and shoreline structure, with increased feeding activity due to falling temperatures Fish are transitioning between summer and winter patterns, following baitfish movements and utilizing ambush points	Docks with deep water access, especially those close to the shoreline Brush piles in transitional areas between shallow and deep water Main lake points and irregular shoreline features with nearby deep water	Hard Topwater (Walking) worked tight to docks and shoreline structure Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') around brush piles and transition areas Buzzbaits for early morning and overcast conditions	Shad schooling in shallow to mid-depth ranges Remaining summer pattern baitfish in transition areas	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Striped Bass	58-72	Actively chasing and corralling shad schools in open water and along major structural elements, with aggressive feeding during morning and evening periods Beginning transition from summer patterns to winter holdover areas, following baitfish as they move into creek arms and deeper structures	Main lake points adjacent to deep water, especially those with standing timber in 30-50 foot range Creek arm mouths where baitfish schools are transitioning from main lake Suspended areas over standing timber in 20-40 foot depths where bait balls are present	Hard Jerkbaits worked aggressively through suspended bait schools Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) near standing timber and along points Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) retrieved at varying speeds through bait schools	Large schools of shad moving into creek arms Suspended bait balls around standing timber	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Crappie	52-65	Actively feeding and schooling as they prepare for winter, following baitfish movements in the water column Transitioning from shallow to deeper water as temperatures cool, often suspending near structure	Deep dock edges near channel swings (15-20ft) Suspended along standing timber adjacent to channels Deeper brush piles and laydowns near major creek channels	Crappie Dock Shooting Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Spider Rigging	Shad schools congregating in deeper water Small minnows around dock structures Young-of-year baitfish schooling near channel edges	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	55-68	Bluegill transitioning to deeper, more stable water temperatures while maintaining feeding activity in preparation for winter Schooling behavior becomes more pronounced, with fish gathering around key structure in 8-15 foot depth ranges Feeding patterns become more concentrated during mid-day hours when water temperatures are optimal	Deep dock edges where wood structure is present, especially on main lake points Laydowns and standing timber in 8-15 foot depth ranges Main lake bluff walls with shade and vertical structure	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Live Bait Rigs Bobbers	Plankton and small aquatic insects Small minnows and shad fry Aquatic larvae and bloodworms	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	White Bass	58-72	White bass are actively schooling and following shad schools in open water, particularly during early morning and late evening feeding periods Fish are transitioning between summer and winter patterns, making frequent moves between different depth ranges as they track baitfish	Main lake points and creek channel intersections where shad schools congregate Standing timber areas in 5-20ft depth range River channel edges where baitfish schools suspend	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked at varying depths to match baitfish movements Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are actively feeding on suspended bait Blade Baits worked through suspended schools of fish	Shad schools moving into creek arms and channels Small baitfish suspending near structure	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Spotted Bass	42-48	Spotted bass are suspending 20-30 feet deep, closely following schools of baitfish and showing preference for minimal bait movement Fish are relating strongly to deep dock structures and suspended baitfish schools, feeding opportunistically during winter conditions	Deep docks in 20-30 foot range, especially those near channel swings Areas with suspended baitfish schools in main lake areas Deep points and channel bends with vertical structure	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Damiki Rig Drop Shot	Shad schools suspended in the water column Small minnows around dock structures	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	48-55	Bass are actively following and feeding on suspended shad schools, often relating to vertical structure like standing timber Fish are suspending at mid-depths (around 15 feet) over deeper water, especially during stable weather periods	Standing timber in 30-50 feet of water, focusing on the 15-foot depth zone Laydowns near deeper water Main lake areas where baitfish are suspending	Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses to trigger suspended bass Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked around timber and laydowns Damiki Rig for targeting suspended fish around bait schools	Shad schools suspending in open water and around structure Crawfish becoming less active but still present near woody cover	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Striped Bass	42-48	Striped bass are actively schooling in standing timber, forming groups of 2-50 fish, exhibiting competition-based feeding behavior when properly triggered Fish are suspending around vertical structure, typically holding 15 feet down over deeper water of 30-50 feet, making periodic movements to feed on suspended shad schools	Standing timber areas in 30-50 foot depths, particularly where schools of suspended shad are present Main lake points near deep water that provide ambush opportunities for suspended bait Deep creek channel bends with vertical structure where bait schools congregate	Hard Jerkbaits worked with erratic action to trigger competition strikes from schooled fish Umbrella Rigs mimicking shad schools in areas where fish are actively feeding Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are holding tight to structure or less aggressive	Shad schools suspended in the water