How to Fish Keuka Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

Keuka Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Apr 29, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Keuka Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	41-44	Smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter deep water patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding on perch in 30-35 foot depths but beginning to move shallower as temperatures rise Fish are showing increased activity and aggressive feeding despite cold temperatures, particularly when around schools of yellow perch	Deep ledges in 30-35 foot range where fish are stacked in concentrated areas Boulder fields and rocky structure where perch are congregating Transition areas between deep winter holding areas and pre-spawn staging locations	Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended fish Hard Jerkbaits worked slowly to mimic wounded perch Drop Shot with finesse presentations for less active fish	Yellow Perch - multiple reports confirm this as primary forage Crawfish becoming more active as temperatures warm	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-65	Pre-spawn largemouth bass are transitioning from winter areas to spawning flats, staging on points and moving into protected areas as water warms Fish are becoming more active and aggressive, feeding heavily to prepare for spawning	Points adjacent to spawning flats, especially those with rock and grass combinations in 10-16 foot range Protected shallow areas near docks with emerging vegetation Secondary points in coves that offer wind protection	Ned Rigs worked slowly along points and transitions Shakey Heads targeting rock and grass combinations Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked along point transitions	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small bluegill in shallow warming areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Lake Trout	38-48	Lake trout becoming more active as water temperatures warm, moving from deep winter holdover areas to shallower staging areas near spawning grounds Aggressive feeding behavior to build energy reserves, actively pursuing baitfish in transitional depths Fish transitioning between 35-60 feet during day, moving shallower during low light periods	Rocky points adjacent to deep water that provide access to both shallow and deep zones Clean bottom ledges and breaklines in 35-60 foot range Transitional areas between winter deep water and shallow spawning grounds	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Spoons	Yellow Perch transitioning to shallow spawning areas Ciscoes suspended in cooler water columns Various baitfish species following spring thermal transitions	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	36-48	Perch are holding in deep water (25-45 feet) during pre-spawn, tightly schooled around isolated structure but scattering when lake trout approach Some larger female perch beginning transition to slightly shallower water (20-25 feet), indicating early pre-spawn movement	Isolated boulder fields and sunken structure in 25-45 foot depth range Offshore structure near deep wintering holes Transitional areas between deep structure and shallower flats for staging females	Drop Shot Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Ice Fishing Jigs	Perch (cannibalistic feeding) Insects Small bottom-dwelling prey	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	55-65	Staging in pre-spawn locations near future spawning areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves Moving from deeper wintering areas to shallow warming bays and coves Becoming more active during warm afternoon periods when water temperatures rise	Protected shallow bays and coves with emerging vegetation Transition areas between deep wintering holes and shallow spawning flats Docks and other structures in 8-12 foot depth range	Live Bait Rigs Bobbers Ice Fishing Jigs	Small insects and larvae emerging with warming water Tiny crustaceans in shallow vegetation Small aquatic worms in muddy bottom areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-70	Actively spawning in shallow areas, particularly around docks and rocky areas in 10-15 foot depth range Males guarding nests while females stage nearby, making them territorial and aggressive Moving between deeper staging areas and shallow spawning zones as temperatures fluctuate	Docks in 10-15 foot depth range with adjacent rocky bottom Shallow flats with mixed rock and gravel substrate Protected rocky points and coves that warm quickly	Wacky Rigs worked slowly around visible beds and dock posts Shakey Heads dragged along bottom near spawning areas Ned Rigs fished around staging areas adjacent to spawning flats	Bluegill concentrating in similar spawning areas Crawfish becoming more active in warming rocky areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-65	Pre-spawn to spawning behavior with fish moving shallow and relating to grass and rock combinations Males actively preparing and guarding nests in protected areas, while females stage nearby in slightly deeper water	Protected grass and rock combinations in 5-10 foot depth range Secondary points with mixed vegetation and boulder structure Protected shallow coves with stable cover for spawning	Bladed Jigs worked around grass edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentations to cover Swim Jigs paralleling grass lines	Crawfish emerging in warming water Bluegill in shallow grass areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Lake