How to Fish Honeoye Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

Honeoye Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Honeoye Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	38-52	Bass are staging on pre-spawn transition areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning. Fish are moving from winter areas to warming shallows, particularly active during stable weather. Showing aggressive feeding behavior when water temps reach upper 40s to low 50s, especially around emerging vegetation and hard structure	Main lake points adjacent to spawning flats, particularly those with rock or emerging vegetation Shallow flats with early emerging vegetation in 5-10 foot range Docks and other hard cover near potential spawning areas	Lipless Crankbaits worked over emerging vegetation and across points Bladed Jigs around points and staging areas Football Jigs worked slowly on rocky areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved slowly along bottom structure	Crawfish becoming active on rocky areas Bluegill in and around emerging vegetation Small baitfish relating to points and vegetation edges	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Pre-spawn bluegills moving from winter deep weed locations (8-12ft) to shallower warming bays and protected areas Actively feeding on emerging insects and small invertebrates near vegetation transitions	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 4-8 feet Transition areas between winter weeds and spawning flats in 8-12 feet Areas near docks that receive early spring sunlight	Bobbers with small jigs suspended 1-3 feet above vegetation Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') along weed edges Micro Crankbaits worked slowly through transitional areas	Emerging aquatic insects and larvae Small invertebrates in vegetation Zooplankton concentrations in warming waters	Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	45-58	Chain pickerel are moving from winter deep weed edges (8-12ft) to shallower areas for pre-spawn staging, becoming more active with warming water Fish are exhibiting aggressive feeding behavior to build energy reserves for spawning, targeting baitfish and perch along vegetation edges	Emerging weed edges in 4-8 foot depth range, especially near deeper winter holding areas Protected shoreline areas with developing vegetation, particularly in areas with complex shoreline features Transition zones between winter deep weeds and shallow spawning areas	Soft Jerkbaits worked with erratic retrieves parallel to emerging weed edges Inline Spinners retrieved steadily through transition zones Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along vegetation edges	Yellow Perch moving shallow with warming water Various Minnow Species congregating in emerging vegetation Bluegill beginning to become more active in warming shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	Crappie are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging, moving from deeper wintering areas towards shallow spawning grounds Fish are actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, particularly during warmer parts of the day Schools are beginning to break up from tight winter groups into smaller pods as they stage near spawning areas	Weed edges in 8-12 foot depth range adjacent to potential spawning flats Isolated weed clumps near deeper water access Secondary points and creek channels leading to spawning areas	Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling)	Small minnows gathering in pre-spawn areas Juvenile perch near weed edges Small bluegills in emerging vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-58	Bass are actively moving shallow (5-8ft) preparing for and engaging in spawning activity Fish are staging near spawning areas and becoming more territorial, particularly around hard bottom and vegetation	Rocky banks with isolated grass clumps Shallow docks in spawning pockets Rip rap banks with adjacent spawning flats	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentations to bedding areas Lipless Crankbaits for covering water and targeting pre-spawn fish Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) for paralleling shorelines	Bluegill in shallow spawning areas Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Natural Craw Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Male bluegills moving into shallow spawning areas (2-6 feet) to create and defend nests on firm bottom areas near vegetation Female bluegills staging in slightly deeper water (6-8 feet) near spawning areas, moving in periodically to spawn Active feeding periods during morning and evening, with increased vulnerability during nest guarding	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom near vegetation edges Areas between docks with submerged vegetation in 2-6 feet Weed edges in 6-8 feet adjacent to spawning areas	Bobbers with small jigs worked slowly near spawning areas Live Bait Rigs with light line for spooky fish Micro Crankbaits worked parallel to weed edges for staging fish	Small insects and larvae near spawning areas Tiny crustaceans in and around vegetation Small minnows along weed edges	Light Neutral Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	48-58	Chain pickerel actively moving into shallow, weedy areas (2-6ft) for spawning, with increased aggression and territorial behavior Post-spawn fish remain shallow, utilizing vegetation edges for ambush points and recovery	Shallow weed flats and grass edges in 2-6ft of water, particularly in warming bays Secondary drop-offs near