column around standing timber Suspended baitfish relating to deep structure and channel edges	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Crappie	45-49	Suspended crappie actively feeding on minnows in 15-20 foot depths, showing preference for areas near deep structure and channel edges Most active during early morning periods, with fish responding well to finesse presentations in clear water conditions	Main lake areas between major landmarks, focusing on suspended zones near channel edges Laydowns and woody cover in 15-20 foot depth range Deep structure near marina areas where bait concentrates	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) Damiki Rig	Minnows Shad	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	45-52	Bluegill are gathering in deeper, more stable water columns, often schooling tightly in protected areas Feeding activity is reduced but remains consistent during prime daylight hours, especially around structure	Deep dock areas with adjacent drops to deeper water Standing timber and laydowns in protected coves Main lake bluff walls offering vertical structure	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Ice Fishing Jigs Live Bait Rigs	Small aquatic insects and larvae Zooplankton Tiny shad fry	Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Winter	White Bass	42-52	White bass school tightly in winter, following large shad concentrations in deeper, open water areas Fish tend to suspend at varying depths throughout the day, moving with bait schools and responding to light conditions	Deep river channels with standing timber, especially where channels intersect with points Main lake points near deep water access Deeper suspended areas where schools of shad are present	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Blade Baits Spoons	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water Small baitfish suspended at various depths	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Herrington Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Main lake points and channel swings near spawning pockets	Suspended areas near deep docks with access to spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points and channel swings adjacent to spawning coves	Steep rock walls with access to both deep and shallow water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main river channel edges and adjacent points where pre-spawn staging occurs	Secondary points and creek arms with standing timber in 15-30 foot depths
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Secondary points and channel swings adjacent to spawning flats	Deeper dock edges in 8-15 feet of water near spawning coves
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected coves with laydowns and standing timber in 4-8 feet of water	Main lake bluff walls offering quick access to both shallow and deeper water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	River channel mouths and major tributary entrances	Standing timber areas in 5-20ft depth range
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Rocky banks and rip rap areas adjacent to deeper water	Shallow dock areas with gravel or rock bottom
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Steeper banks with laydowns and natural wood cover	Protected coves with spawning flats adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake points with access to deeper water, especially those near river channel routes	Standing timber in 30-50 foot depths, focusing on suspended fish
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Protected shallow coves with laydowns and standing timber	Dock areas in 4-8 feet of water, especially those near channel swings
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected coves with firm bottom and shallow flats (2-4 feet deep)	Areas near laydowns and standing timber in spawning depth
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	River channels and tributary areas with moderate current	Staging areas adjacent to spawning grounds in 5-20ft depth
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Main lake points and secondary points adjacent to spawning pockets, especially those with rock transitions	Channel swing banks with dock coverage, particularly in 15-25 foot depth ranges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Steep rock walls on the main lake, especially those adjacent to spawning bays	Main lake points with access to deep water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake points adjacent to river channels where shad congregate	Standing timber in 30-50 foot depths near channel swings
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Deep edges of docks in 12-15 feet of water	Suspended areas near channel breaks with standing timber
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Shaded dock areas in 4-8 feet of water with access to deeper water	Protected coves with laydowns and standing timber
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Main lake points and creek channel intersections in 5-20ft depth range	Standing timber areas adjacent to river channels
Summer	Spotted Bass	Docks with deep water access, especially those near channel swings	Rocky banks and rip rap areas, particularly during low light periods
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Docks with deep water access, especially those near channel swings	Brush piles and laydowns in 15-25 foot range
Summer	Striped Bass	Main lake points adjacent to deep water, especially those with standing timber in 30-50 foot range	Open water areas where bait schools are congregating, typically near channel swings
Summer	Crappie	Dock areas with 8-15 feet of water, especially those near channel swings	Laydowns and standing timber adjacent to deeper water
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Shaded areas under and around docks, particularly where they intersect with drop-offs	Main lake bluff walls providing shade and vertical structure
Summer	White Bass	Main lake points and channel edges where bait schools congregate	Standing timber areas in 10-15ft depth range
Fall	Spotted Bass	Suspended zones near deep docks in 30-50 foot range	Main lake dock areas with access to deep water
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Docks with deep water access, especially those close to the shoreline	Brush piles in transitional areas between shallow and deep water
Fall	Striped Bass	Main lake points adjacent to deep water, especially those with standing timber in 30-50 foot range	Creek arm mouths where baitfish schools are transitioning from main lake
Fall	Crappie	Deep dock edges near channel swings (15-20ft)	Suspended along standing timber adjacent to channels
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep dock edges where wood structure is present, especially on main lake points	Laydowns and standing timber in 8-15 foot depth ranges
Fall	White Bass	Main lake points and creek channel intersections where shad schools congregate	Standing timber areas in 5-20ft depth range
Winter	Spotted Bass	Deep docks in 20-30 foot range, especially those near channel swings	Areas with suspended baitfish schools in main lake areas
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Standing timber in 30-50 feet of water, focusing on the 15-foot depth zone	Laydowns near deeper water
Winter	Striped Bass	Standing timber areas in 30-50 foot depths, particularly where schools of suspended shad are present	Main lake points near deep water that provide ambush opportunities for suspended bait
Winter	Crappie	Main lake areas between major landmarks, focusing on suspended zones near channel edges	Laydowns and woody cover in 15-20 foot depth range
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep dock areas with adjacent drops to deeper water	Standing timber and laydowns in protected coves
Winter	White Bass	Deep river channels with standing timber, especially where channels intersect with points	Main lake points near deep water access

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools suspending in the water column	Crawfish becoming more active on rocky substrate
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Shad schools in pre-spawn staging areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Large schools of pre-spawn shad moving into warmer, shallower waters	Secondary forage including small white bass also staging for spawning runs
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn staging areas	Small minnows in and around dock structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects and larvae becoming more active in warming water	Small crustaceans near woody cover
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools suspended in water column	Small baitfish relating to structure
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Crawfish emerging in shallow rocky areas	Suspended shad in nearby deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish - primary forage during spring transition	Shad - secondary forage pattern noted in lake profile
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Shad schools, particularly those suspended around structure	Suspended baitfish in open water
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shad fry beginning to emerge in spawning areas	Small minnows concentrated in shallow areas
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae	Plankton and micro-invertebrates
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools suspended in river channels	Small baitfish congregating near spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools beginning their post-winter activity	Crawfish emerging from winter patterns and becoming more active
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish actively moving on rocky structures	Shad schools beginning to gather in deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Shad schools transitioning to post-spawn patterns	White bass providing additional forage opportunities
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad	Small Minnows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae	Tiny crustaceans
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools suspended in the water column	Small baitfish relating to standing timber and structure
Summer	Spotted Bass	Shad - primary forage for suspended fish	Crawfish - actively feeding on them around rocky structure
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools suspending near structure	Crawfish in rocky areas and around docks
Summer	Striped Bass	Shad schools in open water and around structure	White bass as secondary forage, especially around points and channel edges
Summer	Crappie	Shad	Small Minnows
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Plankton and small aquatic insects	Small crustaceans and invertebrates around dock structures
Summer	White Bass	Shad schools in open water and near structure	Small baitfish relating to timber and channel edges
Fall	Spotted Bass	Shad schools suspended in open water	Baitfish relating to dock structures
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling in shallow to mid-depth ranges	Remaining summer pattern baitfish in transition areas
Fall	Striped Bass	Large schools of shad moving into creek arms	Suspended bait balls around standing timber
Fall	Crappie	Shad schools congregating in deeper water	Small minnows around dock structures
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Plankton and small aquatic insects	Small minnows and shad fry
Fall	White Bass	Shad schools moving into creek arms and channels	Small baitfish suspending near structure
Winter	Spotted Bass	Shad schools suspended in the water column	Small minnows around dock structures
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools suspending in open water and around structure	Crawfish becoming less active but still present near woody cover
Winter	Striped Bass	Shad schools suspended in the water column around standing timber	Suspended baitfish relating to deep structure and channel edges
Winter	Crappie	Minnows	Shad
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Zooplankton
Winter	White Bass	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water	Small baitfish suspended at various depths

Bait Colors by Season for Herrington Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Dark Neutrals Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Light Neutral Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Spotted Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Pink Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Spotted Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Spotted Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Winter	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors