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Omnia Fishing
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Omnia Fishing

High Rock Lake

Published: Updated:

Spring Fishing Patterns on High Rock Lake

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth Bass54-60
  • Pre-spawn females actively staging on transition areas between winter and spawning grounds, making feeding movements toward shallower water during warming trends
  • Fish showing aggressive feeding behavior during prime weather windows, with notable activity during 10am-1pm as water warms
  • Secondary points and transition areas in creek arms at 2-5 feet depth
  • Docks adjacent to deeper water, especially where wind is pushing against them
  • Rock piles and hard bottom areas in major creeks
  • Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses around staging areas
  • Lipless Crankbaits around rock piles and shallow transition areas
  • Bladed Jigs worked around docks and laydowns
  • Shad schooling in 10-12 feet of water
  • Crawfish becoming active on rocky areas
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Crappie52-62
  • Crappie are staging near spawning areas, moving from winter depths to pre-spawn staging locations in 8-15 feet of water
  • Fish are becoming more active and feeding aggressively as they prepare for spawn, particularly during warming trends
  • Schools are starting to break up from tight winter groups into smaller pods, relating heavily to structure
  • Secondary points and creek channel bends in 8-15 feet of water
  • Brush piles and laydowns near spawning pockets
  • Dock posts and pilings adjacent to deeper water
  • Crappie Spider Rigging
  • Crappie Dock Shooting
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')
  • Shad moving into creeks and staging areas
  • Small bluegill in brush piles
  • Various minnow species around dock areas
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Pink Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Catfish58-68
  • Pre-spawn catfish actively feeding and moving to shallower creek arms and coves as water warms, following baitfish migrations
  • Fish become more active during low-light periods and after rain events that increase turbidity
  • Catfish staging near channel swings and transitional areas between winter and spawning locations
  • Creek arm channels and adjacent flats where water is beginning to warm
  • Rock piles and laydowns near deeper water access
  • Protected coves with brush piles near channel swings
  • Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or herring near structure
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around brush piles and laydowns
  • Carolina Rigs worked slowly along channel edges
  • Shad schools moving into creeks and shallow areas
  • Blueback herring beginning their spring movements
  • Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Spotted Bass52-65
  • Transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning
  • Moving from deep main lake points into creek arms and secondary points, following warming water trends
  • Becoming increasingly aggressive as water temperatures rise, with peak feeding during stable weather patterns
  • Secondary points in creek arms with rocky structure
  • Shallow docks in 5-15 foot range near spawning pockets
  • Main lake points with transition areas to deeper water
  • Bladed Jigs worked around shallow structure and through stained water
  • Shakey Heads worked methodically around docks and rock piles
  • Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') along points and channel swings
  • Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy
  • Shad schools moving into creek arms
  • Small bluegill in shallow warming pockets
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth Bass62-72
  • Bass are actively spawning and protecting beds in shallow coves and protected areas, with some fish still staging on pre-spawn areas like riprap
  • Early morning shad spawn activity along riprap and rocky banks, transitioning to bed-related behavior as the sun gets higher
  • Shallow coves in the backs of creeks with docks and seawalls
  • Main lake riprap and rocky banks for early morning shad spawn
  • Protected areas with laydowns in 2-6 feet of water
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly around docks and seawalls
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around laydowns and shallow cover
  • Spinnerbaits parallel to riprap during early morning shad spawn
  • Wacky Rigs worked slowly around visible beds and shoreline cover
  • Shad spawning on riprap and hard surfaces early in the morning
  • Crawfish active in shallow areas around rocks and wood
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)Crappie58-68
  • Actively staging and spawning in shallow coves and protected areas, particularly around woody cover and brush piles
  • Males guarding nests in 2-6 foot depths while females stage slightly deeper on adjacent structure
  • Highly aggressive feeding periods during pre-spawn, becoming more territorial during actual spawn
  • Protected creek arms with woody cover in 2-6 foot depths
  • Secondary points with brush piles near spawning pockets
  • Shallow dock areas with adjacent deeper water access
  • Crappie Dock Shooting
  • Bobbers
  • Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling)
  • Small Shad
  • Young of Year Baitfish
  • Small Insects and Larvae
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Pink Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)Catfish62-75
  • Catfish are actively seeking warm, shallow flats and creek arms for spawning, with males guarding nesting sites in cavities near structure
  • Feeding activity increases in pre-spawn period, especially during warming trends and after rain events that increase turbidity
  • Fish are more active during dawn and dusk, but the stained water conditions (1.9m Secchi) allow for good daytime feeding opportunities
  • Protected creek arms with rocky or woody structure in 4-8 feet of water
  • Shallow flats adjacent to river channel edges
  • Areas near brush piles and laydowns in coves with muddy/clay bottom
  • Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or whole crawfish near structure
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around laydowns and brush
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') in creek arms
  • Shad moving into spawning areas
  • Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters
  • Blueback herring in main lake areas
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)Spotted Bass58-68
  • Spotted bass actively moving into spawning areas, particularly in protected coves and pockets with hard bottom composition
  • Males establishing and guarding nests in 2-8 foot depths, while females stage slightly deeper on nearby points and breaks
  • Aggressive territorial behavior around nesting sites, with increased feeding activity during pre-spawn
  • Protected pockets with gravel or rocky bottom near creek arms
  • Secondary points leading into spawning coves
  • Shallow docks in spawning pockets
  • Rocky banks with transition areas to spawning flats
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow cover and beds
  • Shakey Heads worked slowly on secondary points
  • Spinnerbaits along rocky banks in windy conditions
  • Soft Jerkbaits for suspended pre-spawn fish
  • Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy
  • Small shad schools in creek arms
  • Bluegill in shallow spawning pockets
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth Bass70-78
  • Post-spawn bass are actively feeding and establishing summer patterns, focusing on shad around docks and shallow cover
  • Fish are showing increased surface activity during low light conditions, evidenced by success with topwater baits
  • Docks in creek arms, particularly in 2nd creek as mentioned in recent reports
  • Secondary points with access to deeper water near dock-lined banks
  • Shallow brush piles adjacent to docks in 2-10 feet of water
  • Hard Topwater (Walking) around docks during low light periods
  • Wacky Rigs worked slowly around dock posts and shade lines
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) to match the shad forage
  • Shad - primary forage based on recent fishing reports
  • Crawfish - secondary forage option given the lake's hard bottom areas
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Crappie65-75
  • Transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding but gradually moving to slightly deeper water
  • Forming loose schools around vertical cover, particularly near spawning areas and channel swings
  • Most active during early morning and late evening, seeking shade during bright conditions
  • Brush piles and laydowns in 8-15 feet of water adjacent to spawning flats
  • Secondary points with vertical cover near creek channels
  • Shaded dock areas with depths of 6-12 feet
  • Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling)
  • Crappie Dock Shooting
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9')
  • Small to medium-sized shad
  • Young-of-year baitfish
  • Small bluegill
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Catfish65-75
  • Post-spawn catfish are actively feeding to recover energy, taking advantage of the stained water conditions (1.9m Secchi) to feed throughout daylight hours
  • Fish are transitioning from spawning areas to summer patterns, following baitfish schools and utilizing current breaks near deeper water
  • Creek arm intersections with the main river channel, especially areas with rock piles
  • Shallow mud flats adjacent to deeper water, particularly in areas with brush or laydowns
  • Areas where wind-driven currents concentrate baitfish near points or channel swings
  • Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or herring positioned near structure
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') along channel edges during active feeding periods
  • Carolina Rigs worked slowly through rocky areas where crawfish are present
  • Shad and blueback herring schooling in creek arms and channel edges
  • Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas as water warms
  • Small baitfish gathering around brush piles and laydowns
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)Spotted Bass65-75
  • Post-spawn spotted bass are actively recovering and feeding, transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns
  • Fish are moving between shallow feeding zones and nearby deeper structure, particularly active during morning and evening hours
  • Secondary points and rocky banks adjacent to spawning pockets
  • Docks in 5-15 foot range, especially those near creek channel swings
  • Rock piles and hard structure transitions in 8-12 foot depth
  • Shakey Heads worked slowly around docks and rock piles
  • Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') along rocky banks and points
  • Spinnerbaits around shallow cover during lowlight periods
  • Shad schools beginning to group up in creek arms
  • Crawfish active on rocky structure
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
SummerLargemouth Bass74-85
  • Bass are actively feeding early and late in the day around shallow cover, then moving to deeper, shaded areas during midday heat as evidenced by multiple reports
  • Fish are relating heavily to structure, particularly docks and laydowns, using these areas as ambush points and shade refuges in summer temperatures
  • Docks with deep water access, particularly those providing shade during midday
  • Laydowns and brush piles adjacent to deeper water
  • Secondary points with flooded timber in 2-5 feet of water
  • Rock piles and rip rap in early morning hours
  • Structure Jigs worked slowly around docks and laydowns
  • Carolina Rigs on secondary points and transitions
  • Shakey Heads for finesse presentation during tough midday periods
  • Drop Shot in deeper areas, especially around river channels
  • Crawfish - primary forage as evidenced by multiple jig fishing success reports
  • Shad - particularly around points and channel areas
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
SummerCrappie72-85
  • Crappie are schooling in deeper water near structure during hot summer days, moving to shallower feeding areas during dawn and dusk
  • Fish are relating heavily to dock structures and brush piles, suspending at comfortable temperature zones
  • Deeper brush piles and dock posts in 12-16 foot range
  • Creek channel edges near secondary points
  • Shaded dock areas during morning and evening periods
  • Crappie Spider Rigging
  • Crappie Dock Shooting
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')
  • Shad schools suspending near structure
  • Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish around docks
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Pink Colors
SummerCatfish75-85
  • Actively feeding during early morning and late evening, with increased activity during cloudy days due to stained water conditions
  • Holding near structure during midday heat, moving to shallower feeding areas during low-light periods
  • Responding strongly to current patterns and baitfish movements in creek arms and main lake areas
  • Creek arm channels with adjacent brush piles and laydowns
  • Main lake rock piles near deeper water
  • Dock areas with brush piles in 8-15 feet of water
  • Live Bait Rigs with bottom bouncing presentation
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near structure
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around laydowns and brush
  • Shad and blueback herring schooling in creek arms
  • Crawfish in rocky areas
  • Smaller sunfish near brush piles
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
SummerSpotted Bass75-85
  • Spotted bass are establishing deeper summertime patterns, primarily relating to hard structure in 10-15 foot depth range during daylight hours
  • Early morning and late evening feeding activity occurs in shallower water (5-8 feet) around docks and points, following shad movements
  • Fish are schooling actively around bait concentrations in creek arms and along main lake structure
  • Deep docks with nearby rock structure in 10-15 foot range
  • Main lake points with access to deeper water
  • Creek channel intersections with rock piles
  • Shakey Heads worked slowly around dock posts and rock structure
  • Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') along points and channel edges
  • Drop Shot with finesse presentations for suspended fish
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for actively feeding fish early/late
  • Shad schools concentrated in creek arms and around points
  • Crawfish active around rocky structure and dock areas
  • Small bluegill around shallow dock areas
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for High Rock Lake

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
FallLargemouth Bass55-70
  • Bass actively feeding on shad in shallow to mid-depth zones, with increased activity during morning hours as evidenced by multiple reports of early success
  • Fish transitioning between docks and shallow cover, following baitfish movements and utilizing both shad and crawfish forage
  • Docks, particularly those in wind-blown areas or near deeper water as mentioned in multiple recent reports
  • Laydowns and shallow wood cover, especially during active feeding periods
  • Boulder areas and hard bottom zones near shallow banks
  • Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked around docks and shallow banks
  • Structure Jigs skipped under docks or worked around laydowns
  • Buzzbaits for early morning activity
  • Umbrella Rigs around wind-blown docks when shad are present
  • Shad - primary forage based on multiple recent reports
  • Crawfish - secondary forage particularly around docks and hard bottom areas
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
FallCrappie58-72
  • Crappie are transitioning from summer patterns to fall feeding, following shad schools and becoming more aggressive as water cools
  • Fish are schooling more tightly and beginning to move toward creek arms and deeper structure
  • Creek channel bends with adjacent brush piles in 12-16 foot depths
  • Secondary points with submerged timber near deep water access
  • Deeper dock structures, especially those near creek channels
  • Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling)
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')
  • Crappie Dock Shooting
  • Shad schools moving into creeks
  • Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Pink Colors
FallCatfish58-72
  • Catfish are actively feeding to build up reserves for winter, following baitfish schools and responding to cooling water temperatures
  • Fish are transitioning from summer patterns to fall feeding locations, moving between shallow feeding areas and deeper staging areas
  • Creek arm channels and river channels where baitfish schools are congregating
  • Rocky areas and brush piles near deeper water access
  • Protected coves with laydowns and structure in 8-15 feet of water
  • Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or whole bait positioned near channel edges
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around structure and baitfish schools
  • Carolina Rigs worked slowly through rocky areas and near brush piles
  • Shad and blueback herring schooling in creek arms and channels
  • Crawfish in rocky areas and around structure
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
FallSpotted Bass62-75
  • Actively chasing shad schools in creek arms and along channel edges, with increased feeding activity during early morning and late afternoon
  • Moving between 5-15 foot depths, following bait movements and utilizing hard structure as ambush points
  • Creek channel intersections with main lake points
  • Dock structures adjacent to deep water
  • Rocky points and outcroppings near bait concentrations
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along channel edges and through bait schools
  • Shakey Heads worked around dock pilings and rocky structure
  • Spinnerbaits burned through shallow areas during shad activity
  • Shad schools concentrated in creek arms and along channel edges
  • Crawfish around rocky structure and dock pilings
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Baitfish Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
WinterLargemouth Bass48-52
  • Bass are relating closely to hard structure (points, docks, rip rap) in 5-10 foot depth range, showing preference for areas near deeper water
  • Fish are exhibiting moderate feeding activity when encountering bait schools, but generally maintaining a slower metabolism due to cold water temperatures
  • Main lake and secondary points with access to deeper water
  • Front corners of docks, especially those with brush
  • Rip rap areas near bridges
  • Creek arms where shad schools are present
  • Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked steadily along points and structure
  • Lipless Crankbaits around docks and over transitions
  • Umbrella Rigs when actively feeding fish are found around bait schools
  • Football Jigs worked slowly along bottom structure
  • Shad schooling in creek arms and main lake areas
  • Crawfish relating to rocky structure and points
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
WinterCrappie48-55
  • Crappie are schooling tightly in deeper water, typically suspending near structure and following shad schools
  • Fish become more lethargic during cold fronts but will actively feed during stable weather patterns
  • Deep creek channels with brush piles in 15-16 foot depths
  • Secondary points near creek channels where shad schools congregate
  • Deeper dock areas with vertical posts providing winter sanctuary
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with subtle movements near structure
  • Crappie Spider Rigging for covering water and maintaining precise depth control
  • Damiki Rig when fish are tightly schooled and showing on electronics
  • Shad schools concentrated in creek channels and near points
  • Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish around dock structures
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
WinterCatfish48-55
  • Catfish are concentrating in deeper, stable water areas with reduced activity levels but still feeding opportunistically
  • Fish are seeking areas with minimal current and stable temperatures, often utilizing brush piles and dock structures as winter sanctuaries
  • Deep brush piles near docks in 15-20 foot depths
  • River channel bends with nearby rock piles
  • Protected coves with deep water access
  • Live Bait Rigs with reduced movement and longer soak times
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near structure
  • Hover/Mid-Strolling along channel edges
  • Shad schools concentrated in deeper water
  • Dormant or slow-moving crawfish
  • Blueback herring in suspended schools
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Bold Striped Patterns
WinterSpotted Bass48-55
  • Spotted bass are congregating in deeper water near main lake points and channel swings, typically suspending near bait schools
  • Fish become more lethargic during cold fronts but will actively feed during stable weather patterns, especially during warming trends
  • Main lake points adjacent to deep water, especially those with rock structure
  • Deep dock rows in 15-25 foot depths near creek channel swings
  • Steep rocky banks where winter bait schools congregate
  • Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended bait schools
  • Drop Shot with finesse presentations for inactive fish
  • Underspins when fish are actively chasing shad
  • Shad schools concentrated in deeper water
  • Smaller crawfish still active around deeper rock structure
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in High Rock Lake