Trout	38-48	Lake trout moving into shallower, rocky areas (10-35 feet) for spawning, actively feeding pre and post-spawn Fish transitioning between deeper winter areas and shallow spawning zones, using points and ledges as migration routes	Rocky points with quick access to deeper water Clean rock/rubble shorelines in 10-35 foot depth range Ledges and drop-offs connecting winter holdover areas to spawning grounds	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Live Bait Rigs	Yellow Perch Ciscoes Alewives	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	38-48	Perch are moving into shallower spawning areas (8-15 feet) near rocky or sandy substrate, forming large schools during the spawn Fish become more active during daylight hours as water temperatures rise, with peak activity during morning and evening periods Schools will scatter when approached by predators (lake trout), but quickly regroup in the same area	Rocky points and shallow boulder fields in 8-15 foot depths Protected coves with gravel or sandy bottom substrate Transition areas between deep wintering holes and spawning grounds	Drop Shot with small minnow-style baits Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or worms Tubes worked slowly along bottom structure	Small minnows and juvenile fish Aquatic insects and larvae Small crayfish becoming active with warming waters	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Aggressive male bluegills moving into shallow areas (2-6 feet) to establish and defend spawning beds Females staging in slightly deeper water (6-10 feet) near spawning areas, moving in periodically to spawn Most active during morning and evening hours, with increased activity on overcast days	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom composition for spawning beds Areas where submerged vegetation meets harder bottom near docks Shallow coves with mixed vegetation and rock in 10-15 foot range for staging fish	Bobbers with small jigs suspended 2-4 feet deep near bedding areas Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly through staging areas Live Bait Rigs with small worms or insects near beds	Small insects and larvae Tiny crustaceans Small worms and aquatic invertebrates	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Post-spawn smallmouth bass actively feeding on crawfish around rocky structure in 6-20 foot depth range Fish showing consistent patterns around boulders and isolated docks, indicating recovery from spawn and return to normal feeding behavior	Boulder fields and rock piles in 6-15 foot depth range Isolated floating docks adjacent to deep water Rocky points with mixed depth ranges	Drop Shot with crawfish imitation baits Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly along bottom Tubes dragged through rocky areas	Crawfish - primary forage based on multiple fishing reports Small perch around dock areas	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	65-72	Post-spawn largemouth bass are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are splitting time between shallow cover and slightly deeper adjacent areas, showing increased feeding activity	Shallow grass areas adjacent to spawning flats, particularly where vegetation is emerging Docks with good depth transitions, especially those near spawning bays Rocky points and areas where grass meets hard structure in 10-16 foot range	Texas Rigs (Worming) worked through grass and around dock posts Swim Jigs paralleling weed edges and dock lines Soft Jerkbaits for fish suspended near cover	Crawfish emerging in rocky areas and around docks Bluegill beginning to spawn in protected areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Lake Trout	42-52	Post-spawn lake trout are actively feeding to recover energy, transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper, cooler water as temperatures warm Fish are following schools of baitfish (perch and ciscoes) while staying within their preferred temperature range Aggressive feeding behavior during early morning and late evening, with more subtle feeding during bright midday periods	Rocky points dropping into 30-45 feet of water, especially those near spawning areas Clean substrate ledges transitioning from 20-40 feet Deep structure adjacent to large bays where baitfish schools concentrate	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Spoons	Yellow Perch schooling in transition areas Ciscoes suspended over deeper water Various small baitfish in warming shallow bays	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	48-58	Yellow perch transitioning from deep wintering areas to shallower feeding zones, becoming more active as water warms Schools breaking into smaller groups, spreading across structure-rich areas as they recover from spawn	Rocky points and offshore boulder fields in 15-25 foot depths Transition areas between deep wintering holes and shallow feeding flats Isolated rock piles and sunken structure near deeper water	Drop Shot with small soft plastics worked slowly near bottom structure Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with subtle movements Live Bait Rigs positioned just off bottom around structure	Small invertebrates and insects emerging with spring warmup Juvenile baitfish beginning to school Benthic organisms near rocky structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Post-spawn bluegill are transitioning from spawning areas to deeper feeding zones, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are utilizing weed edges and dock areas as primary feeding zones, moving between shallow and moderate depths throughout the day	Weed edges in 8-12 foot depth range with mixed rock and vegetation Dock areas providing shade and cover, especially those near deeper water Secondary points and inside turns with submerged vegetation	Live Bait Rigs with slip bobbers set at varying depths Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with light jig heads Inline Spinners worked slowly through vegetation edges	Aquatic insects emerging in warming waters Small crustaceans in weed beds Newly hatched baitfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	74-79	Actively feeding on mixed forage (crawfish, perch, and ciscoes) with increased activity around structure-to-open water transitions Moving between shallow and mid-depth zones (10-25 feet) based on time of day and temperature, seeking cooler water during peak heat	Rock piles and boulder fields in 15-25 feet where they meet grass edges Points with steep drop-offs, especially those near docks Submerged vegetation mixed with rocky substrate in 10-15 foot range	Drop Shot with finesse baits, especially effective around docks and deeper structure Tubes snapped along bottom in areas where clear and stained water meet Wacky Rigs worked around vegetation edges	Crawfish actively being targeted in rocky areas Perch, especially young-of-year in grass-to-rock transitions Cisco/Whitefish schools in open water adjacent to structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	70-79	Actively feeding on crawfish around grass-rock transitions, establishing consistent depth patterns in 10-16 foot range Moving between feeding areas throughout the day, using vegetation edges as primary cover and ambush points	Grass-rock transitions in 10-16 foot depth range Weed edges adjacent to hard bottom areas Rocky points with nearby vegetation	Drop Shot with finesse presentations around grass-rock transitions Texas Rigs (Worming) worked through vegetation edges Football Jigs dragged along rocky areas adjacent to grass	Crawfish Bluegill	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Summer	Lake Trout	45-52	Lake trout are holding deep in the 60-75 foot range to stay in their preferred cold water temperatures during summer Fish are relating tightly to bottom structure, particularly points, showing classic summer deep-water staging behavior Actively feeding but remaining in the bottom 5 feet of the water column, typical of summer pattern when targeting cold water refuges	Main lake points in 60-75 foot depth range Clean, rocky substrate areas near deep water Deep structural transitions where points meet basin	Football Jigs worked slowly along bottom Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Trolling Deep (20'+)	Perch Ciscoes Alewives	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Yellow Perch	65-75	Yellow Perch form loose schools in 15-25 foot depths, actively feeding during early morning and evening hours Schools relate strongly to structure transitions between rocks and weeds, moving shallower during low light periods	Deep weed edges adjacent to rock piles in 15-20 foot range Isolated boulder fields near drop-offs Points and inside turns with mixed rock and weed structure	Drop Shot with small minnow-style soft plastics worked slowly along bottom structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') during low light periods with small jigs Live Bait Rigs with leeches or minnows near structure transitions	Small minnows and juvenile fish gathering around weed edges Aquatic insects emerging from weed beds Small crayfish among rock structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	72-82	Actively feeding on insects near weed edges and established bluegill beds, showing traditional summer patterns Utilizing shade and cover during peak daylight hours, congregating around docks and thick vegetation	Weed edges adjacent to old spawning beds in 8-12 foot depth range Shaded dock areas with nearby vegetation Dense submerged vegetation mixed with rocks in 10-15 foot range	Bobbers with precise depth control using slip floats Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with light 1/8 oz jigs Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding tight to dock structure	Aquatic insects, particularly mayflies and dragonfly nymphs Small crustaceans in weed beds Zooplankton in open water areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Keuka Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	52-65	Actively feeding and following bait schools in 15-40 foot depth ranges, particularly around wind-blown points and drop-offs Transitioning between shallow and deep water, with increased activity during low-light periods	Wind-blown main lake points in 15-40 feet Deep drop-offs near submerged vegetation in 15-30 feet Rocky structure adjacent to deeper water	Umbrella Rigs worked along depth transitions Spybaits for suspended fish following bait schools Football Jigs worked along bottom structure	Perch Minnows Crawfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Bass are actively feeding on baitfish and crawfish, following forage to creek arms and coves as they transition from summer to fall patterns Fish are staging near points and breaks that provide access to both shallow and deep water, allowing them to follow temperature changes	Main lake points with rock and grass combinations in 10-16 foot range Protected coves with remaining vegetation, especially near deeper water access Dock areas adjacent to deep water breaks	Lipless Crankbaits worked through remaining grass edges Football Jigs worked along rocky transitions Spinnerbaits parallel to dock lines and grass edges	Crawfish actively feeding on rocky areas Baitfish schools moving into creek arms and coves	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Lake Trout	48-58	Lake trout moving to shallower depths (30-45 feet) as water temperatures cool, following preferred temperature range Actively feeding on schools of pelagic baitfish and perch, making frequent vertical movements in the water column Becoming more aggressive in their feeding behavior as they prepare for winter and spawning activities	Clean, rocky points that extend into deeper water with access to 30-45 foot depths Steep ledges and breaklines near primary points Offshore structure adjacent to deep-water wintering areas	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Blade Baits Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') Spoons	Ciscoes/Tullibees schooling in cooler water Yellow Perch along structure Juvenile Alewives in open water	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Yellow Perch	48-58	Yellow perch are schooling tightly and feeding heavily in preparation for winter, often relating to deep structure and following baitfish movements Fish become more aggressive during feeding windows, especially during low-light periods, but maintain close proximity to cover due to predator presence	Isolated boulder fields and sunken structure in 25-45 foot depths Deep water adjacent to remaining weed edges Rocky points and drop-offs near primary forage areas	Drop Shot with small minnow-style baits worked slowly near bottom structure Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with heavy jigging spoons for aggressive fish Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended schools when located	Young-of-year baitfish schools Small crayfish near rocky structure Aquatic insects around deep structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Bluegill are transitioning to deeper water as temperatures cool, but still actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter Fish are schooling more tightly and relating strongly to structure, particularly around deeper weed edges and dock areas	Deep weed edges in 10-15 foot range where vegetation meets rocky structure Deeper dock areas that provide shade and cover Protected coves with remaining green vegetation	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Drop Shot Live Bait Rigs	Late-season aquatic insects Small crustaceans around vegetation Zooplankton in deeper water columns	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Lake Trout	34-42	Lake trout become more active in shallower water (10-35 ft) during winter due to optimal temperature conditions and following forage movement Fish are actively feeding near ledges and structural transitions, particularly during prime feeding windows in early morning and late afternoon	Rocky ledges and transition areas in 10-35 foot depth range Deep points adjacent to shallow flats where forage concentrates Clean, rocky substrate areas near depth changes	Ice Fishing Spoons worked with aggressive jigging motions followed by longer pauses Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with blade baits near structure Blade Baits worked vertically along ledges and depth transitions	Yellow Perch concentrating in winter depths Ciscoes and other silvery baitfish in transitional areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Yellow Perch	36-38	Yellow perch are schooling tightly in deep water, holding close to bottom structure and showing preference for isolated rock piles and sunken structure Fish are exhibiting cautious feeding patterns due to predator (lake trout) presence, requiring precise presentations	Isolated boulder fields and rock piles in 25-45 foot depth range Deep wintering holes with adjacent structure Offshore humps and points with hard bottom composition	Drop Shot with small profile baits worked slowly near bottom Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with precise control to stay in the strike zone Ice Fishing Spoons worked with subtle movements to trigger reactive strikes	Small minnows and juvenile fish holding in deep water Bottom-dwelling invertebrates near rocky structure Smaller perch (cannibalistic feeding)	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	45-55	Congregating in deeper pockets around submerged vegetation and rocky areas, typically suspended slightly off bottom Feeding periods become more concentrated during warmer parts of the day, especially near structure that provides both cover and access to deeper water	Deep weed edges in 10-15 foot range where vegetation meets rocky structure Deeper dock areas that provide overhead cover and quick access to depth Protected coves with remaining vegetation, especially those with deeper water nearby	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Drop Shot Finesse Hair Jigs	Small aquatic insects near remaining vegetation Dormant bottom-dwelling invertebrates	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Ice	Lake Trout	38-45	Lake trout are actively feeding near sharp depth changes, moving between shallow ledges (10ft) and deeper water (35ft) following baitfish schools Fish are responding to vertical presentations with aggressive strikes when bait is hopped off ledges	Sharp-breaking ledges transitioning from 10ft to 35ft depths Rocky points with clean substrate and access to deep water Deep structural transitions where baitfish schools concentrate	Blade Baits worked vertically with small hops off ledges Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging near depth transitions Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows worked along structural edges	Minnows congregating along structural edges Ciscoes suspended near depth changes Perch relating to bottom structure	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Ice	Yellow Perch	36-38	Yellow perch form tight winter schools in deep basins near isolated rock structures and sunken features, typically in 25-45 foot depths Schools frequently scatter and regroup due to lake trout predation, requiring patience to relocate fish Perch exhibit less active feeding windows during ice season, with peak activity during early morning and late afternoon periods	Isolated boulder piles and rocky structure in 25-45 foot depths Deep wintering holes with nearby access to primary forage areas Transition areas between deep basins and structural elements	Ice Fishing Jigs worked slowly with subtle movements near bottom structure Ice Fishing Spoons using a lift-and-drop technique to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to locate active schools	Small minnows and juvenile baitfish holding in deep water Aquatic insect larvae near bottom structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	34-39	Bluegill form tight schools in deeper holes and basins, typically near weed edges or structure in 10-15 foot range Feeding activity becomes more concentrated during dawn and dusk periods, with brief windows during stable weather	Deep weed edges adjacent to rock structure in 10-15 foot range Basin areas near submerged vegetation Deep water areas near dock structures that provided summer cover	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements near bottom structure Ice Fishing Spoons for more aggressive presentations during peak feeding times Live Bait Rigs with small euro larvae or waxworms	Small aquatic insects and larvae Dormant zooplankton Tiny crustaceans	Purple Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Keuka Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Deep ledges in 30-35 foot range where fish are stacked in concentrated areas	Boulder fields and rocky structure where perch are congregating
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Points adjacent to spawning flats, especially those with rock and grass combinations in 10-16 foot range	Protected shallow areas near docks with emerging vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Lake Trout	Rocky points adjacent to deep water that provide access to both shallow and deep zones	Clean bottom ledges and breaklines in 35-60 foot range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Isolated boulder fields and sunken structure in 25-45 foot depth range	Offshore structure near deep wintering holes
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays and coves with emerging vegetation	Transition areas between deep wintering holes and shallow spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Docks in 10-15 foot depth range with adjacent rocky bottom	Shallow flats with mixed rock and gravel substrate
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected grass and rock combinations in 5-10 foot depth range	Secondary points with mixed vegetation and boulder structure
Spring (Spawn)	Lake Trout	Rocky points with quick access to deeper water	Clean rock/rubble shorelines in 10-35 foot depth range
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Rocky points and shallow boulder fields in 8-15 foot depths	Protected coves with gravel or sandy bottom substrate
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom composition for spawning beds	Areas where submerged vegetation meets harder bottom near docks
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Boulder fields and rock piles in 6-15 foot depth range	Isolated floating docks adjacent to deep water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shallow grass areas adjacent to spawning flats, particularly where vegetation is emerging	Docks with good depth transitions, especially those near spawning bays
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Lake Trout	Rocky points dropping into 30-45 feet of water, especially those near spawning areas	Clean substrate ledges transitioning from 20-40 feet
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Rocky points and offshore boulder fields in 15-25 foot depths	Transition areas between deep wintering holes and shallow feeding flats
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Weed edges in 8-12 foot depth range with mixed rock and vegetation	Dock areas providing shade and cover, especially those near deeper water
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles and boulder fields in 15-25 feet where they meet grass edges	Points with steep drop-offs, especially those near docks
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Grass-rock transitions in 10-16 foot depth range	Weed edges adjacent to hard bottom areas
Summer	Lake Trout	Main lake points in 60-75 foot depth range	Clean, rocky substrate areas near deep water
Summer	Yellow Perch	Deep weed edges adjacent to rock piles in 15-20 foot range	Isolated boulder fields near drop-offs
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Weed edges adjacent to old spawning beds in 8-12 foot depth range	Shaded dock areas with nearby vegetation
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Wind-blown main lake points in 15-40 feet	Deep drop-offs near submerged vegetation in 15-30 feet
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points with rock and grass combinations in 10-16 foot range	Protected coves with remaining vegetation, especially near deeper water access
Fall	Lake Trout	Clean, rocky points that extend into deeper water with access to 30-45 foot depths	Steep ledges and breaklines near primary points
Fall	Yellow Perch	Isolated boulder fields and sunken structure in 25-45 foot depths	Deep water adjacent to remaining weed edges
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges in 10-15 foot range where vegetation meets rocky structure	Deeper dock areas that provide shade and cover
Winter	Lake Trout	Rocky ledges and transition areas in 10-35 foot depth range	Deep points adjacent to shallow flats where forage concentrates
Winter	Yellow Perch	Isolated boulder fields and rock piles in 25-45 foot depth range	Deep wintering holes with adjacent structure
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges in 10-15 foot range where vegetation meets rocky structure	Deeper dock areas that provide overhead cover and quick access to depth
Ice	Lake Trout	Sharp-breaking ledges transitioning from 10ft to 35ft depths	Rocky points with clean substrate and access to deep water
Ice	Yellow Perch	Isolated boulder piles and rocky structure in 25-45 foot depths	Deep wintering holes with nearby access to primary forage areas
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges adjacent to rock structure in 10-15 foot range	Basin areas near submerged vegetation

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Yellow Perch - multiple reports confirm this as primary forage	Crawfish becoming more active as temperatures warm
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small bluegill in shallow warming areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Lake Trout	Yellow Perch transitioning to shallow spawning areas	Ciscoes suspended in cooler water columns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Perch (cannibalistic feeding)	Insects
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae emerging with warming water	Tiny crustaceans in shallow vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating in similar spawning areas	Crawfish becoming more active in warming rocky areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging in warming water	Bluegill in shallow grass areas
Spring (Spawn)	Lake Trout	Yellow Perch	Ciscoes
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small minnows and juvenile fish	Aquatic insects and larvae
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae	Tiny crustaceans
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish - primary forage based on multiple fishing reports	Small perch around dock areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging in rocky areas and around docks	Bluegill beginning to spawn in protected areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Lake Trout	Yellow Perch schooling in transition areas	Ciscoes suspended over deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small invertebrates and insects emerging with spring warmup	Juvenile baitfish beginning to school
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects emerging in warming waters	Small crustaceans in weed beds
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish actively being targeted in rocky areas	Perch, especially young-of-year in grass-to-rock transitions
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish	Bluegill
Summer	Lake Trout	Perch	Ciscoes
Summer	Yellow Perch	Small minnows and juvenile fish gathering around weed edges	Aquatic insects emerging from weed beds
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects, particularly mayflies and dragonfly nymphs	Small crustaceans in weed beds
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Perch	Minnows
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish actively feeding on rocky areas	Baitfish schools moving into creek arms and coves
Fall	Lake Trout	Ciscoes/Tullibees schooling in cooler water	Yellow Perch along structure
Fall	Yellow Perch	Young-of-year baitfish schools	Small crayfish near rocky structure
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Late-season aquatic insects	Small crustaceans around vegetation
Winter	Lake Trout	Yellow Perch concentrating in winter depths	Ciscoes and other silvery baitfish in transitional areas
Winter	Yellow Perch	Small minnows and juvenile fish holding in deep water	Bottom-dwelling invertebrates near rocky structure
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects near remaining vegetation	Dormant bottom-dwelling invertebrates
Ice	Lake Trout	Minnows congregating along structural edges	Ciscoes suspended near depth changes
Ice	Yellow Perch	Small minnows and juvenile baitfish holding in deep water	Aquatic insect larvae near bottom structure
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Dormant zooplankton

Bait Colors by Season for Keuka Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Lake Trout	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Lake Trout	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Lake Trout	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Summer	Lake Trout	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Lake Trout	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Winter	Lake Trout	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Ice	Lake Trout	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Ice	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Purple Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors