How to Fish Lake Columbia : Best Patterns & Techniques

Lake Columbia

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

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake Columbia

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	45-55	Transitioning from winter deep water areas to staging areas near spawning flats, becoming more active with warming trends Feeding opportunistically but not aggressively, often suspending near structure adjacent to spawning areas	Rocky points and transition areas adjacent to potential spawning flats Deep water ledges near shoreline structure Areas where creek channels meet the main lake body	Blade Baits worked slowly along depth transitions Ned Rigs dragged on rocky bottom structure Drop Shot with subtle presentations near suspended fish	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish schools in transition areas Bottom-dwelling prey near rocky structure	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-48	Pre-spawn walleye staging near spawning areas, making short feeding movements to nearby structure Fish becoming more active with warming water, transitioning from winter lethargy to pre-spawn feeding	Rocky points and irregular shoreline areas with gravel or rock substrate Transitions where ledges meet spawning flats Protected coves with access to deeper water	Live Bait Rigs with slow presentations near bottom Blade Baits worked vertically along ledges Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') during low light periods	Small gizzard shad Crawfish emerging from winter habitat	Natural Shad Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-62	Pre-spawn bass actively seeking warmer water in protected shallow areas, particularly in coves and on the north side of the lake Bass staging near spawning flats but making frequent movements between shallow and slightly deeper water depending on daily temperature fluctuations Increased feeding activity during stable weather patterns, especially during afternoon hours when water temperatures peak	Protected shallow coves with gradual slopes, especially those with emerging vegetation Secondary points leading into spawning bays Docks adjacent to spawning flats, particularly those in 4-8 foot depth range	Lipless Crankbaits worked through emerging vegetation and across flats Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around dock posts and any visible cover Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') along secondary points and dock lines	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small bluegill in shallow areas Gizzard shad schools in creek channels and staging areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	Staging in pre-spawn areas near shallow flats, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Moving from deeper winter areas to transitional depths, following creek channels and contours Becoming increasingly active during warming trends, with peak activity during stable weather	Secondary points and creek channels leading to spawning flats Shallow coves with submerged brush or timber Protected dock areas in 8-15 foot depths	Crappie Spider Rigging Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')	Small minnows gathering in pre-spawn areas Young-of-year shad from previous fall	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	48-58	White bass staging in pre-spawn areas, transitioning from winter depths to shallower spawning grounds Actively feeding during warming trends, especially during afternoon hours when water temperatures peak Schooling behavior becomes more pronounced as fish gather near spawning areas	Transition areas near creek channels and main lake points Deeper ledges adjacent to spawning flats Secondary points leading into spawning coves	Blade Baits worked with a yo-yo retrieve along depth transitions Lipless Crankbaits with steady retrieve parallel to depth changes Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around concentrated schools	Gizzard Shad schooling in pre-spawn patterns Small baitfish gathering in warming shallow areas Young-of-year shad from previous fall	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Smallmouth bass moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly around rocky substrate and gravel beds Males actively guarding nests while females stage in slightly deeper water nearby Pre-spawn feeding activity increases as water warms, with fish targeting both crawfish and baitfish	Rocky points and boulder-strewn shorelines in 2-6 feet of water Protected coves with gravel or small rock bottom Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water	Tubes worked slowly around rocky areas Ned Rigs dead-sticked near potential spawning sites Soft Jerkbaits for pre-spawn feeding fish	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish schools in warming shallows Perch in transitional areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Walleye staging in pre-spawn areas, moving from deeper wintering locations to shallower spawning grounds Most active during low-light periods, particularly at dusk and dawn Aggressive feeding before and after spawning, with reduced activity during actual spawn	Rocky points and gravelly shorelines for spawning Transition areas between deep wintering holes and shallow spawning grounds Complex shoreline areas with irregular features near spawning grounds	Blade Baits worked slowly along transition areas Live Bait Rigs with minnows near spawning grounds Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around rocky points	Gizzard shad moving shallow with warming water Small minnows in spawning areas Crawfish becoming active in rocky areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-65	Bass moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly in protected coves and near docks where water warms faster Males actively guarding nests while females stage on nearby deeper structure between spawning waves Increased aggression and territorial behavior around nesting sites	Protected shallow coves with firm bottom composition Areas adjacent to docks in 2-4 feet of water Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around visible bedding areas and dock posts Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to spawning flats Wacky Rigs for finesse presentation to cautious spawners	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small bluegill and juvenile shad Young of year baitfish beginning to appear	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappie are moving into shallow spawning areas, typically 2-6 feet deep, and becoming increasingly active as water temperatures rise Males will arrive first to prepare nests, followed by females, with both becoming aggressive and territorial during the spawn	Protected shallow coves with firm bottom and vegetation or woody cover Shallow areas adjacent to docks, especially where they create shaded areas Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) Bobbers Crappie Dock Shooting	Small minnows in shallow water Young-of-year baitfish Small invertebrates near spawning areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	52-65	White bass gather in large schools and move into tributaries, creek arms, and shallow flats for spawning when water temperatures reach the mid-50s Males arrive first at spawning areas, followed by larger females. Fish stage in deeper water near spawning areas before moving shallow Aggressive feeding behavior occurs pre and post-spawn, with fish actively pursuing baitfish in wolf-pack formations	Tributary mouths and incoming creek channels where spawning runs occur Shallow gravel flats and rocky areas in 2-6 feet of water for spawning Deeper staging areas adjacent to spawning flats, particularly near points and channel swings	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked through spawning areas and staging points Inline Spinners cast and retrieved near tributary mouths and along migration routes Blade Baits worked vertically in deeper staging areas when fish are holding off spawning flats	Young-of-year Gizzard Shad Small Minnows and Shiners congregating in spawning areas	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-68	Transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Moving between shallow spawning flats and adjacent deeper structure, utilizing drop-offs as migration routes	Rocky points and boulder fields adjacent to spawning flats Drop-offs near shoreline structure, especially near docks Secondary points with mixed rock and gravel substrate	Ned Rigs worked slowly along transition areas Drop Shot with finesse presentations around deeper structure Tubes dragged through rocky areas	Crawfish emerging from winter hibernation Small baitfish schools beginning to form Young of the year baitfish starting to appear	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	48-62	Transitioning from spawning areas to early summer feeding locations, primarily following abundant baitfish and utilizing structure for ambush points Most active during dawn and dusk periods, moving between deeper holding areas and shallower feeding zones	Points and ledges adjacent to spawning bays, particularly where depth changes quickly Complex shoreline areas with irregularities and drop-offs Dock areas with access to deeper water	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along depth transitions Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') during low light periods Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') when fish are holding tight to structure	Gizzard Shad moving into shallower areas Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	65-75	Bass transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish relating to first break after spawning flats, staging near points and dock edges	Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays Dock edges with access to deeper water First depth breaks off shallow flats	Swim Jigs worked parallel to breaks Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') along points Texas Rigs (Worming) around dock posts	Gizzard shad beginning to school Crawfish active on hard bottom areas Bluegill spawning in shallows	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	62-72	Post-spawn crappie are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, becoming more active and starting to school Fish are beginning to suspend near deeper structure but still making frequent moves to shallower areas to feed	Deeper dock edges adjacent to spawning flats where fish are transitioning Ledges and depth changes in 8-15 foot range near shoreline structure Suspended areas near primary points with access to both shallow and deep water	Crappie Dock Shooting Crappie Spider Rigging Hover/Mid-Strolling	Young-of-year shad starting to become available Small minnows around dock areas Microscopic plankton and insects in transitional areas	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	58-68	Post-spawn white bass are actively feeding and schooling, moving from spawning areas to main lake points and flats while recovering energy Fish are typically found in transitional depths, moving between shallow and mid-depth areas following baitfish schools	Main lake points adjacent to spawning tributaries where fish stage during post-spawn recovery Secondary points and flats near deep water access where baitfish schools gather Dock areas with access to deeper water, especially those creating ambush points	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked at varying depths to match baitfish movement Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') retrieved steadily along points and dock edges Inline Spinners cast and retrieved through schooling fish when surface activity is observed	Gizzard Shad beginning their spring patterns and congregating in pods Young-of-year baitfish emerging in shallow areas	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	68-78	Smallmouth bass are establishing summer patterns around deep structure, particularly boulder fields, using these areas as primary feeding stations Fish are showing a preference for bottom-oriented presentations, suggesting a focus on crawfish and bottom-dwelling forage	Boulder fields and rock piles in 12-25 foot depth range Deep structural transitions near points and ledges Man-made structures like docks, especially those adjacent to deep water	Ned Rigs worked slowly along bottom structure Drop Shot with finesse presentations around deeper structure Tubes dragged and hopped through boulder fields	Crawfish in and around rocky structure Small bottom-dwelling baitfish Perch relating to boulder fields	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Walleye	68-78	Walleye are utilizing deeper ledges and drop-offs during summer as a response to warming water temperatures Fish are showing a bottom-oriented feeding pattern, likely targeting crawfish and bottom-dwelling baitfish	Deep ledges and drop-offs, particularly where they intersect with points Complex shoreline areas with deep water access Deep structure adjacent to shallow feeding flats	Drop Shot with finesse presentations Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+)	Crawfish on deep structure Gizzard shad suspended near deep structure Bottom-dwelling baitfish like gobies	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-85	Fish are likely to suspend near deep docks and ledges during the heat of summer, showing preference for shaded areas Early morning and late evening feeding periods near shallow structure, retreating to deeper water during midday Actively feeding on both crawfish and shad, with a stronger emphasis on finesse presentations	Deep dock edges with access to ledges (8-15 feet) Main lake points with sharp depth changes Shaded pockets between docks with nearby deep water access	Drop Shot with small finesse baits worked slowly around dock posts and edges Ned Rigs dragged along bottom near depth changes Texas Rigs (Worming) worked through shaded areas and dock cables	Crawfish in and around dock structures and rocky areas Gizzard shad suspending near deeper structure Small bluegill around shallow dock areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Crappie	68-82	Crappie transitioning between shallow and deep water during daily movements, with early morning/late evening shallow feeding periods Suspending near structure (docks and ledges) during midday heat, moving deeper as surface temperatures rise	Deep dock edges with access to 12-15 feet of water Ledges and drop-offs near shoreline structure Suspended over deeper basin areas near main lake points	Crappie Spider Rigging Crappie Dock Shooting Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')	Young-of-year shad schools Small minnows Juvenile sunfish	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	White Bass	72-85	Actively schooling and chasing shad in the water column, most aggressive during early morning and evening hours Moving between shallow and deeper structure throughout the day, following baitfish movements	Main lake points and ledges adjacent to deeper water Dock areas with access to deeper water Shallow flats where baitfish school during low-light periods	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to structure Spinnerbaits retrieved at varying speeds to match baitfish activity Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for imitating shad schools	Gizzard Shad Small Baitfish Schools Young-of-Year Shad	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake Columbia

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	52-68	Actively feeding on baitfish, following shad and minnow schools into shallower water Transitioning from deep summer haunts to shallower feeding zones, especially during low-light periods	Rocky points and transition areas where deep water meets shallow flats Shallow dock areas with adjacent deep water access Boulder fields in 5-15 foot depth range	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to shoreline structure Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for mimicking prevalent baitfish Spinnerbaits around dock areas during cloudy conditions	Minnows and small baitfish schools Crawfish in rocky areas Young of the year fish species	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors
Fall	Walleye	52-65	Actively feeding on shad in shallow to mid-depth zones, especially around ledges and structural transitions Displaying increased activity levels following baitfish schools, particularly during lower light conditions	Ledges and drop-offs where shad schools are present Shallow flats adjacent to deep water breaks Points and irregular shoreline features that create ambush opportunities	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') Blade Baits Lipless Crankbaits	Gizzard Shad Minnows	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	55-68	Following shad schools in shallow to mid-depth zones, actively feeding on baitfish near docks and other structure Moving into shallower water during prime feeding periods, using docks as primary ambush points	Docks with nearby depth changes, especially those close to main lake points Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water where shad schools are present Secondary points and irregular shoreline features in coves	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') Spinnerbaits Bladed Jigs	Gizzard Shad Thread-fin Shad	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Crappie	52-68	Actively feeding on shad and small baitfish near docks and other man-made structures in preparation for winter Making transitions from deeper summer haunts to shallower feeding zones, especially during prime feeding periods	Docks, particularly those near deeper water access Secondary points with proximity to deep water Shallow coves with abundant cover	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') Crappie Dock Shooting Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling)	Shad Small Minnows	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	White Bass	55-68	Actively schooling and pursuing shad in shallow to mid-depth zones, particularly around structure Feeding patterns intensify during fall as fish prepare for winter, with aggressive chase behavior Most active during dawn and dusk periods, using docks and points as ambush locations	Dock areas, especially those adjacent to deeper water Main lake points where shad schools congregate Shallow flats near channel edges where baitfish school	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to structure Lipless Crankbaits burned through baitfish schools Spinnerbaits around dock posts and corners	Gizzard Shad Thread-fin Shad Young-of-year Baitfish	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Walleye	38-42	Walleye concentrate in deeper, stable water columns near structure, typically in 20-35 foot depth ranges during open water winter Feeding activity becomes more concentrated during low-light periods, with brief windows of opportunity during stable weather	Deep ledges and drop-offs adjacent to shad wintering areas Deep basin areas near complex shoreline structures Deep water adjacent to primary points where current creates food delivery	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Blade Baits Spoons	Suspended schools of gizzard shad in deeper water Bottom-oriented prey like young-of-year perch Deeper water baitfish schools	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Crappie	38-45	Crappie are suspending over deeper water near steep breaks and ledges, typically in loose schools Fish are less active but will feed opportunistically during warmer parts of the day, especially near structure that provides both cover and access to deeper water	Deep water adjacent to dock areas, particularly where docks extend into 15-25 feet of water Steep ledges and underwater contours that provide quick access to various depth ranges Protected coves with deeper water, especially those featuring man-made structure	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Drop Shot Damiki Rig	Small minnows concentrating in deeper water Suspended shad schools Small panfish	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Walleye	34-39	Walleye become less active but maintain feeding periods, primarily during dawn and dusk, congregating in predictable winter locations Fish tend to school more tightly during ice season, often relating to the same structure that held fish during late fall	Deep ledges and drop-offs identified in fishing reports, particularly those adjacent to shallow feeding flats Areas near complex shoreline structures where late fall baitfish schools were present Deeper main lake basins, especially near structural transitions	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements near bottom Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to identify active feeding zones	Gizzard shad (identified as primary forage from reports) Bottom-oriented prey like gobies or crawfish (evidenced by summer patterns)	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Crappie	34-39	Crappie school tightly in deeper water near structural elements like ledges and dock cribs during ice season Feeding activity peaks during early morning and late afternoon, with fish suspending slightly above bottom structure	Deep water near submerged dock cribs (12-20 feet) Ledges and drop-offs where depth changes are significant Deep basin areas adjacent to structural elements	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just above the bottom Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging to attract fish from a distance Ice Fishing Tip-Ups for targeting suspended fish with live bait	Small minnows in the 1-2 inch range Young-of-year shad suspending in deeper water Micro invertebrates near bottom structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake Columbia

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and transition areas adjacent to potential spawning flats	Deep water ledges near shoreline structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points and irregular shoreline areas with gravel or rock substrate	Transitions where ledges meet spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow coves with gradual slopes, especially those with emerging vegetation	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Secondary points and creek channels leading to spawning flats	Shallow coves with submerged brush or timber
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Transition areas near creek channels and main lake points	Deeper ledges adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and boulder-strewn shorelines in 2-6 feet of water	Protected coves with gravel or small rock bottom
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points and gravelly shorelines for spawning	Transition areas between deep wintering holes and shallow spawning grounds
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow coves with firm bottom composition	Areas adjacent to docks in 2-4 feet of water
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Protected shallow coves with firm bottom and vegetation or woody cover	Shallow areas adjacent to docks, especially where they create shaded areas
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Tributary mouths and incoming creek channels where spawning runs occur	Shallow gravel flats and rocky areas in 2-6 feet of water for spawning
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and boulder fields adjacent to spawning flats	Drop-offs near shoreline structure, especially near docks
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Points and ledges adjacent to spawning bays, particularly where depth changes quickly	Complex shoreline areas with irregularities and drop-offs
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays	Dock edges with access to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Deeper dock edges adjacent to spawning flats where fish are transitioning	Ledges and depth changes in 8-15 foot range near shoreline structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Main lake points adjacent to spawning tributaries where fish stage during post-spawn recovery	Secondary points and flats near deep water access where baitfish schools gather
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Boulder fields and rock piles in 12-25 foot depth range	Deep structural transitions near points and ledges
Summer	Walleye	Deep ledges and drop-offs, particularly where they intersect with points	Complex shoreline areas with deep water access
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Deep dock edges with access to ledges (8-15 feet)	Main lake points with sharp depth changes
Summer	Crappie	Deep dock edges with access to 12-15 feet of water	Ledges and drop-offs near shoreline structure
Summer	White Bass	Main lake points and ledges adjacent to deeper water	Dock areas with access to deeper water
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and transition areas where deep water meets shallow flats	Shallow dock areas with adjacent deep water access
Fall	Walleye	Ledges and drop-offs where shad schools are present	Shallow flats adjacent to deep water breaks
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Docks with nearby depth changes, especially those close to main lake points	Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water where shad schools are present
Fall	Crappie	Docks, particularly those near deeper water access	Secondary points with proximity to deep water
Fall	White Bass	Dock areas, especially those adjacent to deeper water	Main lake points where shad schools congregate
Winter	Walleye	Deep ledges and drop-offs adjacent to shad wintering areas	Deep basin areas near complex shoreline structures
Winter	Crappie	Deep water adjacent to dock areas, particularly where docks extend into 15-25 feet of water	Steep ledges and underwater contours that provide quick access to various depth ranges
Ice	Walleye	Deep ledges and drop-offs identified in fishing reports, particularly those adjacent to shallow feeding flats	Areas near complex shoreline structures where late fall baitfish schools were present
Ice	Crappie	Deep water near submerged dock cribs (12-20 feet)	Ledges and drop-offs where depth changes are significant

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish schools in transition areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Small gizzard shad	Crawfish emerging from winter habitat
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small bluegill in shallow areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Small minnows gathering in pre-spawn areas	Young-of-year shad from previous fall
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Gizzard Shad schooling in pre-spawn patterns	Small baitfish gathering in warming shallow areas
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish schools in warming shallows
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Gizzard shad moving shallow with warming water	Small minnows in spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small bluegill and juvenile shad
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small minnows in shallow water	Young-of-year baitfish
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Young-of-year Gizzard Shad	Small Minnows and Shiners congregating in spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter hibernation	Small baitfish schools beginning to form
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Gizzard Shad moving into shallower areas	Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Gizzard shad beginning to school	Crawfish active on hard bottom areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Young-of-year shad starting to become available	Small minnows around dock areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Gizzard Shad beginning their spring patterns and congregating in pods	Young-of-year baitfish emerging in shallow areas
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish in and around rocky structure	Small bottom-dwelling baitfish
Summer	Walleye	Crawfish on deep structure	Gizzard shad suspended near deep structure
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish in and around dock structures and rocky areas	Gizzard shad suspending near deeper structure
Summer	Crappie	Young-of-year shad schools	Small minnows
Summer	White Bass	Gizzard Shad	Small Baitfish Schools
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Minnows and small baitfish schools	Crawfish in rocky areas
Fall	Walleye	Gizzard Shad	Minnows
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Gizzard Shad	Thread-fin Shad
Fall	Crappie	Shad	Small Minnows
Fall	White Bass	Gizzard Shad	Thread-fin Shad
Winter	Walleye	Suspended schools of gizzard shad in deeper water	Bottom-oriented prey like young-of-year perch
Winter	Crappie	Small minnows concentrating in deeper water	Suspended shad schools
Ice	Walleye	Gizzard shad (identified as primary forage from reports)	Bottom-oriented prey like gobies or crawfish (evidenced by summer patterns)
Ice	Crappie	Small minnows in the 1-2 inch range	Young-of-year shad suspending in deeper water

Bait Colors by Season for Lake Columbia

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Shad Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Walleye	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors
Fall	Walleye	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Walleye	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Walleye	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors