How to Fish Lake Barkley (2): Best Patterns & Techniques

Lake Barkley (2)

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Apr 23, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake Barkley (2)

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-62	Bass are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are moving from deeper brush piles to shallower transition areas, becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise	Secondary points leading into spawning pockets with natural wood cover Transition areas between deep brush piles and shallow spawning flats Laydowns and woody cover in 4-8 foot depth range	Bladed Jigs worked around wood cover and transition areas Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly near staging areas Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around laydowns and shallow cover	Crawfish becoming more active in warming shallows Shad schools in transition areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	55-68	Actively feeding and becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise, moving from winter holding areas to pre-spawn staging areas Following shad and bluegill movements into shallower areas, particularly during dawn and dusk periods Utilizing current breaks and structure edges as ambush points for feeding	Ledges and points adjacent to spawning flats Brush piles in 8-15 foot depth range Areas around docks, especially those near deeper water	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live shad Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Carolina Rigs worked slowly along structure edges	Shad schools beginning spring movements Bluegill moving towards shoreline areas Bottom-dwelling organisms such as crawfish becoming more active	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	52-65	Striped bass actively moving into pre-spawn staging areas, following shad movements into warmer, shallower waters Fish transitioning between winter and spawning patterns, becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise	Main lake points adjacent to creek channels, particularly those with brush piles Secondary points in major creek arms where staging occurs Ledges and drop-offs in 15-25 foot range near spawning areas	Umbrella Rigs worked along points and channel edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled through staging areas Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near brush piles	Gizzard and Threadfin Shad schooling in pre-spawn patterns Various juvenile baitfish gathering in warming shallow waters	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Drum	52-65	Drum are transitioning from winter deep holes to shallower pre-spawn areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves Fish are becoming more aggressive, following baitfish movements and utilizing brush piles and dock areas for feeding	Deeper brush piles adjacent to spawning flats (8-15 feet) Dock structures, especially those near channel swings Points and channel edges with structure	Live Bait Rigs with slow presentations near structure Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Carolina Rigs worked slowly along bottom structure	Crawfish emerging from winter habitat Shad schools in pre-spawn patterns Bluegill relating to dock structures	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	58-68	Bluegill are beginning to move from deeper winter areas to shallower pre-spawn staging areas, becoming more active with warming water Fish are actively feeding on insects and small invertebrates, showing increased aggression as they prepare for spawning	Brush piles in 8-12 feet of water adjacent to spawning flats Dock areas with good sun exposure, especially those near spawning coves Protected coves with emerging vegetation	Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or worms suspended near cover Bobbers with small jigs worked slowly around structure Ice Fishing Jigs downsized for spring presentations near cover	Small aquatic insects and larvae Tiny crustaceans and invertebrates Small worms and bloodworms	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Bass are in spawning mode, actively defending beds near shoreline cover, particularly around laydowns as noted in fishing reports Fish are highly territorial and sight-oriented during this period, with males guarding nests and females moving between staging and spawning areas	Laydowns in spawning pockets, especially given the reported success and lake profile showing natural wood cover Protected coves with firm bottom, suggested by the lake's moderately irregular shoreline (SDI 1.49) Secondary points leading into spawning bays, indicated by lake structure patterns	Drop Shot - confirmed effective in recent reports for bed fishing, allowing precise bait control Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) - ideal for working laydowns and visible beds Wacky Rigs - excellent for sight fishing and spawning areas	Bluegill - primary forage mentioned in spring fishing reports Crawfish - indicated in lake profile as part of dual forage base	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	58-72	Catfish becoming increasingly active as water warms, moving into shallower spawning areas near shoreline structure Males beginning to scout and prepare spawning cavities near brush piles, ledges, and undercut banks Aggressive feeding periods during pre-spawn, particularly during dawn and dusk	Brush piles and woody cover in 4-8 feet of water Protected coves with undercut banks Areas near deeper channels with access to spawning flats	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live offerings Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') near structure Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around brush and timber	Shad moving into spawning areas Bluegill becoming more active in the shallows Bottom-dwelling organisms like crawfish becoming more active	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	58-68	Striped bass are moving into tributary arms and creek channels for spawning activities, typically following baitfish movements Fish will stage in pre-spawn areas near channel swings and points before moving to spawning grounds Post-spawn fish will be actively feeding to recover energy, often ambushing shad schools in current areas	Creek channel intersections with main lake points Shallow brush piles near spawning flats Current-swept rocky points and ledges	Umbrella Rigs worked along channel edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled near structure Spinnerbaits worked through shallow brush	Shad schools congregating in spawning areas Small baitfish in tributary arms Juvenile sunfish near brush piles	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Drum	58-68	Actively seeking warmer, shallow waters (2-15 feet) for spawning, with increased feeding activity in preparation for and during spawn Males producing drumming sounds to attract females, congregating around hard-bottom areas and structure	Hard-bottom areas near dock structures in 5-15 foot depth range Points and rocky areas adjacent to deeper water Brush piles in transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water	Live Bait Rigs with slow, bottom-focused presentation Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around dock structures Structure Jigs worked along hard bottom areas	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small bluegill in shallow areas Young shad beginning to school	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Bluegill are actively spawning in shallow water areas, particularly around docks and brush piles, making them highly territorial and aggressive Males are guarding nests in colonies, while females move between deeper water and spawning areas throughout the day	Protected dock areas in 2-4 feet of water, especially those with visible spawning beds Shallow brush piles near spawning flats Secondary points and coves with firm bottom composition	Live Bait Rigs with small hooks and split shot, fished vertically around docks and brush Bobbers with small jigs or live bait, suspended at spawning bed depth Inline Spinners cast parallel to shoreline structure	Small insects and larvae Small invertebrates and zooplankton Tiny minnows and fish fry	Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	65-75	Fish are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Bass establishing territory around points and brush piles, becoming more structure-oriented	Main lake points with access to deeper water Brush piles in 8-15 foot range Laydowns and woody cover near spawning flats	Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly through brush piles Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') along points Shakey Heads near laydowns and sparse cover	Crawfish emerging from winter patterns Small bluegill around shallow cover Young shad starting to school	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	58-72	Actively feeding post-spawn in warm spring waters, transitioning from deeper wintering areas to shallower feeding zones Most active during dawn and dusk periods, utilizing cover and structure for ambush points	Docks with deep water access, particularly those near channel swings Brush piles in 8-15 feet of water Main lake points and ledges during transitional periods	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live offerings Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around dock posts and brush Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') for suspended fish	Shad schools moving into shallower water Bluegill around dock structures Bottom-dwelling crawfish becoming more active	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	62-75	Post-spawn striped bass actively feeding while recovering energy, targeting shad in transitional areas between spawning grounds and summer haunts Fish moving between shallow and medium depths throughout the day, following bait schools and utilizing current breaks	Main lake points near creek channel intersections Brush piles positioned on channel ledges in 15-25 foot depth range Current-swept shoreline areas with access to deeper water	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with artificial shad presentations Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along channel edges Umbrella Rigs for actively feeding fish	Shad schools congregating in transitional areas Small baitfish utilizing brush pile cover	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Drum	58-72	Drum are actively feeding in post-spawn, focusing on areas near docks where they can ambush prey Fish are likely moving between deeper holes and shallower feeding zones around structure	Docks with access to deeper water Brush piles near channel edges Deep holes from previous excavation	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly near dock pilings Structure Jigs bounced along bottom near docks Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around dock posts	Crawfish emerging in warming waters Small bluegill around dock structures Shad schools in transition areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Post-spawn bluegill transitioning to active feeding patterns, recovering energy while remaining relatively shallow Fish establishing daily patterns around dock areas, feeding on insects and small invertebrates	Docks in 3-8 feet of water, especially those with brush or vegetation nearby Protected coves with developing weed growth Brush piles near shoreline areas	Live Bait Rigs with small worms or insects Bobbers with suspended baits near dock edges Micro Crankbaits worked slowly around dock posts	Small insects and aquatic invertebrates Small worms and larvae Tiny crustaceans	Dark Neutrals Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	85-92	Bass are seeking thermal refuge in deeper water with 89°F surface temperatures, primarily relating to offshore structure like ledges and deep stumps Feeding activity concentrates during early morning and evening hours, with fish moving between deep holding areas and adjacent feeding zones	Deep ledges in 13'+ of water, especially those near channel swings Deep stump fields adjacent to creek channels Main lake points with access to deep water	Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked along ledges and deep structure Texas Rigs (Worming) worked through stump fields and around deeper cover Football Jigs dragged along ledges and deep structure	Shad schools suspended near deep structure Crawfish on deeper hard bottom areas	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Catfish	75-89	During summer, catfish are most active during dawn, dusk, and night periods, seeking cooler waters during peak heat With water temperatures up to 89°F, catfish will establish feeding zones near structure transitions between shallow and deep water Aggressive feeding patterns around brush piles and docks during lowlight periods, becoming more lethargic during midday heat	Deep channels near structure transitions, especially near brush piles Shaded areas under docks with access to deeper water Ledges and points adjacent to deeper water	Live Bait Rigs positioned near structure during prime feeding periods Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly through brush piles Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) in channels during midday heat	Shad schools in open water near structure Bluegill around docks and brush piles Bottom-dwelling organisms in deeper channels	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Striped Bass	72-89	During summer, striped bass will stratify into two distinct patterns: deep-water schools seeking thermal refuge in 20'+ depths during daylight hours, and brief feeding movements to shallower water during low-light periods With summer temperatures reaching 89°F, fish will primarily feed during dawn, dusk, and nighttime periods when temperatures are more tolerable	Deep main lake points and ledges adjacent to creek channels, especially those with brush piles in 20-30 foot range Current-swept areas near channel bends where cooler water upwelling occurs Shallow points and flats during low-light periods where shad schools congregate	Trolling Deep (20'+) with large swimbaits and umbrella rigs along ledges and points during daytime hours Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) on suspended schools located near brush piles and structure Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along points during dawn and dusk periods	Shad schools concentrated in deep water during day, moving shallow during low light Smaller baitfish seeking refuge in brush piles and around structure	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Drum	75-89	Moving to deeper, cooler water during peak daytime temperatures (89°F reported), likely utilizing old river channels and excavated holes Feeding actively during early morning and evening periods near structure transitions Relating strongly to brush piles and dock structures as ambush points for feeding	Deep holes and channels from previous excavation, especially near structure transitions Deeper sections near dock structures providing shade Brush piles in deeper water (15-25 feet)	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom near structure Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) in excavated holes Drop Shot with soft plastics near dock pilings	Crawfish around dock structures and brush piles Shad in deeper water Bluegill near structure edges	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	75-89	Bluegill shifting to deeper, shaded areas during peak summer heat, particularly under docks and near brush piles Active feeding periods concentrated in early morning and evening hours, with reduced activity during hot midday periods Establishing patterns around man-made structures and submerged cover for both feeding and cooling	Shaded areas under and between docks, especially those with deeper water access Submerged brush piles in 8-15 foot depth range Deeper edges of coves where cover meets cooler water	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly around dock posts and brush Bobbers with adjustable depths for suspended fish near structure Crappie Dock Shooting for skittish fish under docks	Small insects and aquatic invertebrates Tiny crustaceans near structure Small baitfish fry	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake Barkley (2)

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	67-79	Bass are actively chasing baitfish on points and near brush piles, with increased feeding activity due to falling water temperatures (67-79°F) Fish are transitioning from deeper summer locations to shallower feeding areas, following baitfish movements	Main lake points, particularly those with access to deeper water Brush piles adjacent to feeding areas Creek channel intersections with points	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked along points Lipless Crankbaits for covering water and targeting actively feeding fish Bladed Jigs around brush piles Shakey Heads for a more finesse approach when fish are less active	Shad (primary forage based on reaction bait success) Crawfish (indicated by success of bottom-oriented presentations)	Natural Shad Colors Green Pumpkin Metallic Colors
Fall	Catfish	55-75	Catfish are actively feeding to build reserves for winter, following baitfish movements to shallow flats and creek channels Most active during dawn and dusk, with increased daytime activity as water temperatures cool	Deep channel edges adjacent to shallow flats where shad are congregating Brush piles in 8-15 feet of water near points and ledges Areas around docks that provide shade and structure	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live shad positioned near structure Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') along channel edges Carolina Rigs worked slowly through brush piles	Shad schools congregating in large numbers Bluegill holding near docks and brush Bottom-dwelling organisms like crawfish	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Striped Bass	67-79	Actively feeding on shad in transition areas, following bait schools from deep to shallow water as temperatures moderate Exhibiting aggressive chase behavior, particularly during early morning and evening hours when temperatures are optimal Schooling activity increases, with fish coordinating to corral bait against structure or surface	Main lake points adjacent to deep water access Brush piles positioned on channel swings or ledges Creek channel intersections with primary points	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along contour changes where bait schools are present Umbrella Rigs worked through suspended bait schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) presented parallel to points and structure edges	Shad schools concentrated in creek arms and around points Smaller baitfish transitioning from summer to fall patterns	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Drum	58-72	Actively feeding to build reserves for winter, with increased activity around brush piles and deeper structure Moving between deeper holding areas and shallower feeding zones following baitfish movements	Brush piles in 15-25 foot depth range Deep holes from previous excavation Points adjacent to deeper water	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Live Bait Rigs Structure Jigs	Shad schools congregating in deeper water Crawfish around brush piles and points Bluegill relating to structure	Natural Shad Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	55-70	Bluegill actively feeding on remaining insects and small invertebrates, preparing for winter slowdown Moving from shallow summer areas to deeper structure, following cooling water temperatures Schooling behavior becomes more pronounced, with fish congregating around key structure	Brush piles in 8-15 feet of water near drop-offs Deep dock edges with good shade coverage Channel swings adjacent to coves	Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or worms fished vertically Ice Fishing Jigs worked slowly around structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with small plastics	Small aquatic insects and larvae Tiny crustaceans and zooplankton Small minnows and fry	Dark Neutrals Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	42-52	Suspending near brush piles in deeper water, making periodic feeding movements to nearby flats during warmer periods Dual feeding patterns observed - bottom-oriented crawfish feeding and suspended shad feeding, with activity level influenced by daily temperature fluctuations	Brush piles positioned near river channels or creek channels Mud/silt flats adjacent to deeper water Main lake points with nearby brush piles	Football Jigs worked slowly through brush piles and along bottom structure Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for suspended fish near brush Blade Baits for actively feeding fish during warming trends	Crawfish seeking winter shelter in brush piles and rocky areas Schools of shad suspended near brush piles and channel edges	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Catfish	42-52	Catfish are moving slowly and congregating in deeper, stable temperature areas like channels and deep holes Feeding activity is reduced but still occurs during warmer parts of the day, particularly near structure that holds baitfish	Deep channels and reservoir ditches where stable temperatures exist Deep brush piles adjacent to channel edges Deep ledges near points where baitfish school	Live Bait Rigs with slow, methodical presentations in deeper water Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) near structure and along channel edges Structure Jigs worked slowly through deep brush piles	Schooled shad in deeper water Bottom-dwelling organisms like crawfish Smaller bluegill near deep structure	Dark Neutrals Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Striped Bass	45-55	Striped bass forming large schools and following baitfish schools in deeper, main lake areas Fish most active during warmer parts of day, especially on sunny days when bait becomes more active Feeding behaviors concentrated around current breaks and depth changes where bait schools gather	Deep main lake points near creek channel intersections Brush piles positioned on deeper ledges (15-25 feet) Current breaks near deeper structure where shad schools congregate	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Blade Baits Umbrella Rigs Trolling Deep (20'+)	Schooling shad in deeper water Suspended baitfish near structure Scattered pods of winter-stressed baitfish	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Drum	45-52	Drum will be concentrated in the deepest available areas, particularly old excavation holes and river channels, seeking stable winter temperatures Feeding activity will be reduced but more concentrated during warming trends, with fish staying close to bottom structure	Deep excavation holes and old river channel areas, especially those with brush piles Deep dock edges adjacent to channel bends where depth changes quickly Deep points with access to both channel and flat areas	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Blade Baits Large Hair Jigs (Preacher)	Bottom-dwelling crawfish seeking winter shelter Suspended shad schools in deeper water Small bluegill relating to brush piles	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	42-52	Bluegill form tight schools in deeper water near structure, with reduced but consistent feeding activity Most active during mid-day periods when water temperatures peak	Brush piles in 15-25 foot depth range near creek channels Deep dock edges with vertical posts providing cover Deep water transitions near points where shallow flats meet deeper water	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Ice Fishing Jigs	Small aquatic insects and larvae Micro invertebrates Zooplankton	Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake Barkley (2)

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points leading into spawning pockets with natural wood cover	Transition areas between deep brush piles and shallow spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Ledges and points adjacent to spawning flats	Brush piles in 8-15 foot depth range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake points adjacent to creek channels, particularly those with brush piles	Secondary points in major creek arms where staging occurs
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Drum	Deeper brush piles adjacent to spawning flats (8-15 feet)	Dock structures, especially those near channel swings
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Brush piles in 8-12 feet of water adjacent to spawning flats	Dock areas with good sun exposure, especially those near spawning coves
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Laydowns in spawning pockets, especially given the reported success and lake profile showing natural wood cover	Protected coves with firm bottom, suggested by the lake's moderately irregular shoreline (SDI 1.49)
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Brush piles and woody cover in 4-8 feet of water	Protected coves with undercut banks
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Creek channel intersections with main lake points	Shallow brush piles near spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Drum	Hard-bottom areas near dock structures in 5-15 foot depth range	Points and rocky areas adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected dock areas in 2-4 feet of water, especially those with visible spawning beds	Shallow brush piles near spawning flats
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points with access to deeper water	Brush piles in 8-15 foot range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Docks with deep water access, particularly those near channel swings	Brush piles in 8-15 feet of water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake points near creek channel intersections	Brush piles positioned on channel ledges in 15-25 foot depth range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Drum	Docks with access to deeper water	Brush piles near channel edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Docks in 3-8 feet of water, especially those with brush or vegetation nearby	Protected coves with developing weed growth
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Deep ledges in 13'+ of water, especially those near channel swings	Deep stump fields adjacent to creek channels
Summer	Catfish	Deep channels near structure transitions, especially near brush piles	Shaded areas under docks with access to deeper water
Summer	Striped Bass	Deep main lake points and ledges adjacent to creek channels, especially those with brush piles in 20-30 foot range	Current-swept areas near channel bends where cooler water upwelling occurs
Summer	Drum	Deep holes and channels from previous excavation, especially near structure transitions	Deeper sections near dock structures providing shade
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Shaded areas under and between docks, especially those with deeper water access	Submerged brush piles in 8-15 foot depth range
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points, particularly those with access to deeper water	Brush piles adjacent to feeding areas
Fall	Catfish	Deep channel edges adjacent to shallow flats where shad are congregating	Brush piles in 8-15 feet of water near points and ledges
Fall	Striped Bass	Main lake points adjacent to deep water access	Brush piles positioned on channel swings or ledges
Fall	Drum	Brush piles in 15-25 foot depth range	Deep holes from previous excavation
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Brush piles in 8-15 feet of water near drop-offs	Deep dock edges with good shade coverage
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Brush piles positioned near river channels or creek channels	Mud/silt flats adjacent to deeper water
Winter	Catfish	Deep channels and reservoir ditches where stable temperatures exist	Deep brush piles adjacent to channel edges
Winter	Striped Bass	Deep main lake points near creek channel intersections	Brush piles positioned on deeper ledges (15-25 feet)
Winter	Drum	Deep excavation holes and old river channel areas, especially those with brush piles	Deep dock edges adjacent to channel bends where depth changes quickly
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Brush piles in 15-25 foot depth range near creek channels	Deep dock edges with vertical posts providing cover

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish becoming more active in warming shallows	Shad schools in transition areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools beginning spring movements	Bluegill moving towards shoreline areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Gizzard and Threadfin Shad schooling in pre-spawn patterns	Various juvenile baitfish gathering in warming shallow waters
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Drum	Crawfish emerging from winter habitat	Shad schools in pre-spawn patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Tiny crustaceans and invertebrates
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill - primary forage mentioned in spring fishing reports	Crawfish - indicated in lake profile as part of dual forage base
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Shad moving into spawning areas	Bluegill becoming more active in the shallows
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Shad schools congregating in spawning areas	Small baitfish in tributary arms
Spring (Spawn)	Drum	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small bluegill in shallow areas
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae	Small invertebrates and zooplankton
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter patterns	Small bluegill around shallow cover
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools moving into shallower water	Bluegill around dock structures
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Shad schools congregating in transitional areas	Small baitfish utilizing brush pile cover
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Drum	Crawfish emerging in warming waters	Small bluegill around dock structures
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and aquatic invertebrates	Small worms and larvae
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools suspended near deep structure	Crawfish on deeper hard bottom areas
Summer	Catfish	Shad schools in open water near structure	Bluegill around docks and brush piles
Summer	Striped Bass	Shad schools concentrated in deep water during day, moving shallow during low light	Smaller baitfish seeking refuge in brush piles and around structure
Summer	Drum	Crawfish around dock structures and brush piles	Shad in deeper water
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and aquatic invertebrates	Tiny crustaceans near structure
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad (primary forage based on reaction bait success)	Crawfish (indicated by success of bottom-oriented presentations)
Fall	Catfish	Shad schools congregating in large numbers	Bluegill holding near docks and brush
Fall	Striped Bass	Shad schools concentrated in creek arms and around points	Smaller baitfish transitioning from summer to fall patterns
Fall	Drum	Shad schools congregating in deeper water	Crawfish around brush piles and points
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Tiny crustaceans and zooplankton
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish seeking winter shelter in brush piles and rocky areas	Schools of shad suspended near brush piles and channel edges
Winter	Catfish	Schooled shad in deeper water	Bottom-dwelling organisms like crawfish
Winter	Striped Bass	Schooling shad in deeper water	Suspended baitfish near structure
Winter	Drum	Bottom-dwelling crawfish seeking winter shelter	Suspended shad schools in deeper water
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Micro invertebrates

Bait Colors by Season for Lake Barkley (2)

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Drum	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Drum	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Drum	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Dark Neutrals Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Catfish	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Drum	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Green Pumpkin Metallic Colors
Fall	Catfish	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Drum	Natural Shad Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Dark Neutrals Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Catfish	Dark Neutrals Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Drum	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors