How to Fish Irondequoit Bay: Best Patterns & Techniques

Irondequoit Bay

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 6, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Irondequoit Bay

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	51-58	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	Rocky points adjacent to spawning bays Rock piles in pre-spawn staging areas Developing weed edges in shallow protected areas	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	Alewife Shad Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	45-55	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	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	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	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy in rocky areas Small bluegill in warming shallow areas Alewife schools transitioning to shallower water	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	45-58	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	Points with adjacent rocks, especially those near spawning bays Shallow rocky areas warming quickest in daily sun Emerging weed growth areas near spawning bays	Bladed Jigs worked along point breaks Spinnerbaits parallel to emerging weed growth Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) for aggressive presentations	Alewife concentrating near points Various small fish species gathering in warming shallows	Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	42-52	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.	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	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	Fathead Minnows concentrated in pre-spawn areas Aquatic invertebrates becoming more active with warming waters Small baitfish schools following similar transitional patterns	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	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	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	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	Yellow Perch concentrated near spawning areas Alewives in slightly deeper adjacent areas Small baitfish gathering in warming shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	57-65	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	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	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	Shad schooling in shallow water and around points Bluegill in and around reed beds and shallow cover	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-68	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	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	Football Jigs dragged slowly across rocky areas Hard Jerkbaits worked aggressively around rock piles Tubes worked through spawning areas	Crawfish - primary forage based on recent reports Bluegill - secondary forage showing in fishing patterns Rock Bass - indicating healthy rocky habitat ecosystem	Natural Craw Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	42-55	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	Rocky points and adjacent shallow bays where spawning occurs Emerging weed edges in 3-8 feet of water Protected coves with warming water temperatures	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	Alewife gathering in pre-spawn schools Bluegill moving shallow as water warms Young of the year baitfish in warming bays	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	42-52	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	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)	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	Small minnows and fathead minnows Aquatic invertebrates Newly hatched fish fry	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-54	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	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	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	Yellow Perch gathering in similar shallow areas Alewives beginning their shallow water movements	Natural Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	65-71	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	Points with access to deep water, especially those with developing weed growth Isolated weed clumps on sharp breaks Weed edges and deep water ledges	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	Bluegill (primary forage, especially spawning activity) Shad (secondary forage option)	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	65-72	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	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	Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly around dock posts and edges Tubes dragged along rock transitions Drop Shot with small profile baits for pressured fish	Bluegill gathering around dock areas Crawfish active on rocky structures	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	52-65	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.	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	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	Alewife schools congregating near points and weed edges Bluegill moving into warming shallow areas Various minnow species in transitional areas	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	52-65	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	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	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	Fathead Minnows congregating near structure Aquatic invertebrates becoming active in warming waters Small baitfish schools in transition areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	51-62	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	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	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along transitions Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') during low light periods Trolling Shallow (0-9') along developing weed edges	Yellow Perch gathering in emerging weed growth Alewives moving into shallower water as temperatures warm	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	70-77	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	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	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	Bluegill Perch Alewife	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	65-82	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	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	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	Crawfish in rocky areas Alewife schools in open water Bluegill around dock structures	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Northern Pike	72-79	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	Deep weed lines adjacent to drop-offs (12-15 feet) Weed flats near drop-offs in 8-12 feet Points with established vegetation patterns	Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked along weed edges Bladed Jigs ripped through grass while targeting bait schools Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges	Bluegill concentrated in weed beds Bait schools (likely alewife) suspended near structure	Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Yellow Perch	65-75	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	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	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	Fathead minnows and other small baitfish Aquatic invertebrates and bottom-dwelling insects Young-of-year fish species	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Summer	Walleye	65-75	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	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	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	Yellow Perch schooling along weed edges and transitions Alewives suspending near drop-offs and points Smaller baitfish relating to weed growth	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Irondequoit Bay

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	55-68	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	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	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	Shad and alewife schooling in deeper water Bluegill holding near remaining vegetation Perch relating to hard bottom areas near drops	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	52-65	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	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	Drop Shot with small profile baits worked slowly along bottom structure Ned Rigs dragged along rocky transitions Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended fish	Crawfish seeking deeper rocky habitat Alewife schools suspending near structure Bluegill relating to dock areas	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Northern Pike	52-65	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	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	Hard Jerkbaits worked with aggressive rips followed by longer pauses Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) mimicking baitfish schools	Bait Schools (Alewife) Bluegill in remaining vegetation	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Yellow Perch	58-67	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	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	Drop Shot with #12 treble hooks, worked vertically or with slow retrieves Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Live Bait Rigs	Fathead Minnows Small invertebrates and worms Juvenile panfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Walleye	51-65	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	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	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') Live Bait Rigs	Yellow Perch Alewives	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	52-65	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	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	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	Alewife schools suspending near structure Bluegill concentrated in remaining deep weed patches	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Yellow Perch	34-42	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	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	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	Fathead minnows and other small baitfish Aquatic invertebrates Young-of-year panfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Walleye	51-58	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	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	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Large Hair Jigs (Preacher)	Yellow Perch congregating in deeper water Alewives schooling near structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Northern Pike	33-39	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	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	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	Alewife concentrations in deeper water Bluegill schools around remaining weed growth Suspended baitfish in open water areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Metallic Colors
Ice	Yellow Perch	33-39	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	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	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	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	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Ice	Walleye	34-39	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	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	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	Yellow Perch concentrating near deeper weed edges Alewives schooling in open water basin areas Small panfish near structure transitions	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Irondequoit Bay

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Rocky points adjacent to spawning bays	Rock piles in pre-spawn staging areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	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
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Points with adjacent rocks, especially those near spawning bays	Shallow rocky areas warming quickest in daily sun
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	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
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points and hard-bottom areas in 8-15 feet of water	Transition areas where deep winter holes meet spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shallow reed beds in 2-3 feet of water, particularly where they meet harder bottom	Points and shallow flats adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles in shallow water (0-9 ft), particularly those near spawning flats	Protected coves with hard bottom structure
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Rocky points and adjacent shallow bays where spawning occurs	Emerging weed edges in 3-8 feet of water
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Firm bottom areas with vegetation or woody debris in 4-15 FOW	Protected coves and points with gradual slopes
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	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
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Points with access to deep water, especially those with developing weed growth	Isolated weed clumps on sharp breaks
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Docks with deep water access, particularly those near spawning flats	Rocky points and transitions adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Rocky points adjacent to spawning bays where multiple species are actively feeding	Emerging weed lines in 8-15 foot depth range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Drop-offs and ledges adjacent to spawning areas in 15-25 FOW	Channel edges near north end markers where transitions create ambush points
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	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
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Deep weed lines and weed edges, particularly near depth changes	Docks providing shade during midday sun
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points with rocky structure and access to deeper water	Dock complexes with deeper water access
Summer	Northern Pike	Deep weed lines adjacent to drop-offs (12-15 feet)	Weed flats near drop-offs in 8-12 feet
Summer	Yellow Perch	Deep water drop-offs in 15-40 FOW, especially near points and channel edges	Transition areas between shallow flats and deeper water
Summer	Walleye	Deep weed edges in 12-18 feet transitioning to drop-offs	Rock piles and points adjacent to deep water
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Deep weed edges adjacent to sharp breaks, especially where vegetation is still green	Main lake points with access to both shallow and deep water
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Deep rock piles and points adjacent to shallow feeding flats	Steep breaks near dock areas with 15-25 foot depths
Fall	Northern Pike	Deep weed breaks adjacent to drop-offs where bait schools are present	Main lake points with access to deep water
Fall	Yellow Perch	Deep drop-offs and ledges near channel markers in 15-40 FOW	Points with access to deep water, especially on the north end
Fall	Walleye	Deep weed edges and drop-offs in 15-20 foot range	Rock piles and points adjacent to deep water
Winter	Northern Pike	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
Winter	Yellow Perch	Deep channel areas near north end markers (15-40 FOW)	Distinct ledges and drop-offs with proximity to deeper water
Winter	Walleye	Deep rock piles and structural transitions in 15-20 feet of water	Main lake points with access to deep water
Ice	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges adjacent to drop-offs (12-20 feet)	Points with access to both shallow and deep water
Ice	Yellow Perch	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
Ice	Walleye	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

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Alewife	Shad
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy in rocky areas	Small bluegill in warming shallow areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Alewife concentrating near points	Various small fish species gathering in warming shallows
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Fathead Minnows concentrated in pre-spawn areas	Aquatic invertebrates becoming more active with warming waters
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Yellow Perch concentrated near spawning areas	Alewives in slightly deeper adjacent areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling in shallow water and around points	Bluegill in and around reed beds and shallow cover
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish - primary forage based on recent reports	Bluegill - secondary forage showing in fishing patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Alewife gathering in pre-spawn schools	Bluegill moving shallow as water warms
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small minnows and fathead minnows	Aquatic invertebrates
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Yellow Perch gathering in similar shallow areas	Alewives beginning their shallow water movements
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill (primary forage, especially spawning activity)	Shad (secondary forage option)
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Bluegill gathering around dock areas	Crawfish active on rocky structures
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Alewife schools congregating near points and weed edges	Bluegill moving into warming shallow areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Fathead Minnows congregating near structure	Aquatic invertebrates becoming active in warming waters
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Yellow Perch gathering in emerging weed growth	Alewives moving into shallower water as temperatures warm
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill	Perch
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish in rocky areas	Alewife schools in open water
Summer	Northern Pike	Bluegill concentrated in weed beds	Bait schools (likely alewife) suspended near structure
Summer	Yellow Perch	Fathead minnows and other small baitfish	Aquatic invertebrates and bottom-dwelling insects
Summer	Walleye	Yellow Perch schooling along weed edges and transitions	Alewives suspending near drop-offs and points
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad and alewife schooling in deeper water	Bluegill holding near remaining vegetation
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish seeking deeper rocky habitat	Alewife schools suspending near structure
Fall	Northern Pike	Bait Schools (Alewife)	Bluegill in remaining vegetation
Fall	Yellow Perch	Fathead Minnows	Small invertebrates and worms
Fall	Walleye	Yellow Perch	Alewives
Winter	Northern Pike	Alewife schools suspending near structure	Bluegill concentrated in remaining deep weed patches
Winter	Yellow Perch	Fathead minnows and other small baitfish	Aquatic invertebrates
Winter	Walleye	Yellow Perch congregating in deeper water	Alewives schooling near structure
Ice	Northern Pike	Alewife concentrations in deeper water	Bluegill schools around remaining weed growth
Ice	Yellow Perch	Fathead minnows, particularly abundant in deeper winter holding areas	Small aquatic invertebrates, which perch target during less active periods
Ice	Walleye	Yellow Perch concentrating near deeper weed edges	Alewives schooling in open water basin areas

Bait Colors by Season for Irondequoit Bay

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Summer	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Northern Pike	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Northern Pike	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Metallic Colors
Ice	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Ice	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors