How to Fish Lake Conroe: Best Patterns & Techniques

Lake Conroe

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

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake Conroe

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	43-57	Bass are transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding but weather dependent. Fish are responding to temperature fluctuations (43-57°F reported) and becoming more aggressive as waters warm. Fish are relating heavily to docks and shallow cover, particularly during stable weather periods. Activity increases around green dock lights and areas with bait presence.	Docks with deep water access, particularly those with lights and visible bait presence Flooded brush in shallow areas, especially during high water conditions Protected coves and pockets that warm up first	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) with lighter weights (1/4 oz) around docks and cover Bladed Jigs around areas with bait presence Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') especially around lighted areas Hard Jerkbaits worked slowly in clearer water sections	Shad - primary forage mentioned in multiple reports Bluegill - noted particularly around dock areas Crawfish - becoming active as water warms	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Panfish transitioning from winter patterns to shallow pre-spawn staging areas, beginning to feed more actively as water warms Fish congregating near emerging vegetation and brush piles, particularly during warmer parts of the day Feeding activity increases during stable weather patterns, with fish moving between deep winter holdover spots and shallow staging areas	Brush piles in 6-8 foot depth range adjacent to spawning flats Protected coves with emerging vegetation Dock areas with deeper water access	Live Bait Rigs Finesse Hair Jigs Micro Crankbaits	Small minnows gathering in warming shallows Aquatic insects becoming more active with warming water Young shad in deeper areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	55-65	Staging in pre-spawn areas near spawning flats, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Moving from deeper winter holding areas to transitional depths of 6-12 feet, particularly around brush piles and submerged vegetation	Brush piles adjacent to spawning flats in 8-12 foot depth range Submerged vegetation edges in 6-10 foot depths Protected coves with emerging vegetation	Crappie Spider Rigging Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling)	Shad (primary forage base as indicated in reports) Small sunfish and juvenile baitfish in emerging vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	47-62	Pre-spawn striped bass are actively feeding to build energy reserves, making aggressive moves to shallow areas following bait schools Fish are transitioning from winter patterns to spawning areas, staging in creek mouths and along channel edges Showing increased activity during dawn and dusk periods, with strong feeding windows coinciding with shad movement	Main lake points and creek mouths adjacent to spawning areas Channel edges in 15-25 foot depth range Shallow flats with access to deeper water Wind-blown banks where shad are congregating	Umbrella Rigs worked along channel edges to mimic shad schools Large Hair Jigs (Preacher) slow-rolled through suspended bait Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) for aggressive presentations in shallow water Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') along points and creek mouths	Shad schools transitioning to spawning areas Small sunfish in shallow areas Early season baitfish gathering in creek mouths	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Largemouth bass moving into shallow spawning areas (2-4 feet) near shoreline vegetation and protected coves Males preparing and guarding nests while females stage in slightly deeper adjacent areas Aggressive territorial behavior, especially from males protecting nests	Protected shallow coves with vegetation and stable bottom composition Shallow areas adjacent to docks in 2-4 foot depth range Secondary points leading into spawning coves	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow cover and visible beds Wacky Rigs worked slowly through spawning areas Soft Jerkbaits for targeting pre-spawn females on adjacent drop-offs	Bluegill in shallow spawning areas Crawfish emerging in warming shallows	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Actively moving into shallow spawning areas (2-6 feet) near vegetation and structure, with males creating and guarding nests Highly aggressive territorial behavior around nesting sites, especially during peak spawn Feeding opportunities increase in early morning and late evening, with fish becoming more active in warmer parts of the day	Shallow vegetated bays and coves with firm bottom composition Protected areas between docks with matted grass and lily pads Brush piles in 6-8 foot depth range near spawning flats	Live Bait Rigs with small offerings worked slowly through spawning areas Bobbers with suspended baits near vegetation edges Micro Crankbaits worked parallel to spawning areas	Small insects and larvae Small minnows Zooplankton	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappie moving into shallow spawning areas (2-8 feet) near brush piles and submerged vegetation, becoming highly active and territorial during pre-spawn and spawn phases Males preparing and guarding nests while females stage slightly deeper, creating multiple depth-based opportunities throughout the spawning period	Shallow brush piles and submerged vegetation in 2-8 foot depth range, especially in protected coves Secondary points with gradual slopes leading into spawning coves Dock areas with nearby vegetation or brush, particularly in protected bays	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) with light jigs around visible cover Bobbers with finesse jigs worked slowly around shallow structure Crappie Spider Rigging for staging fish just outside spawning areas	Shad concentrations in spawning bays Small baitfish relating to emerging vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	58-68	Striped bass are in pre-spawn to spawning mode, making shallow water movements while following shad. Fish are actively feeding in preparation for spawning activities. Fish are showing consistent shallow water patterns, relating to structure and exhibiting aggressive feeding behavior during prime feeding windows.	