How to Fish Irondequoit Bay

Irondequoit Bay fishing FAQ

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Irondequoit Bay in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 51-58°F. Pre-spawn bass are actively staging on hard structure, particularly rocky points, showing aggressive feeding behavior on baitfish Fish are transitioning from winter areas to spawning grounds, using points and rock piles as stopping points while gorging on available forage Key locations: Rocky points adjacent to spawning bays; Rock piles in pre-spawn staging areas; Developing weed edges in shallow protected areas. Best techniques: Bladed Jigs worked along points and rock transitions, Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked parallel to staging areas, Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') around developing vegetation. Primary forage: Alewife, Shad, Bluegill. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Vibrant Assorted Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Irondequoit Bay in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 45-55°F. Smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are moving from deeper wintering areas to warming shallows, particularly focusing on rocky points and transition areas Feeding activity increases during stable weather patterns, with fish becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise Key locations: Rocky points adjacent to deeper water, especially on the northern shoreline where water warms faster; Protected coves with rock piles in 5-15 foot depth range; Dock areas with nearby rocky structure, particularly those close to deeper water access. Best techniques: Blade Baits worked slowly along rock transitions for actively feeding fish, Ned Rigs worked methodically around rocky points and dock areas, Tubes dragged and hopped along rocky structure. Primary forage: Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy in rocky areas, Small bluegill in warming shallow areas, Alewife schools transitioning to shallower water. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Dark Neutrals, Vibrant Craw Colors.

How do you catch Northern Pike on Irondequoit Bay in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 45-58°F. Actively feeding during pre-spawn period, with aggressive behavior noted around points and rocks as water warms Fish are staging near spawning areas but still maintaining feeding patterns, particularly during warming trends Key locations: Points with adjacent rocks, especially those near spawning bays; Shallow rocky areas warming quickest in daily sun; Emerging weed growth areas near spawning bays. Best techniques: Bladed Jigs worked along point breaks, Spinnerbaits parallel to emerging weed growth, Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) for aggressive presentations. Primary forage: Alewife concentrating near points, Various small fish species gathering in warming shallows. Best bait colors: Light Neutral Colors, Chartreuse Colors.

How do you catch Yellow Perch on Irondequoit Bay in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 42-52°F. Yellow perch are transitioning from winter deep water areas to shallower spawning zones, typically moving along drop-offs and channel edges. Schools are beginning to break into smaller groups as they stage for spawning. Feeding activity increases as water temperatures rise, with perch becoming more aggressive in their pursuit of food before the spawn. Key locations: Drop-offs and ledges in 15-25 foot depths where perch stage before moving shallow; Channel edges near north end markers where pre-spawn perch concentrate; Transition areas between deep wintering holes and shallow spawning flats. Best techniques: Drop Shot with small minnow imitations worked slowly along depth transitions, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with ice fishing jigs tipped with live bait, Live Bait Rigs with fathead minnows near bottom structure. Primary forage: Fathead Minnows concentrated in pre-spawn areas, Aquatic invertebrates becoming more active with warming waters, Small baitfish schools following similar transitional patterns. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Chartreuse Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Irondequoit Bay in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 42-52°F. Pre-spawn walleyes staging near spawning areas, moving from deeper wintering areas to shallower rocky areas and points Feeding actively but sporadically, with peak activity during dawn and dusk periods Males arriving first at spawning areas, with females staying slightly deeper until ready to spawn Key locations: Rocky points and hard-bottom areas in 8-15 feet of water; Transition areas where deep winter holes meet spawning flats; Secondary points leading into spawning bays. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom transitions, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow, subtle movements, Blade Baits worked with controlled lifts and drops. Primary forage: Yellow Perch concentrated near spawning areas, Alewives in slightly deeper adjacent areas, Small baitfish gathering in warming shallows. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Chartreuse Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Irondequoit Bay in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 57-65°F. Pre-spawn to spawning transition with fish moving shallow, staging near potential bedding areas. Fish are actively feeding but becoming increasingly territorial as water temps rise from upper 50s to mid 60s Fish showing both feeding and spawning behavior patterns, with some still actively chasing shad while others are beginning to focus on bedding areas near reeds and shallow cover Key locations: Shallow reed beds in 2-3 feet of water, particularly where they meet harder bottom; Points and shallow flats adjacent to deeper water; Flooded brush and shallow cover in protected areas. Best techniques: Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) worked slowly around reeds and shallow cover, Bladed Jigs worked along points and shallow flats, Structure Jigs flipped to flooded brush and cover, Spinnerbaits for covering water and targeting actively feeding fish. Primary forage: Shad schooling in shallow water and around points, Bluegill in and around reed beds and shallow cover. Best bait colors: Dark Neutrals, Natural Baitfish Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Irondequoit Bay in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 58-68°F. Smallmouth bass are in spawn mode with water temperatures between 62-65°F, actively defending nests and feeding opportunistically near spawning areas Fish are showing aggressive behavior, hitting reaction baits like jerkbaits when bumped against rocks, indicating territorial responses Key locations: Rock piles in shallow water (0-9 ft), particularly those near spawning flats; Protected coves with hard bottom structure; Dock areas adjacent to rocky habitat. Best techniques: Football Jigs dragged slowly across rocky areas, Hard Jerkbaits worked aggressively around rock piles, Tubes worked through spawning areas. Primary forage: Crawfish - primary forage based on recent reports, Bluegill - secondary forage showing in fishing patterns, Rock Bass - indicating healthy rocky habitat ecosystem. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Vibrant Craw Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Northern Pike on Irondequoit Bay in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 42-55°F. Aggressive pre and post-spawn feeding in shallow waters, particularly around emerging vegetation and hard structure Males stage in spawning areas while females move between deeper staging areas and shallow spawning zones Fish are highly territorial and defensive during spawning, making them more likely to strike reaction baits Key locations: Rocky points and adjacent shallow bays where spawning occurs; Emerging weed edges in 3-8 feet of water; Protected coves with warming water temperatures. Best techniques: Spinnerbaits worked slowly along emerging weed edges and points, Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieves through spawning areas, Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses near staging areas. Primary forage: Alewife gathering in pre-spawn schools, Bluegill moving shallow as water warms, Young of the year baitfish in warming bays. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Yellow Perch on Irondequoit Bay in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 42-52°F. Yellow perch congregating in shallow water (4-15 feet) near spawning areas with firm bottom and vegetation or woody debris Fish moving in large schools, making frequent transitions between spawning areas and nearby feeding zones Post-spawn fish gradually moving to deeper transitions (15-25 feet) as water warms Key locations: Firm bottom areas with vegetation or woody debris in 4-15 FOW; Protected coves and points with gradual slopes; Drop-off edges near spawning areas (15-25 FOW). Best techniques: Drop Shot with light line and small minnow-style baits, Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or worms, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with micro jigs. Primary forage: Small minnows and fathead minnows, Aquatic invertebrates, Newly hatched fish fry. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Chartreuse Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Irondequoit Bay in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 42-54°F. Walleye are actively moving to shallow rocky areas and points for spawning, typically most active during dawn and dusk periods Post-spawn fish begin transitioning to feeding locations near drop-offs and emerging weed edges Key locations: Rocky points and hard-bottom shorelines in 3-8 feet of water for spawning activity; Adjacent drop-offs in 8-15 feet for staging areas; Developing weed edges near points for post-spawn recovery. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along rocky areas and points, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow, subtle presentations, Blade Baits worked methodically through staging areas. Primary forage: Yellow Perch gathering in similar shallow areas, Alewives beginning their shallow water movements. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Chartreuse Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Irondequoit Bay in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 65-71°F. Post-spawn bass are actively feeding to recover energy, transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns Fish are utilizing developing weed growth and points while responding to bluegill spawning activity Movement patterns show fish relating to multiple depth zones (3-5ft shallow and deeper breaks) throughout the day Key locations: Points with access to deep water, especially those with developing weed growth; Isolated weed clumps on sharp breaks; Weed edges and deep water ledges. Best techniques: Drop Shot around deep water edges and developing weeds, Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around isolated weed clumps, Bladed Jigs in shallow water around vegetation, Football Jigs worked on structured points. Primary forage: Bluegill (primary forage, especially spawning activity), Shad (secondary forage option). Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Dark Neutrals, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Irondequoit Bay in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 65-72°F. Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding to recover energy, transitioning between shallow spawning areas and early summer patterns Fish are utilizing shoreline structure, particularly docks, as ambush points for feeding on bluegill Key locations: Docks with deep water access, particularly those near spawning flats; Rocky points and transitions adjacent to spawning areas; Rock piles in 8-15 foot depth range. Best techniques: Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly around dock posts and edges, Tubes dragged along rock transitions, Drop Shot with small profile baits for pressured fish. Primary forage: Bluegill gathering around dock areas, Crawfish active on rocky structures. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Dark Neutrals, Green Colors.

How do you catch Northern Pike on Irondequoit Bay in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 52-65°F. Active post-spawn feeding in shallow to mid-depth areas, particularly around points and emerging weed growth. Fish are aggressively hunting prey fish in these transitional areas. Moving between shallow spawning areas and deeper feeding zones, using points and weed edges as primary travel corridors. Key locations: Rocky points adjacent to spawning bays where multiple species are actively feeding; Emerging weed lines in 8-15 foot depth range; Secondary points with access to deeper water. Best techniques: Spinnerbaits worked along emerging weed edges and points, Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) for targeting actively feeding pike, Trolling Shallow (0-9') parallel to weed edges and point transitions. Primary forage: Alewife schools congregating near points and weed edges, Bluegill moving into warming shallow areas, Various minnow species in transitional areas. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Yellow Perch on Irondequoit Bay in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 52-65°F. Post-spawn yellow perch are actively feeding to recover energy, forming loose schools in 15-25 foot transitions Fish are following baitfish schools and moving between deeper structure and shallower feeding zones throughout the day Key locations: Drop-offs and ledges adjacent to spawning areas in 15-25 FOW; Channel edges near north end markers where transitions create ambush points; Complex shoreline areas with multiple depth changes and structure. Best techniques: Drop Shot with small minnow imitations worked slowly along bottom transitions, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with ice fishing jigs tipped with live bait, Live Bait Rigs with fathead minnows near structure. Primary forage: Fathead Minnows congregating near structure, Aquatic invertebrates becoming active in warming waters, Small baitfish schools in transition areas. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Chartreuse Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Irondequoit Bay in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 51-62°F. Post-spawn walleyes are actively recovering and beginning to feed, transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper structure Fish are utilizing both daytime and low-light periods for feeding, with increased activity during dawn and dusk Key locations: Rock piles and points adjacent to spawning areas in 8-15 feet of water; Developing weed edges near drop-offs in 12-20 foot range; Secondary points with access to deeper water. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along transitions, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') during low light periods, Trolling Shallow (0-9') along developing weed edges. Primary forage: Yellow Perch gathering in emerging weed growth, Alewives moving into shallower water as temperatures warm. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Irondequoit Bay in Summer?

Water temp 70-77°F. Bass are establishing summer patterns, actively feeding on bluegills around docks and weed edges during peak sunlight hours Fish are utilizing deep weed lines and transition areas near drop-offs as primary feeding zones Moving between shallow cover (pads/brush) and deeper structure throughout the day based on light conditions Key locations: Deep weed lines and weed edges, particularly near depth changes; Docks providing shade during midday sun; Submerged brush piles in intermediate depths; Transition areas near drop-offs with boulder or rock structure. Best techniques: Drop Shot along deep weed edges and structure, Wacky Rigs around docks and sparse cover, Bladed Jigs through weed edges for active fish, Frogs/Toads over shallow cover during low light. Primary forage: Bluegill, Perch, Alewife. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Green Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Irondequoit Bay in Summer?

Water temp 65-82°F. Actively feeding around rocky points and dock structures during early morning and evening hours Moving to deeper adjacent areas during midday heat, often suspending near dock pilings or deep rock piles Aggressively pursuing baitfish schools in open water, especially near points and cove mouths Key locations: Main lake points with rocky structure and access to deeper water; Dock complexes with deeper water access; Rock piles adjacent to deeper water; Cove mouths with mixed rock and dock structure. Best techniques: Drop Shot along deep dock edges and rock piles, Tubes worked through rocky areas, Ned Rigs dragged slowly on points, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for active fish chasing baitfish. Primary forage: Crawfish in rocky areas, Alewife schools in open water, Bluegill around dock structures. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Northern Pike on Irondequoit Bay in Summer?

Water temp 72-79°F. Northern Pike are holding along deep weed edges and drop-offs, actively feeding on bait schools in cooler water zones Fish are making feeding runs from deeper weed cover (12-15 feet) to adjacent shallower flats during prime feeding periods Key locations: Deep weed lines adjacent to drop-offs (12-15 feet); Weed flats near drop-offs in 8-12 feet; Points with established vegetation patterns. Best techniques: Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked along weed edges, Bladed Jigs ripped through grass while targeting bait schools, Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges. Primary forage: Bluegill concentrated in weed beds, Bait schools (likely alewife) suspended near structure. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Yellow Perch on Irondequoit Bay in Summer?

Water temp 65-75°F. Yellow perch form loose schools in deeper water (15-25 feet) during summer days, moving shallower during morning and evening periods Schools actively follow baitfish movements, particularly along drop-offs and ledges Feeding activity increases near structure transitions where aquatic invertebrates and small baitfish concentrate Key locations: Deep water drop-offs in 15-40 FOW, especially near points and channel edges; Transition areas between shallow flats and deeper water; Complex shoreline areas with submerged structure in 12-20 FOW. Best techniques: Drop Shot with small minnow imitations or tubes, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with small spoons or ice jigs, Live Bait Rigs with fathead minnows or worms. Primary forage: Fathead minnows and other small baitfish, Aquatic invertebrates and bottom-dwelling insects, Young-of-year fish species. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Irondequoit Bay in Summer?

Water temp 65-75°F. Walleye are primarily feeding during low-light periods (dawn/dusk) along deep weed edges and drop-offs, with some daytime activity in deeper water Fish are following daily movements of perch and alewife schools, utilizing structure transitions as ambush points Key locations: Deep weed edges in 12-18 feet transitioning to drop-offs; Rock piles and points adjacent to deep water; Main lake drop-offs in 15-20 foot range. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along deep edges, Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with crankbaits parallel to breaks, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') on active fish. Primary forage: Yellow Perch schooling along weed edges and transitions, Alewives suspending near drop-offs and points, Smaller baitfish relating to weed growth. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Purple Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Irondequoit Bay in Fall?

Water temp 55-68°F. Bass are actively following baitfish schools and feeding heavily to prepare for winter, with aggressive feeding periods during cloudy days and dawn/dusk Fish are transitioning from summer weed patterns to deeper structure, using points and drop-offs as migration routes Bass are relating strongly to remaining green vegetation and hard structure near deep water access Key locations: Deep weed edges adjacent to sharp breaks, especially where vegetation is still green; Main lake points with access to both shallow and deep water; Dock areas near deep water that still hold baitfish schools. Best techniques: Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked parallel to weed edges and breaks, Spinnerbaits burned through scattered vegetation and around dock areas, Drop Shot worked slowly along deep structure and remaining vegetation. Primary forage: Shad and alewife schooling in deeper water, Bluegill holding near remaining vegetation, Perch relating to hard bottom areas near drops. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Irondequoit Bay in Fall?

Water temp 52-65°F. Smallmouth bass are actively feeding to build up energy reserves for winter, following baitfish schools and focusing on high-protein forage like crawfish Fish are transitioning from shallower to deeper water as temperatures cool, using deep rock piles and points as staging areas Key locations: Deep rock piles and points adjacent to shallow feeding flats; Steep breaks near dock areas with 15-25 foot depths; Main lake points with access to deep water. Best techniques: Drop Shot with small profile baits worked slowly along bottom structure, Ned Rigs dragged along rocky transitions, Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended fish. Primary forage: Crawfish seeking deeper rocky habitat, Alewife schools suspending near structure, Bluegill relating to dock areas. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Northern Pike on Irondequoit Bay in Fall?

Water temp 52-65°F. Actively feeding and chasing bait schools in preparation for winter, utilizing drop-offs and weed breaks as ambush points Moving between deep and shallow water following bait movements, with increased activity during low-light periods Key locations: Deep weed breaks adjacent to drop-offs where bait schools are present; Main lake points with access to deep water; Steep breaks near remaining weed beds. Best techniques: Hard Jerkbaits worked with aggressive rips followed by longer pauses, Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges, Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) mimicking baitfish schools. Primary forage: Bait Schools (Alewife), Bluegill in remaining vegetation. Best bait colors: Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Yellow Perch on Irondequoit Bay in Fall?

Water temp 58-67°F. Large schools actively feeding at transitional depths (15-40 FOW), following baitfish schools and moving frequently along drop-offs and channel edges Showing classic fall schooling behavior with aggressive feeding periods, concentrating around structural elements that funnel baitfish Key locations: Deep drop-offs and ledges near channel markers in 15-40 FOW; Points with access to deep water, especially on the north end; Transitional areas between shallow and deep water with distinct depth changes. Best techniques: Drop Shot with #12 treble hooks, worked vertically or with slow retrieves, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Live Bait Rigs. Primary forage: Fathead Minnows, Small invertebrates and worms, Juvenile panfish. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Irondequoit Bay in Fall?

Water temp 51-65°F. Walleye are transitioning to deeper water following baitfish migrations, actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter Fish become more aggressive during low-light periods, moving shallower to feed on points and along deep weed edges Key locations: Deep weed edges and drop-offs in 15-20 foot range; Rock piles and points adjacent to deep water; Main lake basin areas where baitfish schools are suspending. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Trolling Mid Depth (10-19'), Live Bait Rigs. Primary forage: Yellow Perch, Alewives. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Purple Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Northern Pike on Irondequoit Bay in Winter?

Water temp 52-65°F. Pike are holding on steep breaks and weed edges where baitfish congregate, using the deeper structure as ambush points and comfort zones Active feeding occurs during warmer parts of the day, especially when baitfish schools move through their holding areas Key locations: Deep weed edges adjacent to steep breaks in 15-25 feet of water; Points with access to deep water that intersect with baitfish migration routes; Protected bays with remaining vegetation near deep water access. Best techniques: Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with large baits parallel to weed edges, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are marked on electronics, Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly along depth transitions. Primary forage: Alewife schools suspending near structure, Bluegill concentrated in remaining deep weed patches. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Chartreuse Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Yellow Perch on Irondequoit Bay in Winter?

Water temp 34-42°F. Yellow perch form tight schools in deeper water (15-40 FOW), actively feeding on small baitfish and invertebrates near distinct depth transitions Schools remain mobile, following forage and utilizing deep channel areas as primary winter holding zones Key locations: Deep channel areas near north end markers (15-40 FOW); Distinct ledges and drop-offs with proximity to deeper water; Deep water transitions near complex shoreline structures. Best techniques: Drop Shot with small minnow imitations or worm profiles, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with aggressive lift-drop cadence, Ice Fishing Spoons worked slowly through suspended schools. Primary forage: Fathead minnows and other small baitfish, Aquatic invertebrates, Young-of-year panfish. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Chartreuse Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Walleye on Irondequoit Bay in Winter?

Water temp 51-58°F. Walleye actively feeding on deep structure and transitions, primarily targeting perch and alewives along drop-offs and rock piles Fish are likely to be most active during lower light conditions, especially around sunrise and sunset, though some daytime feeding occurs Key locations: Deep rock piles and structural transitions in 15-20 feet of water; Main lake points with access to deep water; Deep weedline edges adjacent to drop-offs. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Blade Baits, Large Hair Jigs (Preacher). Primary forage: Yellow Perch congregating in deeper water, Alewives schooling near structure. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Northern Pike on Irondequoit Bay in Ice?

Water temp 33-39°F. Pike become more lethargic during ice season, conserving energy and focusing on larger meals Fish tend to concentrate in areas adjacent to deep weed edges where forage is abundant Feeding activity peaks during early morning and late afternoon periods Key locations: Deep weed edges adjacent to drop-offs (12-20 feet); Points with access to both shallow and deep water; Bays with remaining green weeds under the ice. Best techniques: Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned at varying depths, Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with large profile baits. Primary forage: Alewife concentrations in deeper water, Bluegill schools around remaining weed growth, Suspended baitfish in open water areas. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Chartreuse Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Yellow Perch on Irondequoit Bay in Ice?

Water temp 33-39°F. Schools of perch will concentrate in deep basins (15-40 FOW) during ice season, moving between feeding zones along transition areas Perch exhibit active feeding during prime morning and evening periods, with groups following forage movements Fish become more selective during midday, requiring downsized presentations and slower techniques Key locations: Deep basin areas adjacent to significant drop-offs, particularly in 15-40 FOW; Channel edges near the north end markers where seasonal movements concentrate fish; Transition zones between different bottom compositions, especially near deep water access. Best techniques: Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements, particularly effective with live bait, Ice Fishing Spoons for actively feeding fish, especially during prime feeding windows, Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set along depth transitions to intercept roaming schools. Primary forage: Fathead minnows, particularly abundant in deeper winter holding areas, Small aquatic invertebrates, which perch target during less active periods, Young-of-year panfish, which concentrate in similar winter locations. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Chartreuse Colors, Pink Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Irondequoit Bay in Ice?

Water temp 34-39°F. Walleye become more stationary during ice season, concentrating in specific depth ranges and structure types Feeding activity peaks during dawn and dusk periods, with sporadic activity throughout daylight hours Fish tend to school more tightly in winter, following both perch and alewife concentrations Key locations: Deep weed line edges where they meet drop-offs, particularly in 15-20 foot range; Rock piles and points adjacent to deeper water, especially in 8-15 foot range; Basin areas near structural transitions where baitfish school. Best techniques: Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements near bottom, Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive flash for attracting fish from distance, Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to cover water column. Primary forage: Yellow Perch concentrating near deeper weed edges, Alewives schooling in open water basin areas, Small panfish near structure transitions. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Chartreuse Colors, Purple Colors.