spawning areas (8-12ft) where pre-spawn fish stage Protected shoreline areas with submerged vegetation	Soft Jerkbaits worked erratically along weed edges Inline Spinners retrieved steadily through spawning areas Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges	Panfish and bluegill congregating in similar spawning areas Perch utilizing weed edges Small minnows in shallow vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	During spring spawn, crappies move into shallow areas (2-8 feet) near vegetation and structure, staging in pre-spawn areas before moving to actual spawning sites. They become increasingly active as water temperatures rise, with males guarding nesting areas Feeding activity increases in preparation for spawning, with fish actively pursuing smaller prey items around vegetation edges and shallow structure	Shallow bays with submerged vegetation in 2-8 foot depth range, particularly areas with mixed milfoil and coontail Protected areas between docks where vegetation meets harder bottom Isolated weed clumps near spawning flats	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) with light jigs around shallow cover Live Bait Rigs under bobbers near spawning areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly through vegetation edges	Small minnows congregating in spawning areas Juvenile bluegill in and around vegetation Young of year perch in slightly deeper vegetation edges	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	65-75	Bass are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding in and around vegetation Fish showing mixed behavior - some aggressive surface feeding (evidenced by topwater success) while others holding deeper in vegetation	Edges where vegetation types transition (particularly milfoil to pondweed edges) Thick clumps of submerged vegetation in 10-14 foot range Shallow vegetation zones with surface access for topwater opportunities	Drop Shot with 14-inch leader targeting vegetation edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) working specific grass clumps Hard Topwater (Popping) during morning hours Blade Baits for covering water and locating active fish	Bluegill (primary forage based on multiple reports) Perch (mentioned in lake profile) Crawfish (active in vegetation during this period)	Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Post-spawn bluegills recovering and actively feeding in vegetation near spawning areas, moving between depths of 4-12 feet throughout the day Schools beginning to form along weed edges, showing increased feeding activity as they replenish energy	Weed edges in 8-12 foot depths with mixed vegetation of milfoil and coontail Shallow dock areas adjacent to deeper water Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper weed growth	Bobbers with small jigs suspended at varying depths Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Crappie Dock Shooting	Small aquatic insects emerging in weed beds Zooplankton concentrations in and around vegetation Small crustaceans in weed growth	Light Neutral Colors Pink Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	52-65	Post-spawn chain pickerel are actively feeding to recover energy, utilizing weed edges and ambush points along the 8-12ft depth range Fish are becoming more aggressive, moving to shallower vegetation areas during morning and evening hours for feeding Pickerel are targeting abundant panfish and minnows along weed edges, showing preference for edges and points	Deep weed edges in 8-12ft range, particularly where they intersect with points or shoreline irregularities Shallow vegetation patches near deeper water access Ambush points along the moderately complex shoreline where vegetation meets deeper water	Soft Jerkbaits worked erratically along weed edges Inline Spinners retrieved steadily through vegetation gaps Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges	Yellow Perch Bluegill Various Minnow Species	Natural Baitfish Colors Bold Striped Patterns Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	65-72	Crappie transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish gradually moving toward weed edges and deeper structure, but still relating to shoreline areas	Weed edges in 8-12 foot depth range adjacent to spawning areas Isolated weed clumps near drops or points Dock areas providing shade and structure	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling)	Small juvenile baitfish Small bluegills Young of year perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-78	Bass are actively feeding along weed edges and inside isolated weed clumps, showing both ambush and active feeding patterns Fish are exhibiting a distinct early morning shallow pattern followed by movement to deeper weed edges as the day progresses	Submerged vegetation edges in 10-14 foot depth range, especially where milfoil and coontail mix Main lake points with vegetation Isolated weed clumps off main weed edges	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) worked through dense vegetation Drop Shot along weed edges Hard Topwater (Walking) early morning Ned Rigs in deeper weed beds	Bluegill Crawfish Minnows	Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	68-82	Actively feeding during early morning and evening hours, seeking insects and small prey in and around vegetation Forming loose schools along weed edges and dock areas, moving between depths of 8-12 feet during midday heat Exhibiting predictable movement patterns following structural elements and weed edges for feeding opportunities	Weed edges in 8-12 foot depths with mixed vegetation (milfoil, coontail) Dock areas with adjacent vegetation for shade and cover Shallow coves and points with submerged vegetation early and late in day	Bobbers with small jigs worked slowly through vegetation edges Live Bait Rigs near dock areas and weed edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') during peak feeding periods	Aquatic insects and larvae in vegetation Small crustaceans and zooplankton Tiny baitfish fry in weed beds	Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors Pink Colors
Summer	Chain Pickerel	68-82	Actively patrolling weed edges in 8-12ft depth range during early morning and evening, retreating to slightly deeper vegetation during midday heat Aggressive ambush feeding behavior, utilizing dense vegetation as cover to attack passing forage fish	Weed edges and transitions in 8-12ft depth range, especially where different types of vegetation meet Deeper vegetation pockets in 12-15ft range for midday retreats Points and irregularities in weed lines where ambush opportunities are enhanced	Soft Jerkbaits worked erratically along weed edges to trigger reaction strikes Inline Spinners retrieved steadily parallel to vegetation edges Spinnerbaits worked through gaps in vegetation and over weed tops during low light conditions	Yellow Perch concentrated along weed edges Bluegills and panfish relating to vegetation Various minnow species using weed beds for cover	Natural Baitfish Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Crappie	72-78	Active feeding around weed edges and isolated weed clumps during early morning and evening hours, seeking shade under docks during midday Suspending in 8-12 foot depth range near submerged vegetation, moving shallower during low-light periods	Dock areas with adjacent vegetation in 8-12 foot range Isolated weed clumps near deeper water Weed edges adjacent to deeper water	Crappie Dock Shooting Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9')	Small juvenile baitfish Bluegill fry Small perch	Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Honeoye Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	52-68	Bass showing diverse depth patterns - some holding deep (20+ ft) near bottom structure while others remain shallow feeding on baitfish Fish actively responding to moving baits, suggesting aggressive feeding behavior before winter	Deep main lake structure and basins in 20+ feet Shallow points with access to deeper water Submerged vegetation edges, especially in areas transitioning to deeper water	Football Jigs worked slowly along bottom structure in deep water Bladed Jigs around submerged vegetation Hard Topwater (Walking) in shallow areas early and late in day	Crawfish near bottom structure Minnows in shallow water Bluegill around vegetation edges	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Bluegills are transitioning to deeper structure, actively feeding to build up reserves for winter, often schooling tightly around key structure Fish are becoming more concentrated around deeper weed edges (8-12 feet) and showing predictable movement patterns along these edges	Deep weed edges in 8-12 foot range, especially where diverse vegetation types intersect Deeper docks adjacent to weed edges where panfish can transition between depths Deeper holes or depressions within or adjacent to weed beds	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Drop Shot Finesse Hair Jigs	Aquatic insects, particularly those associated with deeper weed edges Small invertebrates within the weed growth Zooplankton in open water adjacent to weeds	Dark Neutrals Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Chain Pickerel	52-68	Chain pickerel are actively feeding along weed edges, ambushing prey as forage species school up for fall Fish are moving between deep weed edges (8-12ft) and shallow vegetation, following baitfish movements throughout the day	Deep weed edges at 8-12ft depth, particularly where vegetation meets cleaner bottom Points and irregular shoreline features with submerged vegetation Vegetation patches near shoreline ambush points where the shoreline development creates cuts and points	Soft Jerkbaits worked erratically along weed edges Inline Spinners retrieved steadily parallel to vegetation Spinnerbaits worked just above the weed tops	Yellow Perch schooling along weed edges Panfish and bluegill holding in vegetation Minnows schooling in vegetation patches	Natural Baitfish Colors Bold Striped Patterns Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Crappie	55-68	Actively feeding on concentrating baitfish, transitioning from shallow to deeper structure as water cools Forming larger schools near key structural elements, particularly around remaining vegetation edges More aggressive feeding during early morning and late afternoon periods	Deep weed edges in 8-12 foot range where vegetation is still healthy Deeper dock areas adjacent to vegetation Isolated weed clumps near deeper water access	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Spider Rigging	Juvenile perch schooling near structure Small minnows concentrated in remaining vegetation Young-of-year bluegill in weed edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	38-45	Bluegills are holding in deeper weed edges at 8-12 feet, actively feeding on insects and microscopic prey Fish are schooling in predictable locations along weed edges, showing consistent winter patterns	Deep weed edges in 8-12 foot range with mixed vegetation types Transition areas between weeds and deeper water Protected coves with remaining vegetation	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Ice Fishing Jigs Drop Shot	Winter insects and larvae Small invertebrates in weed beds Microscopic zooplankton	Dark Neutrals Pink Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Chain Pickerel	38-45	Chain pickerel remain actively feeding along deep weed edges, using vegetation as ambush points Fish are concentrating near the 8-12 foot depth range where deep vegetation provides cover and access to forage	Deep weed edges in 8-12 foot range Vegetation points and inside turns along primary lake channel Areas where deep weeds intersect with structural elements like points or breaks	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly along weed edges Hard Jerkbaits with extended pauses near vegetation Spinnerbaits slow-rolled parallel to weed edges	Yellow Perch Bluegill Small Minnows	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Crappie	45-52	Late fall/early winter crappie are transitioning to deeper winter holding areas, staging along the deep weed edges and isolated weed clumps Fish are feeding more aggressively during low-light periods, moving up in the water column to feed before settling back down	Deep weed edges in 8-12 foot range where vegetation is still present Isolated weed clumps adjacent to deeper water Mid-depth flats with remaining vegetation	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Hover/Mid-Strolling Damiki Rig	Small juvenile perch holding in the remaining weed growth Schools of young-of-year minnows Small bluegills in the weed edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	32-34	Schooling actively in 8-12 foot depths around submerged vegetation, moving in predictable patterns as groups feed on insects Exhibiting consistent feeding windows as schools move through productive areas, requiring patience between active periods	Deep weed edges in 8-12 foot range where vegetation remains green Transitions between thick and sparse vegetation where insects concentrate Deeper pockets within weed beds providing winter sanctuary	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements to trigger strikes Ice Fishing Spoons for more aggressive presentations when schools are active Live Bait Rigs with small tungsten jigs tipped with waxworms or spikes	Insects, particularly winter midges and larvae Small aquatic invertebrates in the weed beds	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Crappie	34-39	Crappie are suspending in mid-depth ranges of 8-12 feet, typically schooling near the bottom in areas with consistent depth Feeding activity is most pronounced during early morning and late afternoon, with fish becoming more selective during bright conditions	Isolated weed clumps in 8-12 foot depth range that remain green under the ice Deep edges of weed flats where vegetation meets clean bottom Basin areas adjacent to shallow flats where schools suspend	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just above the fish Ice Fishing Spoons with erratic action to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to locate active fish	Small minnows and juvenile baitfish suspended in schools Tiny perch relating to remaining vegetation Bluegill fry in and around the weed edges	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Honeoye Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points adjacent to spawning flats, particularly those with rock or emerging vegetation	Shallow flats with early emerging vegetation in 5-10 foot range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 4-8 feet	Transition areas between winter weeds and spawning flats in 8-12 feet
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	Emerging weed edges in 4-8 foot depth range, especially near deeper winter holding areas	Protected shoreline areas with developing vegetation, particularly in areas with complex shoreline features
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Weed edges in 8-12 foot depth range adjacent to potential spawning flats	Isolated weed clumps near deeper water access
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Rocky banks with isolated grass clumps	Shallow docks in spawning pockets
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom near vegetation edges	Areas between docks with submerged vegetation in 2-6 feet
Spring (Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	Shallow weed flats and grass edges in 2-6ft of water, particularly in warming bays	Secondary drop-offs near spawning areas (8-12ft) where pre-spawn fish stage
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shallow bays with submerged vegetation in 2-8 foot depth range, particularly areas with mixed milfoil and coontail	Protected areas between docks where vegetation meets harder bottom
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Edges where vegetation types transition (particularly milfoil to pondweed edges)	Thick clumps of submerged vegetation in 10-14 foot range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Weed edges in 8-12 foot depths with mixed vegetation of milfoil and coontail	Shallow dock areas adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	Deep weed edges in 8-12ft range, particularly where they intersect with points or shoreline irregularities	Shallow vegetation patches near deeper water access
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Weed edges in 8-12 foot depth range adjacent to spawning areas	Isolated weed clumps near drops or points
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Submerged vegetation edges in 10-14 foot depth range, especially where milfoil and coontail mix	Main lake points with vegetation
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Weed edges in 8-12 foot depths with mixed vegetation (milfoil, coontail)	Dock areas with adjacent vegetation for shade and cover
Summer	Chain Pickerel	Weed edges and transitions in 8-12ft depth range, especially where different types of vegetation meet	Deeper vegetation pockets in 12-15ft range for midday retreats
Summer	Crappie	Dock areas with adjacent vegetation in 8-12 foot range	Isolated weed clumps near deeper water
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Deep main lake structure and basins in 20+ feet	Shallow points with access to deeper water
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges in 8-12 foot range, especially where diverse vegetation types intersect	Deeper docks adjacent to weed edges where panfish can transition between depths
Fall	Chain Pickerel	Deep weed edges at 8-12ft depth, particularly where vegetation meets cleaner bottom	Points and irregular shoreline features with submerged vegetation
Fall	Crappie	Deep weed edges in 8-12 foot range where vegetation is still healthy	Deeper dock areas adjacent to vegetation
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges in 8-12 foot range with mixed vegetation types	Transition areas between weeds and deeper water
Winter	Chain Pickerel	Deep weed edges in 8-12 foot range	Vegetation points and inside turns along primary lake channel
Winter	Crappie	Deep weed edges in 8-12 foot range where vegetation is still present	Isolated weed clumps adjacent to deeper water
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges in 8-12 foot range where vegetation remains green	Transitions between thick and sparse vegetation where insects concentrate
Ice	Crappie	Isolated weed clumps in 8-12 foot depth range that remain green under the ice	Deep edges of weed flats where vegetation meets clean bottom

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish becoming active on rocky areas	Bluegill in and around emerging vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Emerging aquatic insects and larvae	Small invertebrates in vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	Yellow Perch moving shallow with warming water	Various Minnow Species congregating in emerging vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Small minnows gathering in pre-spawn areas	Juvenile perch near weed edges
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in shallow spawning areas	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae near spawning areas	Tiny crustaceans in and around vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	Panfish and bluegill congregating in similar spawning areas	Perch utilizing weed edges
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small minnows congregating in spawning areas	Juvenile bluegill in and around vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill (primary forage based on multiple reports)	Perch (mentioned in lake profile)
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects emerging in weed beds	Zooplankton concentrations in and around vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	Yellow Perch	Bluegill
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Small juvenile baitfish	Small bluegills
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill	Crawfish
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects and larvae in vegetation	Small crustaceans and zooplankton
Summer	Chain Pickerel	Yellow Perch concentrated along weed edges	Bluegills and panfish relating to vegetation
Summer	Crappie	Small juvenile baitfish	Bluegill fry
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish near bottom structure	Minnows in shallow water
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects, particularly those associated with deeper weed edges	Small invertebrates within the weed growth
Fall	Chain Pickerel	Yellow Perch schooling along weed edges	Panfish and bluegill holding in vegetation
Fall	Crappie	Juvenile perch schooling near structure	Small minnows concentrated in remaining vegetation
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Winter insects and larvae	Small invertebrates in weed beds
Winter	Chain Pickerel	Yellow Perch	Bluegill
Winter	Crappie	Small juvenile perch holding in the remaining weed growth	Schools of young-of-year minnows
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Insects, particularly winter midges and larvae	Small aquatic invertebrates in the weed beds
Ice	Crappie	Small minnows and juvenile baitfish suspended in schools	Tiny perch relating to remaining vegetation

Bait Colors by Season for Honeoye Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	Natural Baitfish Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Light Neutral Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	Natural Baitfish Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Light Neutral Colors Pink Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	Natural Baitfish Colors Bold Striped Patterns Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors Pink Colors
Summer	Chain Pickerel	Natural Baitfish Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Crappie	Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Dark Neutrals Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Chain Pickerel	Natural Baitfish Colors Bold Striped Patterns Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Dark Neutrals Pink Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Chain Pickerel	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors