How to Fish Lake Bemidji: Best Patterns & Techniques

Lake Bemidji

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 11, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake Bemidji

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	38-48	Pre-spawn walleyes staging near spawning areas, moving from wintering holes to shallower transitional areas Feeding activity increases as water warms, with peak activity during dawn and dusk periods	Rocky points and gravel areas adjacent to spawning locations Sand flats near deep water transitions Deep breaks in 10-19 foot range leading to shallow spawning areas	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with slow, methodical presentations Live Bait Rigs using minnows along transition areas Blade Baits worked slowly through staging areas	Perch congregating near deep weed edges Small baitfish in transitional areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-62	Bass are actively roaming shallow areas during pre-spawn, showing aggressive behavior and willingness to strike surface baits Fish are transitioning from winter patterns to spawning areas, utilizing submerged vegetation as staging areas	Shallow areas with emerging vegetation, particularly where new growth is starting Submerged vegetation edges in 8-15 foot depth range serving as staging areas Main lake transition areas where deep water meets emerging vegetation	Frogs/Toads worked across shallow vegetation Swim Jigs around emerging vegetation edges Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly along transition areas	Yellow Perch in and around vegetation Early season bluegills moving shallow	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	38-48	Yellow perch are transitioning from winter deep-water patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, gradually moving towards shallower spawning grounds Fish are becoming more active with warming water temperatures, feeding opportunistically on small baitfish and invertebrates near structure transitions	Transition areas between deep basins and emerging weed growth (8-15 feet) Secondary points and shelves adjacent to spawning areas (12-20 feet) Deep edges of remaining cabbage weed beds (13-15 feet)	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Live Bait Rigs Blade Baits	Small minnows and juvenile perch Bottom-dwelling invertebrates	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-48	Pike are moving from deeper wintering areas to shallow spawning locations, actively feeding to prepare for spawn Fish are following warming trends, congregating in areas where water temperatures rise fastest Aggressive feeding behavior during pre-spawn, with fish willing to chase faster-moving baits	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 3-8 feet of water Transitional areas between deep wintering holes and spawning locations North-facing shorelines that warm faster in spring sunlight	Spinnerbaits worked slowly along emerging weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve near vegetation Inline Spinners cast parallel to emerging weed edges	Perch gathering in shallow warming bays Small pike congregating in pre-spawn areas Shallow-water baitfish schools	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Bluegills are transitioning from winter deep water patterns to shallower pre-spawn staging areas, becoming more active as water temperatures rise Fish are beginning to feed more aggressively on emerging insects and small invertebrates near vegetation edges	Cabbage weed edges in 8-13 foot range adjacent to potential spawning flats Deeper reed edges transitioning to submerged vegetation Offshore humps and reefs in 15-20 foot range that provide staging areas	Live Bait Rigs with small worms or insects suspended just above vegetation Ice Fishing Jigs worked slowly through the water column Micro Crankbaits retrieved slowly parallel to weed edges	Emerging aquatic insects and larvae Small crustaceans and zooplankton Tiny minnows and fry	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	45-58	Walleyes are in spawning and post-spawn patterns, actively using cabbage weed edges in 6-13 foot depths for feeding Fish are showing typical spring patterns of moving between spawning areas and early season feeding zones, particularly active during low light periods given the moderate water clarity	Cabbage weed beds in 6-13 feet of water Sand flats adjacent to spawning areas Deep weed edges where cabbage meets breaks	Live Bait Rigs with 1/8 oz jigs tipped with shiners or fatheads Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with soft plastics Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') during low light periods	Shiners and other small baitfish Young perch in weed beds	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-65	Moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly around emergent vegetation like reeds and lily pads, with males preparing nests in 2-6 feet of water Aggressive territorial behavior around nesting sites, with females staging slightly deeper on adjacent drop-offs Feeding actively pre-spawn, then becoming more defensive during actual spawning period	Reed beds and lily pad zones in 2-6 feet of water, especially where they meet firmer bottom Protected shallow bays with emergent vegetation Transition areas between shallow spawning flats and deeper water	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around visible cover and spawning areas Swim Jigs through reed lines and vegetation edges Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly around spawning flats	Yellow Perch staging in vegetation edges Small panfish in spawning areas Juvenile baitfish beginning to emerge in shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	42-52	Post-winter perch transitioning to spawning areas in shallow bays and flats, typically in 6-15 feet of water near remaining cabbage beds and emerging vegetation Schools becoming more concentrated as fish stage for spawning, with aggressive feeding periods during pre-spawn	Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water, particularly areas with remnant cabbage or emerging vegetation in 6-15 feet Protected bays with firm bottom composition, especially near drop-offs to deeper water Transition areas between winter deep water haunts and spawning grounds in 15-25 feet	Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or worms worked slowly along bottom transitions Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with light jigs tipped with soft plastics Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked through staging areas	Small invertebrates and insects emerging with spring warming Juvenile baitfish concentrated in warming shallows Small crayfish becoming active in rocky areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-52	Northern Pike are in shallow, weedy bays and tributaries for spawning, typically moving into these areas as soon as ice-out occurs Post-spawn fish remain shallow but transition to feeding heavily to recover from spawning efforts	Shallow weedy bays with emerging vegetation in 2-6 feet of water Tributary mouths and inflowing streams Adjacent deeper drops near spawning areas for staging	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) Spinnerbaits Inline Spinners Live Bait Rigs	Perch Small Northern Pike Suckers	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	62-71	Actively staging and spawning in shallow protected areas, particularly around reed beds and lily pads Males guarding nests in colonies, while non-spawning fish feeding opportunistically in nearby vegetation	Protected shallow bays with reeds and lily pads in 2-4 feet of water Adjacent cabbage weed beds in 8-13 foot range Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper vegetation	Bobbers with small jigs or live bait suspended 1-3 feet deep Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly through spawning areas Micro Crankbaits worked parallel to weed edges	Small insects and larvae in spawning areas Plankton and micro-organisms in shallow zones Small minnows along weed edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	52-62	Post-spawn walleyes are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily targeting perch in shallow to mid-depth ranges of 6-10 feet Fish are relating to boulder areas and transitional zones, showing classic post-spawn recovery behavior	Boulder fields in 6-10 foot range Deep weed edges near cabbage beds in 6-13 foot range Sand flats adjacent to deeper water	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom structure Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') along weed edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around boulders	Perch Young-of-year baitfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-72	Post-spawn largemouth bass are actively feeding while remaining relatively shallow, utilizing thick vegetation for shade and ambush points Fish are structure-oriented, showing preference for reed edges and dense vegetation rather than moving to deeper water	Thick shaded vegetation areas in shallow water Reed beds, especially outer edges Vegetation transitions near deeper water access	Swim Jigs worked through and along vegetation edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for penetrating thick cover Spinnerbaits parallel to reed edges	Perch Young of the year baitfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	48-62	Post-spawn perch transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper structure, actively feeding to recover energy Fish forming loose schools around emerging weed growth and transition areas between spawning grounds and summer habitat	Emerging cabbage weed beds in 8-13 foot depth range Secondary break lines near spawning flats in 15-20 foot range Offshore structure adjacent to spawning areas	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Small invertebrates near emerging weed growth Young of year baitfish Small crayfish emerging from winter dormancy	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	52-65	Post-spawn pike are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily utilizing shallow to mid-depth vegetation edges and adjacent flats Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior, willing to chase reaction baits in warmer, shallow waters Moving between shallow feeding areas and slightly deeper resting areas throughout the day	Cabbage bed edges in 8-13 feet of water, especially where they meet clean bottom areas Shallow flats adjacent to deep water access Main lake points with emerging vegetation	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve near vegetation Inline Spinners in shallow feeding areas Trolling Shallow (0-9') along weed edges	Perch Small pike Various minnow species	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	61-71	Post-spawn bluegill transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper feeding zones, actively feeding to recover energy Fish moving between vegetation edges and nearby deeper structure throughout the day	Cabbage weed beds in 8-13 foot range Edges of lily pad fields adjacent to deeper water Offshore reefs and humps near vegetated areas	Live Bait Rigs with small leeches or worms suspended just above vegetation Bobbers with small jigs worked slowly through weed edges Micro Crankbaits worked parallel