How to Fish John H. Kerr Reservoir: Best Patterns & Techniques

John H. Kerr Reservoir

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 24, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on John H. Kerr Reservoir

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	51-62	Bass are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, becoming more active as water temperatures rise from low 50s to upper 50s Fish are showing increased feeding activity during afternoon warming periods, particularly when water temperatures approach 60°F Bass are relating heavily to transitional structure between deep water and spawning flats, with movement patterns influenced by daily temperature changes	Main lake points, especially those with red clay or sandy composition Riprap banks in 2-7 foot depth range Protected creek arms with wood cover Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Shallow to medium diving crankbaits worked along riprap and points Carolina rigs dragged on main lake points Soft body swimbaits and underspins around transitional areas Bladed jigs in stained water areas	Crawfish emerging as primary forage in warming shallows Shad beginning to move shallower with warming trends Bluegill in dock areas and near shallow cover	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	52-65	Transitioning from winter depths to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Following bait schools while gradually moving shallower, becoming more structure-oriented as water warms	Main lake points with transition from rock to deeper water Secondary points in major creek arms with hard bottom Steep banks with rock piles in 8-15 foot range	Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked along point transitions Bladed Jigs around shallow structure and emerging vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for suspended fish following bait	Shad schools beginning pre-spawn movements to shallower water Blueback herring staging near points and creek mouths	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Pre-spawn walleye moving from deep winter haunts to shallower staging areas, becoming more active with warming water Feeding activity increases during low-light periods, with fish orienting to hard-bottom areas and structural transitions	Rocky points and transition areas leading to spawning flats Deep to shallow transitions near offshore humps Brush piles and standing timber adjacent to spawning areas	Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom transitions Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with controlled lifts Live Bait Rigs near structure during cold fronts	Shad schools concentrated in pre-spawn staging areas Small baitfish utilizing brush pile cover	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-58	Transitioning from winter deep water areas to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Following baitfish schools and responding to warming trends, particularly in afternoons Becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise, moving shallow on sunny days	Main lake points with rock transitions, especially those leading into spawning bays Secondary points with hard bottom in 8-15 foot depth range Rock piles and riprap areas adjacent to deeper water	Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom transitions Tubes dragged and hopped on rocky points Jerkbaits worked with long pauses in upper water column	Shad schools congregating near points and structure Blueback herring moving shallow with warming trends Bluegill beginning to become more active in warming shallows	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	48-58	Pre-spawn crappie are actively migrating from winter holes to spawning areas, using creek channels as highways and suspending at various depths Fish are becoming more active with warming trends, feeding opportunistically as they stage near spawning areas	Creek channels and channel bends leading to spawning areas Brush piles and woody cover along migration routes Secondary points and creek mouths adjacent to spawning flats	Bobbers (slip bobber rigs) for precise depth control of suspended fish Crappie Spider Rigging for covering water and finding active schools Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along channel edges	Shad schools congregating in creek channels Small bluegill in brush piles and woody cover	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	52-65	Pre-spawn striped bass are actively moving from deeper winter areas to staging points along migration routes to spawning areas Fish are aggressively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, often chasing bait schools in wolf packs With the turbid water conditions, stripers are likely to be most active during low light periods and feed opportunistically throughout the water column	Main lake points and channel swings that serve as migration routes Secondary points in major creek arms leading to spawning areas Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water where bait schools gather	Umbrella Rigs worked along point transitions to mimic bait schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled through the water column Bladed Jigs worked around structure in the turbid water	Large schools of shad congregating near points and channel edges Smaller baitfish moving into warming shallow areas	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	55-58	Bass are in various spawning phases with some still on beds and others just post-spawn, making them relatively shallow and structure-oriented Strong wind influence (15-30mph noted) is affecting fish positioning, with bass seeking wind-protected areas in coves and behind structure	Flooded brush and bushes in protected areas Laydowns in wind-protected coves Brush piles in shallow water	Texas Rigs (Worming) worked through flooded cover Spinnerbaits on windy banks and around cover Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') around brush piles	Blueback Herring Shad	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	58-68	Spotted bass transitioning to spawning areas in protected pockets and coves, staging on adjacent points and moving shallow during shad spawn activity Aggressive feeding behavior during shad spawn periods, often in very shallow water around bushes and other cover Males guarding nests in protected areas while females move between spawning areas and nearby feeding zones	Protected pockets and coves with hard bottom for spawning Main lake points adjacent to spawning pockets Shallow bush lines and cover where shad are spawning	Swim Jigs worked around shallow cover during shad spawn Spinnerbaits parallel to points and through spawning pockets Shakey Heads for spawning fish on beds	Spawning shad in very shallow water Blueback herring schooling near points Various smaller baitfish relating to spawning areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Walleye moving into shallow rocky areas and points for spawning, most active during dawn and dusk periods Post-spawn fish transitioning to feeding zones near spawning areas, particularly around adjacent deeper water	Rocky points and shallow flats with gravel or rock substrate Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water Areas with brush piles near spawning zones providing ambush points	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along rocky points Blade Baits worked with slow, vertical presentations Jigs and minnows worked methodically through spawning areas	Shad concentrating in pre-spawn staging areas Small baitfish gathering in warming shallow waters	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Smallmouth bass are transitioning from pre-spawn staging areas to spawning flats, actively searching for and creating nests in protected areas with hard bottom Males become territorial and aggressive, guarding nests and striking at potential threats to eggs Feeding activity is increased during morning and evening periods, with focus on protecting spawning areas during mid-day	Protected rocky pockets and coves with gravel or hard bottom substrate Secondary points leading into spawning bays Shallow rock piles adjacent to deeper water	Tubes worked slowly around spawning areas and rock piles Ned Rigs dragged through potential spawning flats Soft Jerkbaits worked with long pauses near nesting areas	Bluegill congregating in spawning areas Small shad moving into warmer shallow waters Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Actively moving into shallow water (2-8 feet) near spawning areas, with males preparing nests and females staging nearby Feeding actively but sporadically as they focus on spawning activities, most active during dawn and dusk periods	Protected shallow coves with brush or woody cover in 2-8 feet of water Creek channel intersections with flats where they transition to spawning areas Shallow areas near docks providing cover and shade	Bobbers with precise depth control for suspended fish around cover Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) for targeting visible cover Crappie Dock Shooting for targeting fish holding under docks	Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish Young shad schools	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	58-68	Fish moving from deeper wintering areas to spawning grounds, typically staging on points and channel edges leading to spawning areas Highly aggressive pre-spawn feeding behavior, actively pursuing shad schools in preparation for spawning Post-spawn fish gradually moving back to main lake, following bait schools	Main lake points and channel edges near spawning tributaries Secondary points in major creek arms Shallow flats adjacent to deep water access	Umbrella Rigs worked along point transitions Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with slow, steady retrieves Trolling Shallow (0-9') parallel to spawning migration routes	Large schools of pre-spawn shad Smaller baitfish congregating in spawning areas	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	66-77	Fish transitioning from shallow spawning areas, actively feeding on shad spawn early mornings near banks and hard cover Moving between shallow flooded cover and secondary points as water levels fluctuate Showing strong preference for shade and cover during bright conditions	Flooded brush and buckbrush in pockets and near main lake Docks with boats providing additional shade Secondary points with rock and stumps Main lake red clay banks during early morning shad spawn	Swim jigs worked through flooded cover and around docks Wacky rigs pitched to visible cover and dock shade Spinnerbaits targeting early morning shad spawn Buzzbaits worked over shallow cover during active feeding periods	Spawning Shad Bluegill Blueback Herring	Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	62-75	Post-spawn spotted bass actively feeding on shad and herring, transitioning from shallow spawning areas to main lake points and humps Fish showing aggressive feeding behavior, especially during shad spawn periods, often schooling and chasing bait in 6-15 foot range	Main lake points with rock piles adjacent to deeper water Shallow bushes and cover during active shad spawn Secondary points and transition areas in 6-15 foot range	Spinnerbaits worked around shallow cover during shad spawn Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') along points and transitions Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for matching baitfish schools	Spawning Shad Blueback Herring	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	52-65	Post-spawn walleye are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily during low-light periods and overcast days due to the turbid water conditions (1.1m secchi) Fish are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer locations, following shad schools and utilizing rocky points and humps as primary feeding zones	Rocky points with access to deeper water, particularly those adjacent to spawning bays Offshore humps and shoals in 15-25 foot range where shad schools are present Brush piles and standing timber near depth transitions, especially during bright conditions	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') Live Bait Rigs Blade Baits	Shad schools suspending near structure Small yellow perch in transitional areas Juvenile sunfish near shallow brush	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-72	Post-spawn smallmouth bass are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily focusing on shad and blueback herring in the water column Fish are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, staging on points and offshore structure With turbid water conditions (1.1m Secchi), fish are holding tighter to structure and using their lateral lines for feeding	Main lake points with rocky structure, especially those adjacent to spawning bays Shallow offshore rock piles in 8-15 foot depth range Current-swept points where baitfish congregate	Spinnerbaits worked along rocky points and structure, taking advantage of the turbid water conditions Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to transitional areas Swim Jigs mimicking shad and herring around active baitfish schools	Shad schools moving along points and structure Blueback Herring in open water adjacent to structure Bluegill in shallow rocky areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	65-75	Transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding but becoming more scattered Suspending near brush piles and dock edges, moving deeper as water warms Forming loose schools around creek channel edges and staging areas	Brush piles in 8-15 feet of water near creek channels Shaded dock areas with 6-12 feet of water Secondary points with submerged timber near spawning bays	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Crappie Dock Shooting Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9')	Shad gathering in post-spawn schools Young-of-year bluegill in shallow brush	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	62-72	Post-spawn stripers are actively recovering and feeding heavily, transitioning from spawning areas to main lake points and channel edges Fish are schooling aggressively around bait balls, particularly during early morning and evening hours Moving between shallow and mid-depth zones (5-20ft) as they follow shad schools and respond to daily temperature changes	Main lake points near spawning tributaries serving as transition routes Shallow humps and offshore structure in 10-15ft range Creek channel edges adjacent to flats where bait schools gather	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along point transitions Umbrella Rigs for actively feeding schools Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along channel edges Spinnerbaits for shallow water during low light conditions	Shad schools gathering in post-spawn areas Small baitfish moving shallow with warming water	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	69-79	Bass are actively holding on offshore structure (brush piles, humps, rock piles) during peak summer temperatures with water temps 74-79°F Early morning and late evening activity near shallow cover (laydowns, docks) with topwater feeding opportunities Fish are following large schools of shad and other baitfish, particularly around main lake points and deeper structure	Offshore brush piles in 17-20 foot depth range Main lake points with rock or brush Docks with brush underneath Laydowns at pocket mouths	Drop Shot on offshore structure Carolina Rigs dragged across humps Shakey Heads worked around docks Buzzbaits and topwater for early/late shallow activity	Shad (primary forage based on multiple reports) Bluegill (especially around docks) Blueback Herring (in open water)	Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Summer	Spotted Bass	78-86	Actively feeding on shad and herring schools around main lake points, particularly during early morning and late evening Suspending in the 6-15 ft range during the day, taking advantage of the stained water for ambush feeding Showing aggressive topwater feeding behavior, especially when bait schools are present	Main lake points with adjacent deep water access Rock piles in 6-15 foot depth range Areas where bait schools are congregating near surface structure	Hard Topwater (Walking) worked aggressively over points and bait schools Spinnerbaits parallel to points and through bait schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for suspended fish	Shad schools in open water and around points Blueback herring suspended in the water column	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Walleye	72-78	Walleye are suspending near the thermocline around 20 foot depths over deeper structure, following and feeding on shad schools during daylight hours due to turbid conditions Fish are actively relating to offshore structure like humps and shoals, using these areas as primary feeding zones	Offshore humps and shoals in 20-25 foot range Rocky points with access to deep water Brush piles and standing timber near deep structure	Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked along structure edges Trolling Deep (20'+) targeting suspended fish Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are tightly holding to structure	Shad schools suspended near thermocline Other baitfish relating to deep structure	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	75-84	Smallmouth bass are actively feeding in early morning on surface prey, then transitioning to deeper structure as sun rises Fish are relating heavily to vertical cover, particularly flooded timber and main lake structure Feeding patterns show two distinct phases - shallow early/late and deeper during bright conditions	Flooded brush and standing timber in 5-15 foot depth range Main lake points with rock structure Current-swept areas with baitfish schools	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting flooded brush and timber Hard Topwater (Popping) during early morning hours Drop Shot around deeper structure during midday	Shad - primary forage based on recent reports Blueback Herring - mentioned in lake profile Bluegill - available in shallow cover	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Crappie	72-84	Crappie suspending near deep brush piles and dock structures during hot summer days, moving shallower to feed during early morning and evening Schooling behavior around shad concentrations, particularly in areas where baitfish gather near creek channel edges and deeper structure	Main lake docks, especially those near creek channel bends with depths of 15-25 feet Brush piles positioned on creek channel edges in 12-20 feet of water Shaded areas under bridges and larger dock complexes	Crappie Dock Shooting Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Spider Rigging	Shad schools concentrated around structure and channel edges Young-of-year bluegill in and around dock areas	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Striped Bass	68-78	Striped bass are actively feeding on shad schools near offshore humps, showing typical summer pattern of relating to deeper, cooler water structure Fish are likely to feed most actively during early morning and evening, moving shallower during these periods to pursue bait	Main lake humps in 10-15 foot depth range Points adjacent to deep water Creek channel edges near main lake	Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Soft Body Swimbaits (Large)	Shad Small Baitfish	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for John H. Kerr Reservoir

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	65-75	Actively feeding on shad and blueback herring on main lake points and around baitfish schools, especially during wind conditions Fish are showing decreased activity during midday hours, with best activity early and during wind conditions Moving between shallow (2-4ft) and deeper water, following baitfish movements	Main lake points, especially those with wind exposure Docks with deep water access Offshore humps with baitfish present Riprap banks with scattered wood cover	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked around points and riprap Bladed Jigs and Spinnerbaits in wind-blown areas Structure Jigs skipped under docks Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) around baitfish schools	Shad schools gathering on main lake structure Blueback Herring Bluegill around dock structures Crawfish in rocky areas	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Spotted Bass	58-72	Actively chasing bait schools around main lake points and rock piles, with increased feeding activity as water cools Moving between shallow and mid-depth zones following shad movements, typically suspending near structure	Main lake points with access to deep water Rock piles and hard structure in 8-20 foot range Secondary points where bait schools congregate	Lipless Crankbaits worked through suspended bait schools Spinnerbaits parallel to points in windy conditions Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for matching prevalent shad forage	Shad schools transitioning to deeper water Blueback herring in open water Smaller baitfish concentrated near points	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Walleye	52-68	Walleye actively feeding on shad schools, following baitfish migrations to shallower flats and points as water temperatures cool Fish becoming more aggressive in the turbid conditions, with peak feeding during overcast days and low-light periods around structure	Rocky points and humps adjacent to deeper water, especially those intersecting with shad migration routes Brush piles and standing timber in 15-25 foot depth range Main lake points with access to both shallow and deep water	Blade Baits worked vertically along structure edges where shad are present Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) trolled along depth transitions near points and humps Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around brush piles and timber	Shad schools migrating to shallower waters Smaller baitfish relating to brush piles and timber	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	55-68	Actively feeding on baitfish schools to build energy reserves for winter, following shad migrations to shallower areas Moving between main lake structure and secondary points, targeting transitional areas where baitfish concentrate	Current-swept main lake points with rock structure Secondary points with quick access to deeper water Offshore rock piles adjacent to baitfish schools	Spinnerbaits worked along points and rock transitions Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) mimicking shad schools Drop Shot with finesse presentations for pressured fish	Shad schools moving into creek arms Blueback herring relating to points Bluegill along rocky shorelines	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	58-72	Moving from shallow to mid-depth staging areas following baitfish schools Suspending around woody cover and brushpiles in 15-25 foot depth range Actively feeding on shad during low-light periods near creek channel edges	Brush piles positioned near creek channel bends at 15-25 foot depths Deep dock edges adjacent to creek channels Main lake points with submerged timber near deep water access	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Spider Rigging	Shad schools moving through creek channels Juvenile bluegill around brush piles	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Striped Bass	58-72	Actively chasing shad schools in shallow to mid-depth zones as baitfish migrate to creek arms and coves Schooling activity increases with breaking fish targeting surface bait balls, especially during early morning and evening Fish transitioning between summer deep water areas and winter locations, using points and channel edges as migration routes	Main lake points and secondary points in creek arms where shad are migrating Channel edges adjacent to shallow flats where bait schools congregate Back of major creek arms where bait schools are holding	Umbrella Rigs worked through suspended bait schools Hard Topwater (Walking) during surface feeding activity Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) on channel edges and points Spoons for vertical jigging when fish are holding deeper	Shad schools migrating to creeks and coves Suspended bait balls in open water Scattered baitfish along channel edges	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	45-50	Bass are actively following and feeding on large schools of shad, suspending in 8-25 feet of water near bait balls Fish showing surprisingly aggressive behavior despite cold water, with some schools pushing bait into coves	Main lake points and transitions with nearby bait schools Bridge pilings with suspended fish Bluff walls adjacent to deep water Offshore brush piles in 15-25 foot range	Umbrella Rigs worked through suspended bait schools Vertical jigging blade baits around structure Hard Jerkbaits worked slowly in upper water column Drop Shot for more finesse approach when fish are less aggressive	Shad (primary winter forage, concentrated in large schools) Crawfish (secondary forage, especially around riprap and hard structure)	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Spotted Bass	47-55	Spotted bass actively schooling behind bait balls in 6-8ft of water, maintaining feeding activity even in cold conditions Fish suspending near main lake points and rock piles, moving with bait schools while staying close to hard structure	Main lake points with access to deep water, particularly those adjacent to bait concentrations Rock piles and hard structure in 6-15 foot range near channel swings Steep shoreline transitions where bait balls concentrate	Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended bait schools Underspins retrieved at varying speeds to match bait movement Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked along point transitions	Shad schools concentrated in winter patterns Blueback herring suspended near structure	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Walleye	45-55	Walleye are suspending over offshore structure like humps and deep points, actively feeding on shad schools during low-light periods Fish are concentrating in predictable areas due to the turbid water conditions (1.1m secchi), making them more active during daylight hours	Deep rocky humps and points in 20-30 foot range Standing timber areas adjacent to deep water Main lake points with access to deep water refuge	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Blade Baits Live Bait Rigs	Shad schools suspending near structure Small fish utilizing brush piles and timber	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	45-52	Smallmouth bass are concentrated in deeper, main lake areas near structure, typically suspending or holding tight to bottom in 20-35 foot depth range Fish are less active but will feed opportunistically during warming trends, especially during midday periods Schools of smallmouth will often group up around high-percentage areas where baitfish are present	Deep main lake points with rock piles, especially those adjacent to deep water Offshore structure where schools of baitfish are present, particularly in 20-35 foot range Steep bluff walls and channel swing banks that offer vertical structure	Blade Baits worked vertically with a slow lift-drop cadence near bottom structure Drop Shot with small profile baits, worked slowly near bottom structure Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with heavy jigs or spoons around baitfish schools	Suspended schools of shad in deeper water Blueback herring relating to main lake structure Bottom-oriented prey like crawfish, though less active in winter	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Winter	Crappie	38-48	Crappie are schooling tightly in deep water, typically suspending near bottom-oriented structure in the 20-30 foot range Feeding windows are shorter and more concentrated during midday hours when water temperatures peak Fish are moving less and holding closer to structure, requiring precise vertical presentations	Deep brush piles adjacent to creek channels in 20-30 foot range Deep dock structures with vertical posts providing winter holding areas Main lake points with access to deep water where creek channels intersect	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Damiki Rig Ice Fishing Jigs	Suspended shad schools in deeper water Small bluegills holding near brush structure	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Striped Bass	45-52	Striped bass form large schools and actively feed on shad schools in the water column, typically in deeper main lake areas Fish tend to be most active during low-light periods, moving shallower to feed before returning to deeper comfort zones Schools follow bait balls, often trapping them against points and channel edges for feeding opportunities	Deep main lake points adjacent to channel swings where bait schools concentrate Offshore humps and structure in 15-30 foot range near primary creek channels Creek channel edges where bait balls suspend in winter	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with heavy jigging spoons for suspended fish Umbrella Rigs worked slowly through bait schools Large Hair Jigs (Preacher) worked vertically through bait balls	Schooling Shad concentrated in deeper water Suspended Baitfish in large winter bait balls	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in John H. Kerr Reservoir

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points, especially those with red clay or sandy composition	Riprap banks in 2-7 foot depth range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with transition from rock to deeper water	Secondary points in major creek arms with hard bottom
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points and transition areas leading to spawning flats	Deep to shallow transitions near offshore humps
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points with rock transitions, especially those leading into spawning bays	Secondary points with hard bottom in 8-15 foot depth range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Creek channels and channel bends leading to spawning areas	Brush piles and woody cover along migration routes
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake points and channel swings that serve as migration routes	Secondary points in major creek arms leading to spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Flooded brush and bushes in protected areas	Laydowns in wind-protected coves
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Protected pockets and coves with hard bottom for spawning	Main lake points adjacent to spawning pockets
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points and shallow flats with gravel or rock substrate	Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Protected rocky pockets and coves with gravel or hard bottom substrate	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Protected shallow coves with brush or woody cover in 2-8 feet of water	Creek channel intersections with flats where they transition to spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake points and channel edges near spawning tributaries	Secondary points in major creek arms
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Flooded brush and buckbrush in pockets and near main lake	Docks with boats providing additional shade
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with rock piles adjacent to deeper water	Shallow bushes and cover during active shad spawn
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points with access to deeper water, particularly those adjacent to spawning bays	Offshore humps and shoals in 15-25 foot range where shad schools are present
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points with rocky structure, especially those adjacent to spawning bays	Shallow offshore rock piles in 8-15 foot depth range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Brush piles in 8-15 feet of water near creek channels	Shaded dock areas with 6-12 feet of water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake points near spawning tributaries serving as transition routes	Shallow humps and offshore structure in 10-15ft range
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Offshore brush piles in 17-20 foot depth range	Main lake points with rock or brush
Summer	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with adjacent deep water access	Rock piles in 6-15 foot depth range
Summer	Walleye	Offshore humps and shoals in 20-25 foot range	Rocky points with access to deep water
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Flooded brush and standing timber in 5-15 foot depth range	Main lake points with rock structure
Summer	Crappie	Main lake docks, especially those near creek channel bends with depths of 15-25 feet	Brush piles positioned on creek channel edges in 12-20 feet of water
Summer	Striped Bass	Main lake humps in 10-15 foot depth range	Points adjacent to deep water
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points, especially those with wind exposure	Docks with deep water access
Fall	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with access to deep water	Rock piles and hard structure in 8-20 foot range
Fall	Walleye	Rocky points and humps adjacent to deeper water, especially those intersecting with shad migration routes	Brush piles and standing timber in 15-25 foot depth range
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Current-swept main lake points with rock structure	Secondary points with quick access to deeper water
Fall	Crappie	Brush piles positioned near creek channel bends at 15-25 foot depths	Deep dock edges adjacent to creek channels
Fall	Striped Bass	Main lake points and secondary points in creek arms where shad are migrating	Channel edges adjacent to shallow flats where bait schools congregate
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points and transitions with nearby bait schools	Bridge pilings with suspended fish
Winter	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with access to deep water, particularly those adjacent to bait concentrations	Rock piles and hard structure in 6-15 foot range near channel swings
Winter	Walleye	Deep rocky humps and points in 20-30 foot range	Standing timber areas adjacent to deep water
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Deep main lake points with rock piles, especially those adjacent to deep water	Offshore structure where schools of baitfish are present, particularly in 20-35 foot range
Winter	Crappie	Deep brush piles adjacent to creek channels in 20-30 foot range	Deep dock structures with vertical posts providing winter holding areas
Winter	Striped Bass	Deep main lake points adjacent to channel swings where bait schools concentrate	Offshore humps and structure in 15-30 foot range near primary creek channels

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging as primary forage in warming shallows	Shad beginning to move shallower with warming trends
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools beginning pre-spawn movements to shallower water	Blueback herring staging near points and creek mouths
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Shad schools concentrated in pre-spawn staging areas	Small baitfish utilizing brush pile cover
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools congregating near points and structure	Blueback herring moving shallow with warming trends
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad schools congregating in creek channels	Small bluegill in brush piles and woody cover
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Large schools of shad congregating near points and channel edges	Smaller baitfish moving into warming shallow areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Blueback Herring	Shad
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Spawning shad in very shallow water	Blueback herring schooling near points
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Shad concentrating in pre-spawn staging areas	Small baitfish gathering in warming shallow waters
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Bluegill congregating in spawning areas	Small shad moving into warmer shallow waters
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish	Young shad schools
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Large schools of pre-spawn shad	Smaller baitfish congregating in spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Spawning Shad	Bluegill
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Spawning Shad	Blueback Herring
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Shad schools suspending near structure	Small yellow perch in transitional areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools moving along points and structure	Blueback Herring in open water adjacent to structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad gathering in post-spawn schools	Young-of-year bluegill in shallow brush
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Shad schools gathering in post-spawn areas	Small baitfish moving shallow with warming water
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad (primary forage based on multiple reports)	Bluegill (especially around docks)
Summer	Spotted Bass	Shad schools in open water and around points	Blueback herring suspended in the water column
Summer	Walleye	Shad schools suspended near thermocline	Other baitfish relating to deep structure
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Shad - primary forage based on recent reports	Blueback Herring - mentioned in lake profile
Summer	Crappie	Shad schools concentrated around structure and channel edges	Young-of-year bluegill in and around dock areas
Summer	Striped Bass	Shad	Small Baitfish
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools gathering on main lake structure	Blueback Herring
Fall	Spotted Bass	Shad schools transitioning to deeper water	Blueback herring in open water
Fall	Walleye	Shad schools migrating to shallower waters	Smaller baitfish relating to brush piles and timber
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools moving into creek arms	Blueback herring relating to points
Fall	Crappie	Shad schools moving through creek channels	Juvenile bluegill around brush piles
Fall	Striped Bass	Shad schools migrating to creeks and coves	Suspended bait balls in open water
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Shad (primary winter forage, concentrated in large schools)	Crawfish (secondary forage, especially around riprap and hard structure)
Winter	Spotted Bass	Shad schools concentrated in winter patterns	Blueback herring suspended near structure
Winter	Walleye	Shad schools suspending near structure	Small fish utilizing brush piles and timber
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Suspended schools of shad in deeper water	Blueback herring relating to main lake structure
Winter	Crappie	Suspended shad schools in deeper water	Small bluegills holding near brush structure
Winter	Striped Bass	Schooling Shad concentrated in deeper water	Suspended Baitfish in large winter bait balls

Bait Colors by Season for John H. Kerr Reservoir

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Summer	Spotted Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Striped Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Spotted Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Striped Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Spotted Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Winter	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Striped Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals