Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Largemouth Bass | 52-70 | - Pre-spawn largemouth bass are actively staging near spawning areas and feeding heavily to prepare for the spawn. Fish are transitioning from winter areas to shallower pre-spawn locations, particularly utilizing rocky structure and bluff walls as transition routes.
- Fish are showing increased aggression and feeding activity, especially during warmer afternoon periods, as indicated by the reports of fish 'hammering' baits.
| - Bluff walls and boulder areas, particularly in transition zones leading to spawning flats
- Rip rap banks receiving afternoon sun
- Laydowns and wood cover adjacent to potential spawning areas
| - Finesse Jigs worked slowly along rocky structure
- Ned Rigs targeting rocky areas and rip rap
- Bladed Jigs for covering water and targeting active fish
- Spinnerbaits around laydowns and in wind-blown areas
| - Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy
- Bluegill in shallow cover
- Shad schools in transition areas
| - Vibrant Craw Colors
- Dark Neutrals
- Bold Striped Patterns
|
Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Smallmouth Bass | 52-60 | - Pre-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding on crawfish while transitioning from winter to spawning areas, particularly active on windblown points
- Fish are moving from deeper wintering areas to staging areas near spawning flats, using points as transitional structures
| - Windblown main lake points with access to deeper water
- Rocky transition areas between deep winter haunts and spawning flats
- Secondary points in major creek arms with good rock content
| - Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked along point transitions
- Tubes dragged on bottom focusing on rocky areas
- Ned Rigs worked slowly on points and transitions
| - Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy
- Small baitfish relating to points
| - Vibrant Craw Colors
- Bold Striped Patterns
|
Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Striped Bass | 52-65 | - Striped bass are transitioning from winter deep-water patterns to more active pre-spawn movements, following bait schools into creek arms and towards spawning areas
- Fish are particularly active during early morning and late evening periods, staging near points and channel edges that provide access to spawning tributaries
| - Main lake points adjacent to creek channels that provide staging areas near spawning tributaries
- Bluff walls near deep water access that offer current breaks and ambush points
- Secondary points in major creek arms where bait schools congregate
| - Umbrella Rigs worked along depth transitions to mimic shad schools
- Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled through suspended bait schools
- Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around active bait schools
| - Shad schools beginning to move shallower with warming water
- Smaller baitfish congregating near spawning areas
| - Bold Striped Patterns
- Chartreuse Colors
- Dark Neutrals
|
Spring (Pre-Spawn) | White Bass | 52-65 | - Pre-spawn white bass are actively staging near points and moving into tributary areas, aggressively feeding on shad in preparation for spawning
- Fish are schooling in the upper water column, particularly during morning hours, targeting shad in relatively shallow water due to turbid conditions
| - Main lake points near tributary arms and spawning areas
- Open water areas with active shad schools
- Secondary points in major creek arms
| - Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked along points and shallow flats
- Lipless Crankbaits retrieved at varying speeds through schooling fish
- Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for imitating shad in open water
| - Shad (primary forage based on multiple reports)
- Small baitfish concentrating near spawning areas
| - Bold Striped Patterns
- Chartreuse Colors
- Dark Neutrals
|
Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Crappie | 52-65 | - Pre-spawn crappie are transitioning from deeper winter haunts to shallower staging areas, becoming more active with warming water
- Fish are moving towards spawning areas but still relating heavily to structure, suspending near brush piles and points in 8-15ft
- Feeding activity increases as water warms, with most aggressive feeding during warmer afternoons
| - Secondary points leading into spawning coves, especially those with brush piles in 8-15ft
- Steep banks with brush pile structure near spawning flats
- Protected coves with deeper staging areas adjacent to eventual spawning grounds
| - Crappie Spider Rigging
- Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')
- Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling)
| - Shad concentrations in pre-spawn staging areas
- Small baitfish gathering in warming waters
| - Chartreuse Colors
- Pink Colors
- Bold Striped Patterns
|
Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Spotted Bass | 52-65 | - Spotted bass are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn, moving from deeper winter haunts to staging areas near spawning flats
- Fish are becoming more aggressive and active as water temperatures rise, feeding heavily to prepare for spawning
- Morning and afternoon feeding windows are extending with increasing daylight
| - Rocky points and transition areas adjacent to spawning flats
- Steep bluff walls with nearby shallow flats
- Channel swings near coves that will be used for spawning
| - Lipless Crankbaits worked along transition areas from deep to shallow
- Bladed Jigs around rocky points and near shad schools
- Shakey Heads worked slowly on bluff walls and rocky areas
| - Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn areas
- Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas as water warms
- Small bluegill in shallow feeding areas
| - Vibrant Craw Colors
- Bold Striped Patterns
- Chartreuse Colors
|
Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Trout | 45-58 | - Trout are actively feeding in dam tailwater areas where cool, oxygenated water provides ideal conditions
- Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior, willing to chase inline spinners in the current
| - Dam tailwater area with consistent cool water releases
- Current breaks and eddies below the dam
- Deeper pools in tailwater section where trout can rest
| - Inline Spinners
- Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)
- Live Bait Rigs
| - Shad
- Various aquatic insects in tailwater
| - Chartreuse Colors
- Bold Striped Patterns
- Pink Colors
|
Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Panfish / Bluegill | 58-68 | - Pre-spawn bluegill are transitioning from winter patterns to shallow staging areas, becoming more active as water temperatures rise
- Fish are beginning to feed more aggressively but still relating strongly to cover in 4-8 foot depth range
| - Brush piles and stumps in 4-6 foot range near potential spawning flats
- Edges of submerged vegetation in 4-6 foot depth
- Protected coves with warming water temperatures
| - Bobbers with small jigs suspended at precise depths near cover
- Ice Fishing Jigs worked slowly around structure
- Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or worms
| - Small insects and larvae emerging with warming water
- Tiny baitfish and shad fry
- Small crustaceans near woody cover
| - Chartreuse Colors
- Pink Colors
- Dark Neutrals
|
Spring (Spawn) | Largemouth Bass | 58-65 | - Bass are actively engaged in spawning behavior, moving into shallow protected areas with water temperatures around 60°F
- Fish are territorial and aggressive, defending nesting sites in shallow water 1-3 feet deep
- Feeding activity is opportunistic, with fish willing to strike both to feed and defend nests
| - Rocky areas in 1-3 feet of water, particularly those with good spawning substrate
- Protected coves with stable water conditions
- Shallow areas near bluff walls offering quick deep water access
| - Shakey Heads worked slowly through spawning areas
- Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentations around visible beds
- Soft Jerkbaits for covering water between spawning areas
| - Bluegill moving into shallow spawning areas
- Shad transitioning to spawning flats
| - Vibrant Craw Colors
- Dark Neutrals
- Pink Colors
|
Spring (Spawn) | Smallmouth Bass | 55-65 | - Smallmouth bass transitioning to spawning areas, males preparing and guarding nests in protected areas with hard bottom
- Pre-spawn feeding activity increases as water warms, with fish staging near spawning flats
- Fish become more aggressive and territorial as they establish spawning territories
| - Protected rocky coves and pockets with gravel or rock bottom in 2-8 foot depth
- Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays
- Windblown rocky points near deeper water access
| - Tubes worked slowly along rocky bottoms
- Ned Rigs dragged through spawning areas
- Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to shoreline structure
| - Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy
- Small baitfish beginning to school in spawning areas
- Juvenile bluegill in shallow covers
| - Vibrant Craw Colors
- Dark Neutrals
- Pink Colors
|
Spring (Spawn) | Striped Bass | 58-68 | - Striped bass are in pre-spawn to spawning patterns, actively feeding in shallow to mid-depth zones during early morning hours
- Fish are showing strong structure-oriented behavior, utilizing docks and adjacent areas as staging points
- Aggressive feeding periods during low-light conditions, especially early morning, due to the lake's stained water (1.1m Secchi)
| - Docks and adjacent shallow flats in spawning pockets
- Main lake points near deep water access
- Creek channel intersections with spawning flats
| - Bladed Jigs worked parallel to dock edges
- Umbrella Rigs for actively feeding fish
- Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) for imitating shad
| - Shad schools in pre-spawn patterns
- Small baitfish gathering near spawning areas
| - Bold Striped Patterns
- Chartreuse Colors
- Dark Neutrals
|
Spring (Spawn) | White Bass | 52-65 | - White bass actively moving to river channels and creek arms for spawning, forming large schools in pre-spawn staging areas
- Fish transitioning between deeper wintering areas and shallow spawning zones, often using points as migration routes
- Aggressive feeding periods during early morning and late evening, especially in shallower water
| - Creek arms and river channel intersections where spawning runs occur
- Main lake points adjacent to spawning tributaries
- Shallow flats (3-8 feet) near tributary mouths
| - Blade Baits worked with quick, vertical snaps in staging areas
- Inline Spinners retrieved steadily in shallow spawning areas
- Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along migration routes
| - Pre-spawn shad schools in tributary areas
- Small baitfish congregating near spawning areas
- Juvenile shad in warming shallow bays
| - Chartreuse Colors
- Bold Striped Patterns
- Dark Neutrals
|
Spring (Spawn) | Crappie | 58-68 | - Crappie are moving into shallower staging areas near spawning flats in 3-8 feet of water
- Fish are becoming more aggressive as water warms, actively feeding before spawning
- Males beginning to establish and guard nesting areas in protected coves and pockets
| - Protected shallow coves with brush or structure in 3-8 feet
- Secondary points leading into spawning pockets
- Shallow brush piles adjacent to spawning flats
| - Crappie Dock Shooting
- Bobbers
- Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling)
| - Shad fry and small juveniles
- Small minnows gathering in spawning areas
| - Chartreuse Colors
- Pink Colors
- Bold Striped Patterns
|
Spring (Spawn) | Spotted Bass | 58-68 | - Spotted bass are moving into shallower spawning areas, particularly in protected coves and pockets with hard bottom
- Males are actively guarding nests while females stage on nearby points and ledges between spawning phases
- Feeding becomes more aggressive during pre-spawn, with brief windows of intense activity
| - Protected rocky pockets and coves with gravel or small rock bottom
- Secondary points leading into spawning areas
- Bluff walls adjacent to spawning pockets
| - Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip)
- Shakey Heads
- Bladed Jigs
- Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)
| - Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy
- Shad schools in pre-spawn patterns
- Small bluegill in spawning areas
| - Vibrant Craw Colors
- Dark Neutrals
- Bold Striped Patterns
|
Spring (Spawn) | Trout | 52-62 | - Trout are actively feeding in the dam tailwater area where water temperatures and oxygen levels are optimal for spring activity
- Fish are concentrating near current breaks and structure where they can ambush prey while conserving energy
- More aggressive feeding behavior during dawn and dusk periods when light penetration is less of a factor in the turbid water
| - Dam tailwater area with consistent cool water releases
- Current breaks and eddies near the dam structure
- Deeper pools with structure that provide holding areas near oxygenated water
| - Inline Spinners worked through current seams
- Live Bait Rigs with suspended presentations
- Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) mimicking shad
| - Shad concentrating in tailwater area
- Small baitfish drawn to current
- Aquatic insects in oxygenated water
| - Chartreuse Colors
- Bold Striped Patterns
- Pink Colors
|
Spring (Spawn) | Panfish / Bluegill | 65-75 | - Actively spawning in shallow water areas, particularly around vegetation and brush piles in 2-6 foot depth range
- Males aggressively guarding nests and striking at threats, while females stage slightly deeper near spawning areas
| - Protected coves with submerged vegetation in 4-6 foot range
- Shallow flats near brush piles and stumps in 2-4 foot depth
- Back areas of coves with firm bottom composition
| - Bobbers with small jigs suspended 2-4 feet deep
- Live Bait Rigs with small hooks and light line
- Micro Crankbaits worked slowly around spawning areas
| - Small insects and larvae around vegetation
- Small crustaceans in shallow areas
- Tiny baitfish fry near spawning areas
| - Chartreuse Colors
- Dark Neutrals
- Pink Colors
|
Spring (Post-Spawn) | Largemouth Bass | 70-78 | - Post-spawn largemouth are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy
- Fish are showing mixed depth patterns - some still shallow in 1-4ft range while others moving to deeper structure, suggesting a gradual migration phase
- Most active during early morning periods before sun gets high, particularly in shallow zones
| - Stump fields in 4-6 foot range, especially those near deeper water access
- Protected coves with boulders and laydowns
- Marina boat slips and dock areas
- Ledges where fish are beginning to stage for summer patterns
| - Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked through stump fields
- Hard Topwater (Popping) in shallow water during early morning
- Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) in coves and around boulders
- Bladed Jigs around boat slips when wind is present
| - Minnows/Shad schooling in coves and around structure
- Bluegill in shallow areas around cover
- Crawfish active around rocky structure and stumps
| - Chartreuse Colors
- Vibrant Craw Colors
- Bold Striped Patterns
|
Spring (Post-Spawn) | Smallmouth Bass | 58-80 | - Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding to recover energy, moving between shallow and mid-depth areas with shad schools present in creek channels
- Fish showing morning shallow water activity near docks and moving deeper during midday as temperatures rise
| - Boat docks in shallow water, particularly during morning hours
- Creek channels on main lake where shad are congregating
- Rock piles and points with access to deeper water
| - Bladed Jigs with trailers, especially effective in morning hours
- Tubes worked around structure
- Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) to match shad presence
| - Shad schools in creek channels
- Bluegill in shallow areas near docks
| - Vibrant Craw Colors
- Bold Striped Patterns
|
Spring (Post-Spawn) | Striped Bass | 58-72 | - Post-spawn striped bass are actively feeding and recuperating, targeting shad schools in transition areas between shallow and deep water
- Fish are most active during low-light periods, especially early morning, as evidenced by recent bank fishing success
- Stripers are utilizing points and creek arms as ambush locations to intercept bait schools
| - Main lake points and secondary points in creek arms, particularly at Smith Springs cove
- Creek channel intersections with major points
- Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water, especially during early morning
| - Bladed Jigs worked along points and through shad schools
- Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled near structure
- Umbrella Rigs for actively feeding fish chasing shad
| - Shad schools concentrated around points and creek arms
- Small baitfish transitioning to summer patterns
| - Bold Striped Patterns
- Chartreuse Colors
- Light Neutral Colors
|
Spring (Post-Spawn) | White Bass | 58-72 | - Aggressively feeding in post-spawn recovery phase, forming medium-sized schools around baitfish concentrations, particularly during morning and evening periods
- Moving between points and creek arms following shad movements, with increased surface feeding activity when birds are present
| - Main lake points adjacent to creek channels where shad are congregating
- Shallow flats (8-15 feet) near river channel edges
- Creek arm mouths with baitfish activity, especially during low light periods
| - Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked at varied speeds through the upper water column
- Inline Spinners cast and retrieved parallel to points where baitfish are present
- Lipless Crankbaits burned through schools when surface activity is spotted
| - Shad schools congregating near points and channel edges
- Small baitfish in shallow creek arms
| - Chartreuse Colors
- Bold Striped Patterns
- Dark Neutrals
|
Spring (Post-Spawn) | Crappie | 65-75 | - Post-spawn crappie transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper summer haunts, actively feeding to recover energy
- Fish relating heavily to brush piles in 12-18ft range as staging areas during transition
- Feeding activity peaks during morning and evening periods with scattered schools
| - Brush piles near spawning flats in 12-18ft range
- Secondary points with access to deeper water
- Deep dock areas adjacent to spawning coves
| - Crappie Spider Rigging
- Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')
- Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling)
| - Adult and juvenile shad in 8-15ft depth range
- Small bluegill and sunfish fry near brush piles
| - Chartreuse Colors
- Bold Striped Patterns
- Pink Colors
|
Spring (Post-Spawn) | Spotted Bass | 58-72 | - Post-spawn spotted bass are actively feeding during early morning hours, transitioning from nighttime shallow water feeding to deeper water during the day
- Fish are relating to transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water, using rock piles and points as primary feeding stations
| - Rock piles and points adjacent to spawning pockets
- Shallow to mid-depth transition areas near channel edges
- Bluff walls with access to deep water
| - Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked parallel to points and transition areas
- Carolina Rigs dragged along rocky bottom structure
- Shakey Heads worked around rock piles and points
| - Shad
- Crawfish emerging from rocky areas
| - Vibrant Craw Colors
- Bold Striped Patterns
- Chartreuse Colors
|
Spring (Post-Spawn) | Trout | 52-62 | - Actively feeding in tailwater areas where cool, oxygenated water provides optimal conditions post-spawn
- Concentrating near current breaks and structure where shad gather in the relatively turbid water
| - Dam tailwater area with consistent cool water releases
- Current breaks and eddies near the dam structure
- Deeper pools with structure where cooler water collects
| - Inline Spinners worked through current seams
- Live Bait Rigs with suspended presentations
- Trolling Shallow (0-9') near dam structure
| - Shad
- Small Baitfish
- Aquatic Insects
| - Chartreuse Colors
- Bold Striped Patterns
- Pink Colors
|
Spring (Post-Spawn) | Panfish / Bluegill | 65-75 | - Post-spawn bluegill are actively feeding and recovering in shallow water zones, particularly around submerged vegetation in 4-6 foot depth range
- Fish are utilizing vegetation edges and brush piles for protection while maintaining proximity to feeding areas
| - Submerged vegetation beds in 4-6 foot depth range
- Brush piles and stumps in shallow water zones
- Protected coves with emerging vegetation
| - Drop Shot with light tungsten weights (1/8 oz) and small hooks
- Bobbers with suspended baits near vegetation edges
- Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly through cover
| - Small aquatic insects and larvae
- Tiny crustaceans
- Small worms and leeches
| - Chartreuse Colors
- Bold Striped Patterns
- Pink Colors
|