to weed edges	Small insects and larvae around vegetation Plankton concentrations near weed edges Young-of-year minnows	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Walleye	68-75	Actively feeding on sand flats and deep weed edges in 10-14 foot range, with aggressive response to fast-moving baits Showing consistent feeding patterns regardless of weather conditions, suggesting stable summer pattern	Sand flats in 11-14 foot depth range Deep weed edges adjacent to cabbage beds in 10-13 foot range Points with access to deeper water	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with aggressive snap-jigging retrieves Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along sand flats Live Bait Rigs along weed edges	Perch - primary forage based on multiple reports Minnows - mentioned as secondary forage in reports	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	68-82	Bass are actively schooling in shallow vegetation zones, particularly in areas with mixed reed and lily pad habitat Fish are structure-oriented and maintaining relatively shallow positions throughout warm months, utilizing thick vegetation for shade and ambush points	Mixed reed and lily pad areas in 3-8 feet of water Thick shaded vegetation with adjacent deeper water access Main lake vegetation edges along deep-shallow transitions	Swim Jigs worked through reeds and pads Frogs/Toads worked over matted vegetation Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) in thick cover	Yellow Perch in weed beds Bluegill in lily pad fields	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Summer	Yellow Perch	65-75	Yellow perch forming loose schools in and around deep weed edges (13-18 feet), moving to deeper water during bright midday periods Active feeding during early morning and evening periods near weed edges, targeting small baitfish and invertebrates	Cabbage weed bed edges at 12-13 foot depths Deep mud flats adjacent to weed beds in 20-25 foot range Offshore structure near deep basin areas	Drop Shot with small minnow imitations worked slowly along weed edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with small spoons near weed edges Live Bait Rigs with minnows or crawlers near bottom structure	Small minnows and juvenile perch Aquatic invertebrates in weed beds Bottom-dwelling invertebrates on mud flats	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	68-78	Pike are actively patrolling deep weed edges (8+ feet) for ambush feeding opportunities, with larger specimens preferring the outer edges while smaller fish stay in thicker vegetation Fish are maintaining position near cabbage beds to optimize both feeding opportunities and temperature comfort in warm summer conditions	Deep cabbage bed edges in 8-13 feet of water Thick vegetation patches in 8+ feet of water Main lake points with healthy vegetation growth	Swim Jigs worked along weed edges and through vegetation Spinnerbaits parallel to weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked over vegetation tops	Perch Other panfish utilizing weed cover	Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	61-71	Bluegill are actively feeding in and around vegetation in 8-13 foot depth range, particularly in cabbage beds during morning and evening hours During midday heat, schools move slightly deeper to 13-19 foot range near offshore structure, following similar patterns as yellow perch	Cabbage weed beds in 8-13 foot range Offshore reefs and humps in 13-19 foot range Edges of lily pads and reed beds in shallow water	Live Bait Rigs with small leeches or worms suspended just above vegetation Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with micro jigs around vegetation edges Bobbers with suspended baits positioned at specific depths based on time of day	Small insects and larvae in and around vegetation Plankton concentrations near thermocline Small minnows in weed edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake Bemidji

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Walleye	61-65	Actively feeding on perch along deep weed edges and gradual breaks, with increased schooling behavior noted in 10-14 foot range Fish are responding well to slower presentations, requiring methodical retrieves as water temperatures drop into low 60s	Gradual sand flat transitions near deep weed edges in 10-14 foot range Submerged vegetation edges where cabbage beds end around 11 feet Northern shoreline areas with access to deeper water	Hard Jerkbaits worked extremely slowly with long pauses Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked above schools with speed adjustments Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with snap jigging presentations	Perch - primary forage based on multiple recent reports Cisco/Whitefish - secondary forage mentioned in reports	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	52-65	Bass actively feeding on perch in vegetation edges and transitional areas, following forage as it moves deeper with cooling temperatures Fish beginning to school more aggressively, targeting baitfish in deeper vegetation edges and main lake structure	Deep weed edges adjacent to main lake basins (12-15 feet) Remaining green vegetation in 8-12 foot range Main lake points with access to deeper water	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to deep weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for targeting actively feeding fish Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly through remaining vegetation	Yellow Perch concentrating near remaining vegetation Baitfish schools moving to deeper water	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	Yellow Perch	52-65	Perch are showing aggressive feeding behavior, particularly around submerged vegetation, targeting larger forage as they bulk up for winter Fish are actively feeding during daylight hours in moderate depths, with increased activity around weed edges as water temperatures cool	Weed edges and submerged vegetation in 10-19 feet Deep weed-mud transitions near cabbage beds Offshore structure adjacent to weed flats	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Live Bait Rigs Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Minnows Small perch Aquatic invertebrates	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	48-62	Pike are actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter, following baitfish schools and utilizing vegetation edges as ambush points Fish are moving between deep weed edges and adjacent flats, particularly during low-light periods	Deep weed edges in 8-13 feet where cabbage beds meet main lake basin Main lake points with remaining green vegetation Shallow flats adjacent to deep water during overcast conditions	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve near vegetation Trolling Shallow (0-9') along weed edges during low light	Perch concentrating in remaining vegetation Various baitfish schools moving along deep weed edges	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Bluegill are schooling and feeding heavily in preparation for winter, with more aggressive behavior during warmer parts of the day Fish are transitioning from shallow vegetation to deeper structure, following cooling water temperatures	Deep cabbage weed edges in 12-15 foot range near offshore structure Offshore humps and reefs in 15-20 foot range Deeper sections of remaining green vegetation in 8-12 foot range	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Drop Shot Ice Fishing Jigs	Small insects and larvae around remaining vegetation Plankton concentrations in mid-depth zones Small minnows in and around weed edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Walleye	34-42	Actively feeding on perch and other baitfish during low-light periods near breaks and transitions Suspending over deeper flats during mid-day, moving shallower during prime feeding windows	Sand flats adjacent to deep breaks in 15-25 foot range Points with access to both shallow and deep water Deep weed edges where cabbage beds are still present	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Spoons	Perch Small Baitfish Schools	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Yellow Perch	34-39	Yellow perch schooling in deep water (25-40+ feet) over offshore reefs and mud flats, feeding on invertebrates and small baitfish Most active feeding periods during early morning and late afternoon, with schools remaining relatively stationary in deep water	Offshore reefs in 25-40+ feet of water Deep basin mud flats adjacent to reef structures Transitional areas between reefs and mud flats where invertebrates are abundant	Ice Fishing Spoons worked with subtle jigging motions just off bottom Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with tight, controlled movements Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or worms near bottom structure	Small invertebrates on deep mud flats Juvenile baitfish near reef structures Small perch and minnows	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	38-45	Northern pike are suspending near cabbage weed edges in 8-13 feet, actively feeding on perch and other forage fish during low-light periods Fish are relating strongly to the deeper vegetated areas that provide both cover and access to preferred temperature ranges	Deep weed edges in 8-13 feet of water, particularly near cabbage beds Main lake points with access to deep water and remaining vegetation Transition areas between vegetation and clean bottom in 10-15 feet	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly along weed edges Blade Baits worked with a vertical presentation near vegetation Live Bait Rigs with large minnows positioned just above the vegetation	Perch concentrating near remaining vegetation Various baitfish species schooling in deeper water adjacent to structure	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	48-58	Bluegill are transitioning from fall patterns to winter locations, actively feeding on plankton and small invertebrates in preparation for winter Fish beginning to school tightly around key structure, particularly in deeper water areas adjacent to vegetation edges	Deep cabbage weed edges in 12-15 foot range where vegetation is still healthy Offshore humps and reefs in 15-20 foot range Transition areas between deeper flats and remaining vegetation	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Drop Shot Live Bait Rigs	Plankton and micro invertebrates Small minnows Aquatic insects	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Walleye	32-34	Walleye are actively feeding but moving away from high-pressure areas, requiring anglers to seek less pressured locations Fish are relating to hard-bottom areas and points, likely staging near structural transitions	Isolated points away from concentrated fishing pressure Deep transitions adjacent to sand flats Secondary points and structures that receive less pressure than primary spots	Ice Fishing Spoons worked with subtle jigging motions Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with live bait Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set along structural transitions	Perch Small Baitfish	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Ice	Yellow Perch	34-39	Schooling in deep basins 25-40+ feet over mud flats, actively feeding on invertebrates and small baitfish Most active during dawn and dusk periods, with feeding windows throughout day in optimal conditions	Deep basin areas with mud flats in 25-40 foot range Transitions between deep basins and structural elements like reefs Deeper edges of cabbage weed beds that remained green before ice-up	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just off bottom Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive flash for attracting schools Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to locate active schools	Bottom-dwelling invertebrates and larvae Small minnows and juvenile perch Zooplankton in water column	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	33-38	Northern Pike concentrate near remaining green weeds in 8-13 foot depths, with more active periods during early morning and late afternoon Fish are showing preference for larger, slower-moving prey due to reduced metabolism in cold water	Deep weed edges near the 11-13 foot break where cabbage beds persist through winter Main lake points with access to both shallow and deep water Transitions between weed edges and deeper flats where perch schools congregate	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large dead baits or live suckers positioned at varying depths Ice Fishing Spoons worked with aggressive jigging followed by long pauses Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with large minnows, worked slowly near weed edges	Yellow Perch - Primary forage base mentioned in reports Suckers - Common winter forage for larger pike Small Pike - Opportunistic feeding on smaller pike common in winter	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	34-39	Bluegill concentrate in deeper basins between 18-30 feet during winter, often schooling tightly near structure or transitions Feeding activity is most pronounced during early morning and late afternoon, with fish becoming more active on warmer, stable weather days	Deep basin areas adjacent to cabbage bed edges in 18-25 foot range Offshore humps and reefs in 20-30 foot range with access to deeper water Transitions where vegetation meets deeper basin areas	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements and occasional pauses Ice Fishing Spoons with slow, methodical jigging action Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or waxworms for finicky fish	Small invertebrates and zooplankton in deeper water Tiny minnows suspended near structure Insect larvae near bottom transitions	Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake Bemidji

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points and gravel areas adjacent to spawning locations	Sand flats near deep water transitions
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shallow areas with emerging vegetation, particularly where new growth is starting	Submerged vegetation edges in 8-15 foot depth range serving as staging areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Transition areas between deep basins and emerging weed growth (8-15 feet)	Secondary points and shelves adjacent to spawning areas (12-20 feet)
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 3-8 feet of water	Transitional areas between deep wintering holes and spawning locations
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Cabbage weed edges in 8-13 foot range adjacent to potential spawning flats	Deeper reed edges transitioning to submerged vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Cabbage weed beds in 6-13 feet of water	Sand flats adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Reed beds and lily pad zones in 2-6 feet of water, especially where they meet firmer bottom	Protected shallow bays with emergent vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water, particularly areas with remnant cabbage or emerging vegetation in 6-15 feet	Protected bays with firm bottom composition, especially near drop-offs to deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow weedy bays with emerging vegetation in 2-6 feet of water	Tributary mouths and inflowing streams
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays with reeds and lily pads in 2-4 feet of water	Adjacent cabbage weed beds in 8-13 foot range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Boulder fields in 6-10 foot range	Deep weed edges near cabbage beds in 6-13 foot range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Thick shaded vegetation areas in shallow water	Reed beds, especially outer edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Emerging cabbage weed beds in 8-13 foot depth range	Secondary break lines near spawning flats in 15-20 foot range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Cabbage bed edges in 8-13 feet of water, especially where they meet clean bottom areas	Shallow flats adjacent to deep water access
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Cabbage weed beds in 8-13 foot range	Edges of lily pad fields adjacent to deeper water
Summer	Walleye	Sand flats in 11-14 foot depth range	Deep weed edges adjacent to cabbage beds in 10-13 foot range
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Mixed reed and lily pad areas in 3-8 feet of water	Thick shaded vegetation with adjacent deeper water access
Summer	Yellow Perch	Cabbage weed bed edges at 12-13 foot depths	Deep mud flats adjacent to weed beds in 20-25 foot range
Summer	Northern Pike	Deep cabbage bed edges in 8-13 feet of water	Thick vegetation patches in 8+ feet of water
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Cabbage weed beds in 8-13 foot range	Offshore reefs and humps in 13-19 foot range
Fall	Walleye	Gradual sand flat transitions near deep weed edges in 10-14 foot range	Submerged vegetation edges where cabbage beds end around 11 feet
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Deep weed edges adjacent to main lake basins (12-15 feet)	Remaining green vegetation in 8-12 foot range
Fall	Yellow Perch	Weed edges and submerged vegetation in 10-19 feet	Deep weed-mud transitions near cabbage beds
Fall	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges in 8-13 feet where cabbage beds meet main lake basin	Main lake points with remaining green vegetation
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep cabbage weed edges in 12-15 foot range near offshore structure	Offshore humps and reefs in 15-20 foot range
Winter	Walleye	Sand flats adjacent to deep breaks in 15-25 foot range	Points with access to both shallow and deep water
Winter	Yellow Perch	Offshore reefs in 25-40+ feet of water	Deep basin mud flats adjacent to reef structures
Winter	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges in 8-13 feet of water, particularly near cabbage beds	Main lake points with access to deep water and remaining vegetation
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep cabbage weed edges in 12-15 foot range where vegetation is still healthy	Offshore humps and reefs in 15-20 foot range
Ice	Walleye	Isolated points away from concentrated fishing pressure	Deep transitions adjacent to sand flats
Ice	Yellow Perch	Deep basin areas with mud flats in 25-40 foot range	Transitions between deep basins and structural elements like reefs
Ice	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges near the 11-13 foot break where cabbage beds persist through winter	Main lake points with access to both shallow and deep water
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep basin areas adjacent to cabbage bed edges in 18-25 foot range	Offshore humps and reefs in 20-30 foot range with access to deeper water

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Perch congregating near deep weed edges	Small baitfish in transitional areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Yellow Perch in and around vegetation	Early season bluegills moving shallow
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small minnows and juvenile perch	Bottom-dwelling invertebrates
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Perch gathering in shallow warming bays	Small pike congregating in pre-spawn areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Emerging aquatic insects and larvae	Small crustaceans and zooplankton
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Shiners and other small baitfish	Young perch in weed beds
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Yellow Perch staging in vegetation edges	Small panfish in spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small invertebrates and insects emerging with spring warming	Juvenile baitfish concentrated in warming shallows
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Perch	Small Northern Pike
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae in spawning areas	Plankton and micro-organisms in shallow zones
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Perch	Young-of-year baitfish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Perch	Young of the year baitfish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small invertebrates near emerging weed growth	Young of year baitfish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Perch	Small pike
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae around vegetation	Plankton concentrations near weed edges
Summer	Walleye	Perch - primary forage based on multiple reports	Minnows - mentioned as secondary forage in reports
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Yellow Perch in weed beds	Bluegill in lily pad fields
Summer	Yellow Perch	Small minnows and juvenile perch	Aquatic invertebrates in weed beds
Summer	Northern Pike	Perch	Other panfish utilizing weed cover
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae in and around vegetation	Plankton concentrations near thermocline
Fall	Walleye	Perch - primary forage based on multiple recent reports	Cisco/Whitefish - secondary forage mentioned in reports
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Yellow Perch concentrating near remaining vegetation	Baitfish schools moving to deeper water
Fall	Yellow Perch	Minnows	Small perch
Fall	Northern Pike	Perch concentrating in remaining vegetation	Various baitfish schools moving along deep weed edges
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae around remaining vegetation	Plankton concentrations in mid-depth zones
Winter	Walleye	Perch	Small Baitfish Schools
Winter	Yellow Perch	Small invertebrates on deep mud flats	Juvenile baitfish near reef structures
Winter	Northern Pike	Perch concentrating near remaining vegetation	Various baitfish species schooling in deeper water adjacent to structure
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Plankton and micro invertebrates	Small minnows
Ice	Walleye	Perch	Small Baitfish
Ice	Yellow Perch	Bottom-dwelling invertebrates and larvae	Small minnows and juvenile perch
Ice	Northern Pike	Yellow Perch - Primary forage base mentioned in reports	Suckers - Common winter forage for larger pike
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Small invertebrates and zooplankton in deeper water	Tiny minnows suspended near structure

Bait Colors by Season for Lake Bemidji

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Summer	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	Yellow Perch	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Walleye	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Ice	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals