How to Fish Lake Byllesby: Best Patterns & Techniques

Lake Byllesby

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

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake Byllesby

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	45-55	Gradually moving from winter deep-water areas to transitional staging areas near spawning flats, becoming more active as water temperatures rise Feeding periods become more frequent but still concentrated during warmer parts of day, targeting crawfish and baitfish near rocky structure	Rocky points and transition areas adjacent to spawning flats River channel edges with rock structure Protected shoreline areas with rip-rap or boulder fields	Tubes worked slowly along rocky structure Blade Baits worked with controlled lifts near channel edges Ned Rigs deadsticked on transition areas	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish in transitional areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Pre-spawn walleyes staging near spawning areas, making deliberate movements from wintering areas to shallow spawning grounds Feeding actively but in shorter windows, particularly during low-light periods, though the lake's low clarity (1.1m Secchi) extends feeding periods	Rocky points and tributary inlets with gravel or rock substrate for spawning preparation Transition areas between deep wintering holes and shallow spawning flats Sand flats adjacent to deeper water where baitfish congregate	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Blade Baits	Minnows (primary forage based on reports) Small Yellow Perch	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-58	Largemouth bass are moving from winter deep-water areas to transitional staging areas, preparing for the spawn Fish are becoming more active and feeding opportunistically as water temperatures rise, especially during warmer afternoons	Secondary points and channel swings adjacent to spawning flats Laydowns and woody cover in 4-8 foot depth range Protected coves with gradual slopes and emerging vegetation	Lipless Crankbaits worked slowly through transitional areas Bladed Jigs around woody cover and emerging vegetation Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) worked methodically around laydowns	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small bluegill in warming shallows Minnows gathering in pre-spawn areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	48-58	White bass are staging near spawning areas, actively feeding in preparation for spawn. They're moving between deeper wintering areas and shallow pre-spawn staging points, particularly active during warmer days. Fish are schooling more aggressively, following baitfish schools in predictable patterns along structural elements like points and channel edges.	Rock piles and points adjacent to spawning tributaries Secondary points with access to deeper water Channel edges near tributary mouths	Blade Baits worked vertically along channel edges Lipless Crankbaits with stop-and-go retrieves over rock structure Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) fan-cast around staging points	Small shad and minnows schooling in pre-spawn patterns Young crawfish becoming active in rocky areas	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Transitioning from winter depths to shallow spawning areas, staging on primary points and first breaks adjacent to spawning flats Males actively searching for and preparing nesting sites in protected areas with firm bottom composition Highly aggressive territorial behavior once nesting begins, with females moving between staging and spawning areas	Rocky points and breaks adjacent to spawning flats (2-8 feet) Protected shallow bays with gravel or rock bottom Areas near docks that provide both cover and suitable spawning substrate	Tubes worked slowly along rocky transitions Ned Rigs dragged through potential spawning areas Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to shoreline structure	Crayfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish concentrated in warming shallows Young of year panfish in protected bays	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Walleye transitioning from deep wintering areas to shallow spawning grounds, targeting hard-bottom areas and tributary inputs More active during daylight hours due to low water clarity (1.1m Secchi), with aggressive feeding before and after spawning	Rock and gravel areas near tributary inputs or river channels Shallow points and bays with firm bottom composition Transition areas between spawning grounds and deeper wintering holes	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Blade Baits	Small, shallow-running minnows in pre-spawn areas Concentrated baitfish schools near spawning grounds	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	55-65	Pre-spawn fish staging near spawning flats, moving into shallower areas as water warms Actively feeding before spawn, particularly during warming trends, with increased activity in afternoon hours	Protected shallow bays with soft bottom and emergent vegetation Secondary points adjacent to spawning flats Laydowns and woody cover in 2-6 foot depths	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow cover and emerging vegetation Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') along transition areas Spinnerbaits worked slowly near cover in stained water	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small bluegill in shallow areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	52-65	Migrating to spawning areas in tributaries and shallow flats, making aggressive upstream movements in groups Males arrive first and stage in pre-spawn areas, becoming increasingly aggressive as water warms Feeding activity spikes before and after spawning, with fish actively chasing baitfish schools in shallow water	Tributary mouths and river channels leading to spawning areas Rocky points and riprap areas near spawning flats Shallow flats with gravel or rock substrate for spawning	Inline Spinners worked parallel to shorelines and across points Lipless Crankbaits retrieved with erratic action in pre-spawn staging areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for imitating baitfish schools	Small Minnows and Shad in large schools Young-of-year Baitfish congregating near spawning areas Small Crawfish emerging in rocky areas	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-68	Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily during early morning and evening hours due to the turbid conditions (1.1m Secchi) Fish are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer feeding locations, following rock-to-sand transitions and focusing on crayfish forage	Rocky points and boulder fields adjacent to spawning flats in 4-8 foot depth range Current-swept areas near river channel intersections with rock structure Dock areas with nearby rock/gravel bottom composition	Tubes worked slowly along rock transitions Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') with erratic retrieves Ned Rigs worked methodically around rock structure	Crayfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish relating to rocky structure	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	58-70	Post-spawn walleye transitioning to deeper structures, actively feeding on minnows around points in 16-19 foot depth range Showing increased daytime activity due to low water clarity (3.6ft Secchi), less light sensitivity	Main lake points in 16-19 foot depth range Sandy flats adjacent to deeper water Rock structures near tributary inputs	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with crawler harnesses behind bottom bouncers Live Bait Rigs near bottom in 16-19 FOW Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') along points and structure edges	Minnows - primary forage based on recent reports Young of year baitfish beginning to emerge	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-72	Post-spawn largemouth bass are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy while remaining relatively shallow Fish are relating heavily to cover, particularly laydowns and brush piles, using these areas as ambush points for feeding	Laydowns and brush piles in shallow to moderate depth zones Secondary points and irregular shoreline features near spawning bays Shallow wood cover adjacent to slightly deeper water	Wacky Rigs worked slowly around wood cover Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentations to thick cover Swim Jigs for covering water between prime areas	Crawfish emerging in shallow areas Small bluegills and perch around woody cover	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	58-68	Post-spawn white bass actively feeding in groups, pursuing baitfish schools in wind-driven current areas Fish transitioning from spawning areas to main lake feeding zones, often using points and channel edges as migration routes	Main lake points with rock structure adjacent to spawning tributaries Wind-blown rocky shorelines with current breaks Channel edges near shallow flats where baitfish gather	Lipless Crankbaits worked in erratic retrieve patterns along rock transitions Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) fan cast around points and current seams Blade Baits worked vertically along channel edges	Young-of-year shad and minnows gathering in post-spawn areas Smaller crawfish active in rocky areas Various minnow species utilizing current breaks	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	68-82	Actively feeding in shallow zones (0-8 feet) during early morning and evening, utilizing current areas and rocky structure as primary feeding zones Moving between shallow feeding areas and slightly deeper adjacent structure during midday, especially given the relatively turbid conditions (3.6 ft visibility)	River channel areas with current and rocky structure Rocky shorelines and boulder fields in 0-8 foot depth range Dock areas with adjacent rock piles	Hard Topwater (Prop) during low light periods and cloudy days Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked along rocky structure Wacky Rigs worked slowly around docks and rocky areas	Crawfish - primary forage evidenced by multiple reports and bait color success Small baitfish - indicated by topwater success and perch pattern effectiveness	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Summer	Walleye	68-78	Walleye actively feeding on baitfish schools around sandy flats and deep pools, with increased activity during lower light conditions due to stained water Fish are relating strongly to structure transitions between sand and deeper water, using these areas as ambush points	Sandy flats adjacent to deeper pools where baitfish are congregating Points and structural transitions near deeper water Rock piles and tributary channels with good current flow	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom transitions Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) mimicking baitfish movement Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') in deeper pools	Minnows/small baitfish schools Crawlers (based on successful fishing reports)	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-85	Active feeding around laydowns and shallow cover, utilizing ambush points in the stained water conditions Fish are likely holding in the upper half of the water column given the shallow average depth and turbid conditions	Laydowns and woody cover, especially in 3-8 foot depth range Complex shoreline areas with irregular features and coves Points and transitions between shallow and deeper water	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked parallel to laydowns Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentations around cover Spinnerbaits for covering water and creating flash in stained conditions	Crawfish around woody cover and shallow structure Small baitfish utilizing shoreline areas Bluegill in shallow cover areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	White Bass	68-82	Actively schooling and chasing baitfish in wind-driven current areas and along river channels Moving between shallow feeding zones and slightly deeper staging areas throughout the day Utilizing rock piles and points as ambush locations during peak feeding periods	River channel edges in 8-12 foot depth range Wind-swept rocky points with current Rock piles adjacent to deeper water Shallow flats with active baitfish schools	Lipless Crankbaits worked with yo-yo retrieve along channel edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for actively feeding fish Spinnerbaits around rock piles and points Blade Baits for deeper schools	Schooling baitfish/minnows Smaller crawfish in rocky areas Young-of-year fish in shallows	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake Byllesby

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	52-65	Moving into shallower feeding zones (4-12 feet) during low-light periods following baitfish and crayfish Actively staging near current areas and rocky points to ambush prey Schooling behavior increases as fish group up to feed on abundant forage before winter	Rocky points and rip-rap areas with access to deeper water River channel edges with current breaks Dock areas with rock/gravel bottom composition	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to rocky banks Tubes dragged along rock transitions Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') around points Drop Shot with finesse presentations during tough conditions	Crayfish seeking shelter in rocky areas Baitfish schools in transition areas Small panfish around dock structures	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Walleye	48-62	Walleye actively feeding on baitfish schools, with increased activity during low-light periods as they prepare for winter Fish transitioning between shallow and mid-depth areas, following forage and responding to cooling water temperatures	Sand flats adjacent to deeper water where baitfish schools concentrate Rock piles and river channel edges providing ambush points Points and deep pools offering staging areas	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with aggressive jigging cadence Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along structure edges Blade Baits worked aggressively near baitfish schools	Schooling minnows concentrated in mid-depth areas Young-of-year baitfish in shallow flats	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	52-68	Actively feeding to build up reserves for winter, following baitfish schools and targeting high-calorie forage Moving between shallow feeding areas and deeper staging areas as water temperatures fluctuate throughout the day	Deep laydowns adjacent to main lake points where baitfish schools congregate Shallow coves with remaining vegetation, especially during afternoon warming periods Mid-depth transition areas between points and coves where bass can quickly adjust to changing conditions	Spinnerbaits worked along deep laydowns and point edges Lipless Crankbaits around remaining vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) for targeting actively feeding fish chasing baitfish schools	Shad schools congregating in creek arms and around points Bluegill remaining in shallow vegetation Crawfish active during warm afternoon periods	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	White Bass	52-65	Actively schooling and feeding on baitfish around rock structures, following wind-driven current patterns Moving between shallow and mid-depth ranges following baitfish schools, with increased activity during low-light periods	Rock piles with nearby deep water access Wind-blown points with rocky structure Main lake flats adjacent to river channel edges	Lipless Crankbaits with aggressive retrieve to trigger reaction strikes Blade Baits worked vertically through baitfish schools Spinnerbaits on windy shorelines near rock structure	Schooling baitfish/minnows Crawfish in rocky areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Walleye	34-45	Walleye are suspending near primary forage (minnows) in deeper basins and along key structural elements Active feeding periods during low-light conditions, with increased daytime activity due to low water clarity	Deep pools and basins adjacent to structural elements Rocky points with access to deeper water River channel areas with current breaks	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Live Bait Rigs	Suspended baitfish schools (minnows) Bottom-oriented forage near structure	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Ice	Walleye	34-39	Walleye tend to be most active during low-light periods, congregating near main lake structures and following baitfish schools With the lake's low clarity (1.1m Secchi), walleye will be more active during daylight hours compared to clear lakes Fish typically suspend 1-3 feet off bottom near structure or along edges of baitfish schools	Deep pools near points where baitfish concentrate Sandy flats adjacent to deeper water where baitfish schools gather Rock piles and river channel areas that provide structure and current breaks	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements and tipped with minnows Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to locate active fish Ice Fishing Spoons aggressively jigged to trigger reaction strikes	Minnows concentrating in schools near structure Small perch relating to sandy areas Juvenile white bass in deeper holes	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake Byllesby

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and transition areas adjacent to spawning flats	River channel edges with rock structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points and tributary inlets with gravel or rock substrate for spawning preparation	Transition areas between deep wintering holes and shallow spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points and channel swings adjacent to spawning flats	Laydowns and woody cover in 4-8 foot depth range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Rock piles and points adjacent to spawning tributaries	Secondary points with access to deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and breaks adjacent to spawning flats (2-8 feet)	Protected shallow bays with gravel or rock bottom
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Rock and gravel areas near tributary inputs or river channels	Shallow points and bays with firm bottom composition
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow bays with soft bottom and emergent vegetation	Secondary points adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Tributary mouths and river channels leading to spawning areas	Rocky points and riprap areas near spawning flats
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and boulder fields adjacent to spawning flats in 4-8 foot depth range	Current-swept areas near river channel intersections with rock structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Main lake points in 16-19 foot depth range	Sandy flats adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Laydowns and brush piles in shallow to moderate depth zones	Secondary points and irregular shoreline features near spawning bays
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Main lake points with rock structure adjacent to spawning tributaries	Wind-blown rocky shorelines with current breaks
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	River channel areas with current and rocky structure	Rocky shorelines and boulder fields in 0-8 foot depth range
Summer	Walleye	Sandy flats adjacent to deeper pools where baitfish are congregating	Points and structural transitions near deeper water
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Laydowns and woody cover, especially in 3-8 foot depth range	Complex shoreline areas with irregular features and coves
Summer	White Bass	River channel edges in 8-12 foot depth range	Wind-swept rocky points with current
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and rip-rap areas with access to deeper water	River channel edges with current breaks
Fall	Walleye	Sand flats adjacent to deeper water where baitfish schools concentrate	Rock piles and river channel edges providing ambush points
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Deep laydowns adjacent to main lake points where baitfish schools congregate	Shallow coves with remaining vegetation, especially during afternoon warming periods
Fall	White Bass	Rock piles with nearby deep water access	Wind-blown points with rocky structure
Winter	Walleye	Deep pools and basins adjacent to structural elements	Rocky points with access to deeper water
Ice	Walleye	Deep pools near points where baitfish concentrate	Sandy flats adjacent to deeper water where baitfish schools gather

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish in transitional areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Minnows (primary forage based on reports)	Small Yellow Perch
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small bluegill in warming shallows
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Small shad and minnows schooling in pre-spawn patterns	Young crawfish becoming active in rocky areas
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crayfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish concentrated in warming shallows
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Small, shallow-running minnows in pre-spawn areas	Concentrated baitfish schools near spawning grounds
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small bluegill in shallow areas
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Small Minnows and Shad in large schools	Young-of-year Baitfish congregating near spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crayfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish relating to rocky structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Minnows - primary forage based on recent reports	Young of year baitfish beginning to emerge
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging in shallow areas	Small bluegills and perch around woody cover
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Young-of-year shad and minnows gathering in post-spawn areas	Smaller crawfish active in rocky areas
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish - primary forage evidenced by multiple reports and bait color success	Small baitfish - indicated by topwater success and perch pattern effectiveness
Summer	Walleye	Minnows/small baitfish schools	Crawlers (based on successful fishing reports)
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish around woody cover and shallow structure	Small baitfish utilizing shoreline areas
Summer	White Bass	Schooling baitfish/minnows	Smaller crawfish in rocky areas
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Crayfish seeking shelter in rocky areas	Baitfish schools in transition areas
Fall	Walleye	Schooling minnows concentrated in mid-depth areas	Young-of-year baitfish in shallow flats
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools congregating in creek arms and around points	Bluegill remaining in shallow vegetation
Fall	White Bass	Schooling baitfish/minnows	Crawfish in rocky areas
Winter	Walleye	Suspended baitfish schools (minnows)	Bottom-oriented forage near structure
Ice	Walleye	Minnows concentrating in schools near structure	Small perch relating to sandy areas

Bait Colors by Season for Lake Byllesby

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