How to Fish Lake Arrowhead (TX): Best Patterns & Techniques | Omnia Fishing

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Lake Arrowhead (TX)

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 27, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake Arrowhead (TX)

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	60-72	Pre-spawn crappies staging near spawning areas, with larger females (13-14") and males (12-13") holding tight to cover in 8-foot depths Fish are showing typical pre-spawn pattern of relating to vertical cover (submerged trees) in preparation for spawning, likely feeding actively during warmer parts of day	Submerged trees and brush piles in 8-10 foot depth range Shallow coves with submerged vegetation Near-shore structures with shad activity	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Crappie Dock Shooting Bobbers	Shad Small baitfish	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	60-72	Pre-spawn largemouth bass are staging in transition areas between winter and spawning grounds, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are following shad schools along shorelines and responding to wind-driven bait concentrations Bass are utilizing flooded brush and shallow cover as staging areas, becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise	Flooded brush piles in 2-10 foot depth range, especially those near spawning flats Wind-blown shorelines where shad are concentrating Protected pockets and coves that warm faster than main lake areas	Spinnerbaits worked along wind-blown banks and through brush Lipless Crankbaits around shad schools and shallow flats Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) in and around flooded brush	Shad schools concentrating in shoreline areas Crawfish becoming more active in brush piles and rocky areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	60-72	Spawning phase crappie are staging in 8-10 foot depths, with males making frequent moves between brush and shallow rocks to prepare nests Fish showing aggressive territorial behavior rather than feeding, striking to defend nesting areas rather than for nutrition Cold fronts and wind causing fish to temporarily hunker down and become less aggressive	Flooded brush in 8-10 foot depth range Shallow rock lines near brush piles Protected shoreline areas with submerged vegetation	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Crappie Dock Shooting Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling)	Shad schooling along banks Small baitfish in shallow brush	Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	60-72	Pre-spawn and spawning largemouth bass are moving into shallow protected areas, particularly focusing on flooded brush and sheltered coves for nest building. Males are becoming territorial and aggressive in protecting nesting sites. Active feeding during shad spawn events along shorelines, with bass exploding on bait schools during early morning periods	Protected shallow coves with flooded brush in 2-4 foot depth range, especially on the north side where water warms first Secondary points leading into spawning coves with brush piles in 4-8 foot range Sheltered bank lines where shad are spawning, particularly near brush or other hard structure	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around flooded brush and shallow cover Spinnerbaits worked parallel to banks during shad spawn Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for targeting active fish feeding on shad	Spawning Shad concentrated along shorelines Crawfish becoming active in shallow brush areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	60-72	Post-spawn crappie are transitioning from spawning areas, actively feeding to recover energy while remaining relatively shallow due to the turbid water conditions (2.3ft visibility) Fish are holding tight to brush piles in 8-10' depth range, using these structures as ambush points for feeding on shad	Brush piles in 8-10 feet of water, particularly those near spawning areas Rocky areas in shallow water with nearby woody cover Shoreline structures where shad are congregating	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Crappie Spider Rigging Crappie Dock Shooting	Shad (primary forage as confirmed by fishing reports) Small baitfish congregating near brush piles	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	60-72	Post-spawn largemouth bass are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily targeting shad schools along shorelines and near brush piles in 2-10 foot depths Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior during shad spawning activity, with reports of bass exploding on bait schools near the bank Strong winds on this large reservoir are influencing fish positioning, with bass likely holding tight to structure on windward shorelines where bait is concentrated	Flooded brush piles in 2-10 foot depth range, especially those near points and creek channels Wind-blown shorelines with abundant cover where shad are congregating Protected pockets and coves with shallow brush, particularly during heavy wind conditions	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to shorelines and through brush, especially effective in wind-blown areas Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting the abundant flooded brush piles Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') for covering water and targeting active fish feeding on shad	Shad (primary forage, actively spawning near shorelines) Bluegill (secondary forage, especially around brush piles)	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Crappie	75-85	Moving to deeper, cooler water during midday but remaining near brush piles and submerged vegetation in 8-12 foot range Feeding actively during early morning and evening, concentrating on shad schools near structure Suspending near shade and cover during bright conditions due to turbid water	Brush piles and submerged vegetation in 8-12 foot depth range Shaded areas under docks and overhanging vegetation Creek channel edges near shoreline structure	Crappie Spider Rigging Crappie Dock Shooting Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9')	Shad schools suspending near structure Small bluegill near vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	75-88	Actively feeding on shad in early morning and late evening, seeking shade and cooler water during midday Relating heavily to brush piles and other structure in 2-10 foot range, moving deeper during peak heat	Flooded brush piles in 4-8 foot depth range near points and creek channels Shaded areas under overhanging trees and docks during midday Main lake points with access to deeper water during hot periods	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around brush piles and heavy cover Buzzbaits and Frogs/Toads during low light periods around shoreline cover Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) when bass are actively chasing shad	Shad schools in 2-10 foot range Bluegill around brush piles and shoreline cover	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake Arrowhead (TX)

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Crappie	58-72	Crappie are transitioning from summer patterns to fall feeding, following shad schools and becoming more active in pursuit of forage Fish are suspending near brush piles and structure in the 8-10 foot range, moving shallower during low-light periods to feed	Brush piles and submerged vegetation in 8-10 foot depth range Wind-protected shoreline areas with congregating shad schools Creek channel intersections with shallow flats	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9')	Shad schools concentrated in upper water column Small baitfish relating to brush piles	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Largemouth bass actively following and feeding on shad schools as they migrate to creek arms and coves during fall cooling Fish transitioning between shallow feeding areas and nearby deeper water structure as temperatures fluctuate Bass utilizing flooded brush piles as ambush points, especially during low-light periods	Main lake points near creek channel intersections where shad schools congregate Brush piles in 6-10 foot depth range adjacent to shallow flats Protected coves with baitfish presence, especially on wind-blown banks	Spinnerbaits worked along wind-blown banks and through brush Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') parallel to shoreline structure Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) in and around brush piles	Shad schools migrating to creeks and coves Bluegill relating to brush piles	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Crappie	45-55	Crappie are suspending near deep brush piles and channel edges, forming tight winter schools Fish are less active but will feed opportunistically during stable weather periods, especially during warmer afternoons	Deep brush piles and woody cover in 8-12 foot depth range Channel edges adjacent to shallow flats Protected coves with submerged vegetation	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Hover/Mid-Strolling Crappie Spider Rigging	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water Small sunfish near brush piles	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	45-55	Largemouth bass are concentrated in deeper brush piles and woody cover, using these areas as ambush points in 8-10 foot depth range Fish are following shad schools but moving more slowly and deliberately due to cooler water temperatures Most active feeding periods occur during warmer afternoon hours when water temperatures peak	Deep brush piles near creek channel bends in 8-10 foot range Protected coves with reduced wind exposure, especially those with remaining woody cover Secondary points with access to deeper water and reduced current	Blade Baits worked slowly through brush piles with controlled lifts and drops Jig and Trailer combinations fished slowly through woody cover Lipless Crankbaits retrieved slowly over shallow flats when shad are present	Schooling Shad concentrated in deeper water Smaller panfish relating to brush piles Crawfish emerging from rocky areas during warmer periods	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake Arrowhead (TX)

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Submerged trees and brush piles in 8-10 foot depth range	Shallow coves with submerged vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Flooded brush piles in 2-10 foot depth range, especially those near spawning flats	Wind-blown shorelines where shad are concentrating
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Flooded brush in 8-10 foot depth range	Shallow rock lines near brush piles
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow coves with flooded brush in 2-4 foot depth range, especially on the north side where water warms first	Secondary points leading into spawning coves with brush piles in 4-8 foot range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Brush piles in 8-10 feet of water, particularly those near spawning areas	Rocky areas in shallow water with nearby woody cover
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Flooded brush piles in 2-10 foot depth range, especially those near points and creek channels	Wind-blown shorelines with abundant cover where shad are congregating
Summer	Crappie	Brush piles and submerged vegetation in 8-12 foot depth range	Shaded areas under docks and overhanging vegetation
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Flooded brush piles in 4-8 foot depth range near points and creek channels	Shaded areas under overhanging trees and docks during midday
Fall	Crappie	Brush piles and submerged vegetation in 8-10 foot depth range	Wind-protected shoreline areas with congregating shad schools
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points near creek channel intersections where shad schools congregate	Brush piles in 6-10 foot depth range adjacent to shallow flats
Winter	Crappie	Deep brush piles and woody cover in 8-12 foot depth range	Channel edges adjacent to shallow flats
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Deep brush piles near creek channel bends in 8-10 foot range	Protected coves with reduced wind exposure, especially those with remaining woody cover

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad	Small baitfish
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools concentrating in shoreline areas	Crawfish becoming more active in brush piles and rocky areas
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shad schooling along banks	Small baitfish in shallow brush
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Spawning Shad concentrated along shorelines	Crawfish becoming active in shallow brush areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad (primary forage as confirmed by fishing reports)	Small baitfish congregating near brush piles
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad (primary forage, actively spawning near shorelines)	Bluegill (secondary forage, especially around brush piles)
Summer	Crappie	Shad schools suspending near structure	Small bluegill near vegetation
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools in 2-10 foot range	Bluegill around brush piles and shoreline cover
Fall	Crappie	Shad schools concentrated in upper water column	Small baitfish relating to brush piles
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools migrating to creeks and coves	Bluegill relating to brush piles
Winter	Crappie	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water	Small sunfish near brush piles
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Schooling Shad concentrated in deeper water	Smaller panfish relating to brush piles

Bait Colors by Season for Lake Arrowhead (TX)

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

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