Docks and dock areas, particularly those with deeper water access Main lake points and creek mouths where spawning activity occurs Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water where shad are present	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked around docks and points Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) mimicking shad schools Umbrella Rigs for actively feeding fish chasing shad	Shad - primary forage base confirmed by fishing reports Bluegill - secondary forage around dock structures	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	67-71	Fish are transitioning from spawning areas, with some still spawning while others are actively feeding in post-spawn recovery mode in 6-8' depths Most active during morning and evening periods, utilizing shade from docks and vegetation during midday Aggressive feeding behavior around bait concentrations, particularly near vegetation edges and brush piles	Submerged vegetation edges in 2-3 feet of water Brush piles in 6-8 feet of water Docks with access to 10-12 foot depths Matted grass and lily pad fields	Soft Jerkbaits worked along grass edges Texas Rigs pitched to vegetation and brush Swim Jigs around stumps and laydowns Blade Baits in shallow grass Frogs/Toads around vegetation early and late	Shad (particularly around docks and in backwaters) Bluegill (around vegetation and brush) Crawfish (in shallow areas near cover)	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Post-spawn panfish are actively feeding and aggressive, willing to strike larger baits as evidenced by recent Warmouth catches Fish are relating strongly to vegetation and showing aggressive feeding behavior in shallow to medium depths due to moderate water clarity of 7.5 feet	Matted grass areas in shallow to medium depths, particularly edges and openings Brush piles in 6-8 foot depth range offering post-spawn recovery areas Dock areas with adjacent vegetation providing shade and structure	Wacky Rigs with smaller profile baits, as proven effective in recent reports Bobbers with live bait or small soft plastics suspended near vegetation edges Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding tight to dock structure	Minnows, as confirmed by recent fishing reports Small insects and larvae around vegetation	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	65-75	Post-spawn crappie transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are suspending near brush piles and dock structures in 6-15 foot depth range, taking advantage of optimal light conditions for feeding	Brush piles in 8-15 foot depth range adjacent to spawning flats Dock structures with deeper water access Submerged vegetation edges in 6-12 foot depth	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Crappie Spider Rigging Crappie Dock Shooting	Shad (primary forage base) Small sunfish and juvenile baitfish in vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	62-72	Post-spawn stripers are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily targeting shad schools in transitional areas Fish are making daily movements between shallow and deeper water, especially active during morning and evening periods Schooling activity increasing as fish group up to hunt bait pods	Main lake points adjacent to spawning coves where shad are congregating Secondary points with access to deeper water (15-20 ft) Windward shorelines where current positions baitfish	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') Umbrella Rigs Trolling Mid Depth (10-19')	Shad schools recovering from spawn Smaller baitfish pods in transitional areas Juvenile sunfish in shallow areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	77-92	Fish are establishing both shallow and deep patterns, with early/late shallow activity near vegetation and docks, while holding deeper on offshore structure during midday heat Feeding actively around green dock lights at night and showing selective feeding periods during day based on light and temperature conditions Relating strongly to cover, either shallow vegetation or deeper hard structure, avoiding open water during peak temperatures	Docks with green lights and deep water access (10-12 feet) Offshore rock piles in 7-19 foot range Matted vegetation and lily pads in shallow water Brush piles, especially those on outer edges near banks	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) in vegetation and around docks Shakey Heads around dock lights and brush piles Frogs/Toads early morning in vegetation Structure Jigs on offshore rock piles	Bluegill, especially around docks and vegetation Shad, particularly around lights and deeper structure Various small baitfish around green lights	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	72-85	Panfish are actively feeding in and around vegetation and dock areas, primarily during early morning and evening hours Fish are suspending near thick cover during midday heat, moving to edges of vegetation and slightly deeper water Multiple feeding periods throughout the day, with increased activity around lighted dock areas at night	Matted grass and lily pad edges in 4-6 foot depth range Brush piles in 6-8 foot depth range, especially during midday Dock areas with green lights, particularly during low light periods	Bobbers with light jigs worked slowly around vegetation edges Micro Crankbaits worked parallel to weed edges Crappie Dock Shooting under structures during midday	Small shad congregating around dock lights Aquatic insects in and around vegetation Small minnows utilizing weed edges as cover	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Crappie	75-85	Crappie are moving between deeper brush piles (12-15ft) during bright days and shallow dock areas during low light periods Actively feeding on shad near submerged vegetation and lighted dock areas, especially during dawn and dusk Suspending in deeper water near structure during midday heat	Brush piles in 12-15 foot depth range with nearby deep water access Lighted dock areas with submerged vegetation Deep vegetation edges adjacent to creek channels	Crappie Spider Rigging Crappie Dock Shooting Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')	Shad schools concentrated around structure and vegetation Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish near docks Various minnow species relating to vegetation edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Summer	Striped Bass	68-92	During summer, striped bass will seek thermal refuge in deeper, cooler water during daylight hours, typically suspending in the water column where temperature and oxygen levels are optimal Early morning and night feeding patterns are common, with fish moving shallower to pursue shad schools around lighted docks and points	Deep main lake points and channel edges adjacent to shad-holding areas (18-25 feet) Lighted docks and adjacent deeper water during night hours Wind-blown points and current breaks where bait schools congregate	Trolling Deep (20'+) with large diving crankbaits and umbrella rigs during daylight hours Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked around lighted docks and points during low light periods Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are spotted on electronics in deeper water	Shad schools in open water and around structure Suspended baitfish concentrating around lighted docks at night	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake Conroe

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	78-85	Bass are actively chasing shad in the mid-depth zones, particularly around dock structures, showing aggressive feeding behavior in early morning and late afternoon Fish are transitioning between shallow and deep water daily, using docks as staging areas and moving to deeper structure as sun gets higher	Deep docks in main creek arms with access to deep water Offshore rock piles in 20+ feet of water Rocky banks and concrete bulkheads on the north end	Swim Jigs worked steadily around dock edges and through the shadow lines Umbrella Rigs slow-rolled near deep dock edges Soft Jerkbaits worked around lighted docks and shade areas Buzzbaits for early morning topwater action around hard surfaces	Shad schools actively moving around docks and main lake areas Bluegill relating to deeper structure and rock piles	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Watermelon
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	58-72	Panfish are actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter, forming loose schools around structure and vegetation edges Fish are transitioning from shallow summer patterns to deeper staging areas, particularly around brush piles and dock structures	Brush piles in 6-8 foot depth range with nearby deep water access Dock structures with remaining vegetation Deep weedline edges where matted grass meets deeper water	Crappie Dock Shooting - effective for targeting fish holding tight to dock structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') - precise presentation around brush piles and structure Bobbers - suspended presentation for feeding fish around vegetation edges	Shad - primary forage as they school in fall Small minnows congregating around dock lights and structure Aquatic insects around remaining vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	58-72	Crappie are transitioning to deeper water, following shad schools and actively feeding to build up reserves for winter Fish are congregating around brush piles and dock structures in 8-15 foot depth ranges, with most active feeding during dawn and dusk periods	Brush piles positioned near creek channels in 10-15 foot depths Deep dock structures with green lights, especially those near drop-offs Edges of submerged vegetation where it meets deeper water	Crappie Spider Rigging - allows for precise depth control and covering water efficiently Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') - effective for working brush piles and dock structures Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) - productive for locating active schools following shad	Shad schools moving to deeper water Small sunfish around brush piles and vegetation Young-of-year baitfish congregating near structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Striped Bass	62-75	Actively schooling and feeding on shad in open water and around structure, following bait migrations Making frequent moves between shallow and deep water as they chase bait schools More aggressive feeding patterns as they bulk up for winter, especially during morning and evening periods	Main lake points and channel edges where bait schools congregate Lighted dock areas, especially during low light periods Wind-blown shorelines creating current breaks and bait congregation points	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked at varying depths to match bait movement Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along channel edges and points Umbrella Rigs for actively feeding schools Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are holding deep	Shad schools in mid-water column Suspended baitfish around structure Deep water bait pods near channel edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	52-62	Bass are transitioning to deeper, more stable water temperatures while maintaining proximity to vertical structure like docks and ledges Feeding windows are extended during low-light periods, especially around lighted dock areas Fish are showing a preference for slower, more methodical presentations with extended soak times	Deep docks with nearby ledges or drop-offs in 10-12 foot range Protected areas between docks, especially those with green lights Steep transitions near main lake points with access to deeper water	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) with slow, methodical presentations around dock structure Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked along ledges and drop-offs Drop Shot with finesse presentations for pressured fish	Crawfish seeking warmer areas around dock pilings and rock Shad schools concentrating around lighted dock areas Bluegill holding tight to dock structure	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	43-52	Panfish and bluegill gather in deeper brush piles and artificial structure at 6-8 feet, maintaining relatively stationary positions while feeding opportunistically on small prey Fish are less active but will feed during warmer parts of the day, especially around structure that provides both cover and food sources	Brush piles in 6-8 foot depth range, especially those near deeper water access Dock structures with remaining vegetation or artificial cover Protected coves with remaining submerged vegetation	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Drop Shot	Small minnows gathering around dock structures Dormant insects and larvae in brush piles Smaller shad in protected areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Winter	Crappie	47-55	Crappie are schooling tightly around brush piles and submerged vegetation in 6-15 foot depth range, with most active feeding during warmer parts of day Fish are responding well to slower presentations with minnows and jigs, suggesting a more methodical feeding pattern typical of winter conditions	Brush piles in 6-15 foot depth range near creek channels Deep edges of submerged vegetation Deeper dock areas with nearby brush or structure	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Spider Rigging Drop Shot	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water Small minnows around structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Winter	Striped Bass	47-58	Schooling behavior around large concentrations of shad, often suspending in deeper water columns during winter Most active feeding during warmer parts of the day, especially around current breaks and points where bait concentrates Following large schools of shad in open water, making periodic feeding runs	Main lake points and channel swings where bait schools concentrate Deep water areas near major creek channels (20+ feet) Wind-blown banks creating current breaks and bait congregation points	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) Umbrella Rigs	Large schools of winter-pattern shad Suspended baitfish in deeper water columns	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake Conroe

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Docks with deep water access, particularly those with lights and visible bait presence	Flooded brush in shallow areas, especially during high water conditions
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Brush piles in 6-8 foot depth range adjacent to spawning flats	Protected coves with emerging vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Brush piles adjacent to spawning flats in 8-12 foot depth range	Submerged vegetation edges in 6-10 foot depths
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake points and creek mouths adjacent to spawning areas	Channel edges in 15-25 foot depth range
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow coves with vegetation and stable bottom composition	Shallow areas adjacent to docks in 2-4 foot depth range
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Shallow vegetated bays and coves with firm bottom composition	Protected areas between docks with matted grass and lily pads
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shallow brush piles and submerged vegetation in 2-8 foot depth range, especially in protected coves	Secondary points with gradual slopes leading into spawning coves
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Docks and dock areas, particularly those with deeper water access	Main lake points and creek mouths where spawning activity occurs
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Submerged vegetation edges in 2-3 feet of water	Brush piles in 6-8 feet of water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Matted grass areas in shallow to medium depths, particularly edges and openings	Brush piles in 6-8 foot depth range offering post-spawn recovery areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Brush piles in 8-15 foot depth range adjacent to spawning flats	Dock structures with deeper water access
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake points adjacent to spawning coves where shad are congregating	Secondary points with access to deeper water (15-20 ft)
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Docks with green lights and deep water access (10-12 feet)	Offshore rock piles in 7-19 foot range
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Matted grass and lily pad edges in 4-6 foot depth range	Brush piles in 6-8 foot depth range, especially during midday
Summer	Crappie	Brush piles in 12-15 foot depth range with nearby deep water access	Lighted dock areas with submerged vegetation
Summer	Striped Bass	Deep main lake points and channel edges adjacent to shad-holding areas (18-25 feet)	Lighted docks and adjacent deeper water during night hours
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Deep docks in main creek arms with access to deep water	Offshore rock piles in 20+ feet of water
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Brush piles in 6-8 foot depth range with nearby deep water access	Dock structures with remaining vegetation
Fall	Crappie	Brush piles positioned near creek channels in 10-15 foot depths	Deep dock structures with green lights, especially those near drop-offs
Fall	Striped Bass	Main lake points and channel edges where bait schools congregate	Lighted dock areas, especially during low light periods
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Deep docks with nearby ledges or drop-offs in 10-12 foot range	Protected areas between docks, especially those with green lights
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Brush piles in 6-8 foot depth range, especially those near deeper water access	Dock structures with remaining vegetation or artificial cover
Winter	Crappie	Brush piles in 6-15 foot depth range near creek channels	Deep edges of submerged vegetation
Winter	Striped Bass	Main lake points and channel swings where bait schools concentrate	Deep water areas near major creek channels (20+ feet)

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage mentioned in multiple reports	Bluegill - noted particularly around dock areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small minnows gathering in warming shallows	Aquatic insects becoming more active with warming water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad (primary forage base as indicated in reports)	Small sunfish and juvenile baitfish in emerging vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Shad schools transitioning to spawning areas	Small sunfish in shallow areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in shallow spawning areas	Crawfish emerging in warming shallows
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae	Small minnows
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shad concentrations in spawning bays	Small baitfish relating to emerging vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Shad - primary forage base confirmed by fishing reports	Bluegill - secondary forage around dock structures
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad (particularly around docks and in backwaters)	Bluegill (around vegetation and brush)
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Minnows, as confirmed by recent fishing reports	Small insects and larvae around vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad (primary forage base)	Small sunfish and juvenile baitfish in vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Shad schools recovering from spawn	Smaller baitfish pods in transitional areas
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill, especially around docks and vegetation	Shad, particularly around lights and deeper structure
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Small shad congregating around dock lights	Aquatic insects in and around vegetation
Summer	Crappie	Shad schools concentrated around structure and vegetation	Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish near docks
Summer	Striped Bass	Shad schools in open water and around structure	Suspended baitfish concentrating around lighted docks at night
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools actively moving around docks and main lake areas	Bluegill relating to deeper structure and rock piles
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Shad - primary forage as they school in fall	Small minnows congregating around dock lights and structure
Fall	Crappie	Shad schools moving to deeper water	Small sunfish around brush piles and vegetation
Fall	Striped Bass	Shad schools in mid-water column	Suspended baitfish around structure
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish seeking warmer areas around dock pilings and rock	Shad schools concentrating around lighted dock areas
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small minnows gathering around dock structures	Dormant insects and larvae in brush piles
Winter	Crappie	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water	Small minnows around structure
Winter	Striped Bass	Large schools of winter-pattern shad	Suspended baitfish in deeper water columns

Bait Colors by Season for Lake Conroe

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