SeasonSpeciesPrimary StructureSecondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth BassSecondary points and transition areas in creek arms at 2-5 feet depthDocks adjacent to deeper water, especially where wind is pushing against them
Spring (Pre-Spawn)CrappieSecondary points and creek channel bends in 8-15 feet of waterBrush piles and laydowns near spawning pockets
Spring (Pre-Spawn)CatfishCreek arm channels and adjacent flats where water is beginning to warmRock piles and laydowns near deeper water access
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Spotted BassSecondary points in creek arms with rocky structureShallow docks in 5-15 foot range near spawning pockets
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth BassShallow coves in the backs of creeks with docks and seawallsMain lake riprap and rocky banks for early morning shad spawn
Spring (Spawn)CrappieProtected creek arms with woody cover in 2-6 foot depthsSecondary points with brush piles near spawning pockets
Spring (Spawn)CatfishProtected creek arms with rocky or woody structure in 4-8 feet of waterShallow flats adjacent to river channel edges
Spring (Spawn)Spotted BassProtected pockets with gravel or rocky bottom near creek armsSecondary points leading into spawning coves
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth BassDocks in creek arms, particularly in 2nd creek as mentioned in recent reportsSecondary points with access to deeper water near dock-lined banks
Spring (Post-Spawn)CrappieBrush piles and laydowns in 8-15 feet of water adjacent to spawning flatsSecondary points with vertical cover near creek channels
Spring (Post-Spawn)CatfishCreek arm intersections with the main river channel, especially areas with rock pilesShallow mud flats adjacent to deeper water, particularly in areas with brush or laydowns
Spring (Post-Spawn)Spotted BassSecondary points and rocky banks adjacent to spawning pocketsDocks in 5-15 foot range, especially those near creek channel swings
SummerLargemouth BassDocks with deep water access, particularly those providing shade during middayLaydowns and brush piles adjacent to deeper water
SummerCrappieDeeper brush piles and dock posts in 12-16 foot rangeCreek channel edges near secondary points
SummerCatfishCreek arm channels with adjacent brush piles and laydownsMain lake rock piles near deeper water
SummerSpotted BassDeep docks with nearby rock structure in 10-15 foot rangeMain lake points with access to deeper water
FallLargemouth BassDocks, particularly those in wind-blown areas or near deeper water as mentioned in multiple recent reportsLaydowns and shallow wood cover, especially during active feeding periods
FallCrappieCreek channel bends with adjacent brush piles in 12-16 foot depthsSecondary points with submerged timber near deep water access
FallCatfishCreek arm channels and river channels where baitfish schools are congregatingRocky areas and brush piles near deeper water access
FallSpotted BassCreek channel intersections with main lake pointsDock structures adjacent to deep water
WinterLargemouth BassMain lake and secondary points with access to deeper waterFront corners of docks, especially those with brush
WinterCrappieDeep creek channels with brush piles in 15-16 foot depthsSecondary points near creek channels where shad schools congregate
WinterCatfishDeep brush piles near docks in 15-20 foot depthsRiver channel bends with nearby rock piles
WinterSpotted BassMain lake points adjacent to deep water, especially those with rock structureDeep dock rows in 15-25 foot depths near creek channel swings

Primary Forage by Season

SeasonSpeciesPrimary ForageSecondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth BassShad schooling in 10-12 feet of waterCrawfish becoming active on rocky areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)CrappieShad moving into creeks and staging areasSmall bluegill in brush piles
Spring (Pre-Spawn)CatfishShad schools moving into creeks and shallow areasBlueback herring beginning their spring movements
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Spotted BassCrawfish emerging from winter dormancyShad schools moving into creek arms
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth BassShad spawning on riprap and hard surfaces early in the morningCrawfish active in shallow areas around rocks and wood
Spring (Spawn)CrappieSmall ShadYoung of Year Baitfish
Spring (Spawn)CatfishShad moving into spawning areasCrawfish becoming more active in warming waters
Spring (Spawn)Spotted BassCrawfish emerging from winter dormancySmall shad schools in creek arms
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth BassShad - primary forage based on recent fishing reportsCrawfish - secondary forage option given the lake's hard bottom areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)CrappieSmall to medium-sized shadYoung-of-year baitfish
Spring (Post-Spawn)CatfishShad and blueback herring schooling in creek arms and channel edgesCrawfish becoming more active in rocky areas as water warms
Spring (Post-Spawn)Spotted BassShad schools beginning to group up in creek armsCrawfish active on rocky structure
SummerLargemouth BassCrawfish - primary forage as evidenced by multiple jig fishing success reportsShad - particularly around points and channel areas
SummerCrappieShad schools suspending near structureSmall bluegill and juvenile sunfish around docks
SummerCatfishShad and blueback herring schooling in creek armsCrawfish in rocky areas
SummerSpotted BassShad schools concentrated in creek arms and around pointsCrawfish active around rocky structure and dock areas
FallLargemouth BassShad - primary forage based on multiple recent reportsCrawfish - secondary forage particularly around docks and hard bottom areas
FallCrappieShad schools moving into creeksSmall bluegill and juvenile sunfish
FallCatfishShad and blueback herring schooling in creek arms and channelsCrawfish in rocky areas and around structure
FallSpotted BassShad schools concentrated in creek arms and along channel edgesCrawfish around rocky structure and dock pilings
WinterLargemouth BassShad schooling in creek arms and main lake areasCrawfish relating to rocky structure and points
WinterCrappieShad schools concentrated in creek channels and near pointsSmall bluegill and juvenile sunfish around dock structures
WinterCatfishShad schools concentrated in deeper waterDormant or slow-moving crawfish
WinterSpotted BassShad schools concentrated in deeper waterSmaller crawfish still active around deeper rock structure

Bait Colors by Season for High Rock Lake

SeasonSpeciesBait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Crappie
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Pink Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Catfish
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Spotted Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)Crappie
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Pink Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)Catfish
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)Spotted Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Crappie
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Catfish
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)Spotted Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
SummerLargemouth Bass
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
SummerCrappie
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Pink Colors
SummerCatfish
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
SummerSpotted Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
FallLargemouth Bass
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
FallCrappie
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Pink Colors
FallCatfish
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
FallSpotted Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
WinterLargemouth Bass
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
WinterCrappie
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
WinterCatfish
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Bold Striped Patterns
WinterSpotted Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Dark Neutrals