Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Smallmouth Bass | 43-50 | - Fish are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding but still temperature dependent
- Smallmouth becoming more aggressive as water temps rise through 40s into 50s, responding well to both reaction baits and bottom presentations
| - Rocky points and boulder fields in 8-14 foot depth range
- Transition areas between shallow flats and deeper water with hard bottom
- Reef structures that provide both feeding zones and pre-spawn staging areas
| - Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses in colder water, speeding up as temps rise
- Ned Rigs fished slowly along bottom in contact with structure
- Tubes dragged and hopped through rocky areas
| - Alewife suspending in the water column
- Crawfish becoming more active on hard bottom areas
- Perch relating to boulder fields and rocky structure
| - Natural Baitfish Colors
- Natural Craw Colors
- Dark Neutrals
|
Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Largemouth Bass | 55-65 | - Largemouth bass are transitioning into pre-spawn patterns, actively feeding on bluegill and perch in and around submerged vegetation
- Fish are moving from deeper wintering areas to shallower staging areas, becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise
| - Submerged vegetation patches in 3-5 foot depths, particularly areas with milfoil and eel grass
- Isolated patches of lily pads and pencil reeds in protected areas
- Secondary points with grass adjacent to deeper water
| - Swim Jigs worked steadily through vegetation
- Bladed Jigs (Chatterbaits) ripped through grass
- Spinnerbaits around edges of vegetation
| - Bluegill concentrated in shallow vegetation
- Yellow Perch relating to grass edges
- Baitfish schools moving shallow
| - Dark Neutrals
- Light Neutral Colors
- Vibrant Craw Colors
|
Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Lake Trout | 42-50 | - Lake trout actively pursuing bait balls in pre-spawn period, showing aggressive feeding behavior before spawning
- Fish are responding well to flashy presentations in cold water, particularly during daylight hours when they're actively chasing baitfish schools
| - Reefs and humps where baitfish schools are congregating
- Rocky points and structural elements along the complex shoreline
- Deep basin edges adjacent to spawning areas
| - Blade Baits worked through suspended bait balls and near structure
- Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are holding near structure
- Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') to cover water and locate active bait schools
| - Pelagic baitfish (likely alewives) concentrated in balls
- Smaller lake trout and whitefish
| - Metallic Colors
- Natural Baitfish Colors
- Chartreuse Colors
|
Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Panfish / Bluegill | 48-62 | - Panfish transitioning from winter deep water patterns to shallower pre-spawn staging areas, becoming more active with warming temperatures
- Fish showing increased feeding activity during warm afternoon periods, especially in protected bays and coves
- Schools beginning to congregate near spawning areas but still maintaining deeper water access
| - Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 4-8 foot depth range
- Secondary points leading into spawning bays
- Deeper edges of weed flats adjacent to winter holding areas
| - Bobbers with light jigs suspended at varying depths to find active fish
- Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding tight to structure
- Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around emerging vegetation
| - Small invertebrates becoming active in warming shallows
- Young-of-year baitfish schools
- Emerging insect larvae
| - Chartreuse Colors
- Natural Baitfish Colors
- Dark Neutrals
|
Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Walleye | 38-48 | - Pre-spawn walleye are actively staging near spawning areas, making shallow to mid-depth migrations from wintering areas
- Feeding activity increases as water temperatures rise, with peak activity during low light periods
| - Rock and gravel shorelines with access to deeper water
- Points and neck-down areas with current flow
- Secondary points leading into spawning bays
| - Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along transitions
- Blade Baits worked vertically near staging areas
- Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieving along breaks
| - Perch transitioning from deep winter areas
- Small baitfish concentrating near spawning areas
| - Natural Baitfish Colors
- Dark Neutrals
- Purple Colors
|
Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Northern Pike | 38-52 | - Pike are actively moving into shallow bays and spawning areas, becoming increasingly aggressive as water temperatures rise
- Fish are staging near weed edges and points that provide quick access to spawning areas
- Feeding activity intensifies with pre-spawn metabolism increase, making them more likely to chase faster-moving baits
| - Shallow bays with emerging vegetation, especially on the north side of the lake where water warms first
- Points and inside turns adjacent to spawning bays
- Shallow flats with remnant vegetation from previous season
| - Spinnerbaits worked slowly along weed edges and through sparse vegetation
- Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve near staging areas
- Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses in slightly deeper water
| - Perch gathering in pre-spawn locations
- Alewife schools in warming shallows
- Various smaller prey fish concentrated in warming areas
| - Natural Baitfish Colors
- Chartreuse Colors
- Bold Striped Patterns
|
Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Lake Whitefish | 38-48 | - Pre-spawn whitefish transitioning from deep winter holding areas to shallower feeding zones, actively feeding to build energy reserves
- Fish moving along current breaks and structural edges, following temperature transitions and baitfish movements
| - Current seams and breaks near deep basin transitions
- Secondary points and structural elements adjacent to spawning areas
- Deep water access points near shallow feeding flats
| - Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')
- Hover/Mid-Strolling
- Live Bait Rigs
| - Small baitfish schools transitioning to shallower water
- Perch fry in emerging weed edges
- Benthic invertebrates becoming more active with warming water
| - Natural Baitfish Colors
- Dark Neutrals
- Purple Colors
|
Spring (Spawn) | Smallmouth Bass | 65-70 | - Males are actively building and guarding spawning beds in shallow water, particularly around rock/sand/grass transitions in 5-12 foot range
- Females stage slightly deeper, moving up periodically to spawn, requiring long casts to avoid spooking fish
| - Rock piles with mixed sand and grass in 5-12 foot range
- Protected shallow flats with hard bottom composition
- Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water
| - Ned Rigs worked slowly around bedding areas
- Finesse Hair Jigs with long casts to staging fish
- Drop Shot with subtle presentations for wary fish
| - Perch
- Crawfish emerging in rocky areas
| - Natural Craw Colors
- Dark Neutrals
- Light Neutral Colors
|
Spring (Spawn) | Largemouth Bass | 58-68 | - Bass are actively engaged in spawning activities, with some fish bedding while others are in pre/post spawn transition phases
- Fish are making frequent moves between deeper staging areas and shallow spawning zones, particularly around vegetation and brush
| - Shallow reeds and emergent vegetation in 2-4 feet of water
- Flooded brush areas adjacent to spawning flats
- Protected coves with stable water temperatures
| - Grass Jigs worked slowly through shallow cover
- Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentations to beds and brush
- Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for cruising pre/post spawners
| - Bluegill concentrating in similar spawning areas
- Small baitfish moving into shallow warming waters
| - Dark Neutrals
- Vibrant Craw Colors
|
Spring (Spawn) | Lake Trout | 42-50 | - Lake trout actively feeding on alewife schools in pre-spawn and spawn periods, with increased activity in shallower waters
- Fish suspending and chasing pelagic baitfish schools rather than staying strictly bottom-oriented, especially during low light periods
| - Rocky points with access to deeper water, particularly where baitfish schools congregate
- Shallow to mid-depth reefs and humps that serve as staging areas for spawning
- Riprap areas with good structure and baitfish holding potential
| - Spoons worked through suspended bait balls and near structure
- Blade Baits with aggressive snap-jigging presentation
- Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along structure edges
| - Alewife - primary forage based on recent reports
- Other pelagic baitfish schools
| - Natural Baitfish Colors
- Chartreuse Colors
- Bold Striped Patterns
|
Spring (Spawn) | Panfish / Bluegill | 62-75 | - Panfish are moving into shallow, protected bays and coves for spawning, actively defending nesting sites in 2-6 foot depths
- Fish are most active during early morning and evening hours, with males guarding nests throughout the day
| - Protected shallow bays with firm bottom and scattered vegetation in 2-6 foot depths
- Secondary points leading into spawning bays with submerged vegetation
- Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water with emergent vegetation
| - Bobbers with small finesse jigs worked slowly around spawning areas
- Micro Crankbaits worked parallel to spawning flats
- Live Bait Rigs with small leeches or worms near nesting sites
| - Small insects and larvae near vegetation
- Small minnows in shallow areas
- Aquatic invertebrates in spawning areas
| - Chartreuse Colors
- Natural Baitfish Colors
- Dark Neutrals
|
Spring (Spawn) | Walleye | 42-52 | - Moving into shallow spawning areas, typically 2-6 feet deep, focusing on gravel or rocky substrate
- Pre-spawn staging on adjacent deeper breaks, with males arriving first followed by females
- Post-spawn fish quickly transition to deeper water recovery areas
| - Rocky points and gravel shorelines in protected bays
- Shallow rock and gravel flats adjacent to deeper water
- Tributary mouths and current areas with rocky substrate
| - Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along transition areas
- Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with light jigs
- Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for covering water
| - Smaller perch in shallow areas
- Minnows gathering in spawning areas
- Juvenile baitfish in warming shallows
| - Natural Craw Colors
- Dark Neutrals
- Natural Baitfish Colors
|
Spring (Spawn) | Northern Pike | 38-52 | - Northern Pike moving into shallow, weedy bays and backwater areas with warmer water for spawning
- Aggressive feeding patterns pre and post-spawn in areas with emerging vegetation
- Males arrive first at spawning grounds, followed by larger females
| - Shallow, weedy bays with emerging vegetation in 2-6 feet of water
- Protected backwater areas with soft bottom and sparse vegetation
- Channels and points adjacent to spawning bays for staging fish
| - Inline Spinners worked slowly through spawning areas
- Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve along edges of spawning areas
- Spoons worked with a flutter action for staging fish
| - Perch congregating in similar shallow areas
- Alewife moving into warmer shallow waters
- Various small baitfish species in spawning areas
| - Natural Baitfish Colors
- Chartreuse Colors
- Bold Striped Patterns
|
Spring (Spawn) | Lake Whitefish | 38-48 | - Lake whitefish are transitioning from winter deep-water patterns to shallower spawning areas, actively feeding during dawn and dusk periods
- Fish are moving along current seams and depth transitions, staging near spawning areas
| - Current breaks near deep basin transitions to shallow flats
- Rocky points and shoreline areas with good water movement
- Deep water staging areas adjacent to spawning grounds
| - Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')
- Live Bait Rigs
- Ice Fishing Jigs
| - Small minnows and shiners
- Young perch
- Aquatic insects
| - Natural Baitfish Colors
- Dark Neutrals
- Metallic Colors
|
Spring (Post-Spawn) | Smallmouth Bass | 64-70 | - Post-spawn smallmouth bass are actively feeding while recovering, moving between shallow spawning areas and early summer structures
- Fish are showing both shallow and suspended patterns, targeting alewives and crawfish near structural elements
| - Boulder fields and rock piles adjacent to spawning areas
- Dock areas with nearby rocky structure
- Points and transitions between shallow and deeper water
| - Drop Shot with minimal movement for suspended fish
- Texas Rigs worked around docks and boulders
- Finesse Hair Jigs for pressured fish
| - Alewife schools in open water and around structure
- Crawfish active among rocky areas and docks
| - Natural Craw Colors
- Natural Baitfish Colors
|
Spring (Post-Spawn) | Largemouth Bass | 65-72 | - Post-spawn largemouth are actively feeding to recover energy, focusing on shallow vegetation and transitional areas
- Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior, willing to chase moving baits like spinnerbaits and chatterbaits through vegetation
| - Submerged grass beds in 3-5 feet of water, especially edges and clear spots
- Lily pad fields and grass mats in southern shallow areas
- Transition areas between vegetation types with clear water pockets
| - Spinnerbaits worked through and over grass with gold willow/silver Colorado blade combination
- Bladed Jigs (Chatterbaits) ripped through tops of submerged grass
- Frogs/Toads worked over matted vegetation and lily pads
| - Alewife moving shallow and relating to grass edges
- Bluegill beginning to establish in pad fields and vegetation
| - Chartreuse Colors
- Natural Baitfish Colors
- Vibrant Craw Colors
|
Spring (Post-Spawn) | Lake Trout | 42-55 | - Lake trout transitioning to deeper, cooler water after spawn, actively feeding to recover energy
- Fish suspending near bait balls and along structure edges, showing aggressive feeding behavior
- Moving between deep basins and structural elements throughout the day, following baitfish schools
| - Deep basin edges adjacent to spawning reefs (20-35 feet)
- Rocky points and humps with access to deep water
- Suspended zones near large bait balls in main lake basins
| - Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended fish
- Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along structure edges
- Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are holding deeper
| - Alewives in large bait balls
- Juvenile Lake Whitefish
- Smelt schools
| - Chartreuse Colors
- Natural Baitfish Colors
- Dark Neutrals
|
Spring (Post-Spawn) | Panfish / Bluegill | 65-75 | - Post-spawn bluegill and panfish are actively feeding to recover energy, moving between shallow vegetation and nearby deeper drop-offs
- Fish exhibit cyclical feeding patterns throughout the day, with peak activity during morning and evening hours in shallower areas
| - Submerged weed edges in 4-8 foot depths, especially near drop-offs
- Protected bays and coves with emerging vegetation
- Secondary points with mixed vegetation and hard bottom
| - Bobbers with light jigs suspended near weed tops
- Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding under docks near vegetation
- Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') along weed edges
| - Small insects and larvae in vegetation
- Young-of-year baitfish
- Zooplankton in and around vegetation
| - Chartreuse Colors
- Natural Baitfish Colors
- Dark Neutrals
|
Spring (Post-Spawn) | Walleye | 48-58 | - Post-spawn walleyes are actively recovering and beginning to feed heavily, transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer locations
- Fish are primarily feeding during dawn and dusk periods, with some activity on cloudy days due to the moderate water clarity
- Movement patterns show fish using depth transitions near points and shoreline structures as they follow baitfish schools
| - Rocky points and adjacent flats in 8-15 foot depth range
- Shallow weed edges forming near shoreline complexity areas
- Transition areas between spawning bays and main lake points
| - Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along depth transitions
- Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to shoreline structures
- Jig and minnow combinations fished vertically near points
| - Young-of-year perch beginning to school
- Minnow species moving shallow with warming water
- Small baitfish relating to emerging weed growth
| - Natural Baitfish Colors
- Dark Neutrals
- Purple Colors
|
Spring (Post-Spawn) | Northern Pike | 52-65 | - Post-spawn pike are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily targeting shallow areas with emerging vegetation and abundant forage
- Fish are making frequent moves between shallow feeding zones and nearby deeper water rest areas
- Most aggressive feeding occurs during early morning and late evening, with reduced activity during bright midday periods
| - Shallow bays with emerging weed growth in 3-8 feet of water
- Points and irregular shoreline areas adjacent to deeper water
- Submerged vegetation edges near primary lake channels
| - Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges and points
- Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve through emerging vegetation
- Trolling Shallow (0-9') along depth transitions and weed edges
| - Perch congregating in emerging weed beds
- Alewife schools moving into warming shallow areas
- Various small baitfish utilizing newly growing vegetation
| - Vibrant Craw Colors
- Natural Baitfish Colors
- Chartreuse Colors
|
Spring (Post-Spawn) | Lake Whitefish | 42-52 | - Post-spawn whitefish transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper basins, actively feeding to recover energy
- Schools moving along current breaks and structural edges, following baitfish movements in moderate depths
| - Current seams and breaks where basin areas meet structural elements
- Deep basin edges in 20-35 foot range
- Points and bars adjacent to spawning bays
| - Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')
- Trolling Mid Depth (10-19')
- Ice Fishing Spoons
| - Small baitfish schools (shiners and young-of-year perch)
- Aquatic invertebrates
| - Natural Baitfish Colors
- Dark Neutrals
- Purple Colors
|