How to Fish Lake Cumberland: Best Patterns & Techniques

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Lake Cumberland

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Apr 9, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake Cumberland

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	47-57	Pre-spawn largemouth are staging near spawning areas but still relating to deeper water access, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are showing clear movement patterns from deep winter areas to shallow pre-spawn staging areas, particularly on sunny days Bass are actively feeding on shad in the water column, especially along channel swings and bluff walls	Bluff walls and secondary points in creek arms, especially those with deep water access Last deep water areas in the backs of creeks with standing timber South-facing, sunny rocky banks with chunk rock Channel swing banks with vertical structure	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked with a 4-count fall and slow roll retrieve Umbrella Rigs around bluff walls and points Hard Jerkbaits worked methodically around cover Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') along rocky banks	Shad schools staging in pre-spawn areas Alewife in deeper water near structure Crawfish becoming active on rocky structures	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	49-57	Smallmouth bass are actively transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging points, following bait movements and responding to warming temperatures Fish are feeding opportunistically on both shad and crawfish, with increased activity during stable weather periods Suspended fish are relating to structure near spawning areas, particularly around points and creek mouths	Wind-blown points leading into spawning creeks Ledges with rock or boulder structure Transition areas from small shale rock to large chunks	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked with slow, steady retrieves Hard Jerkbaits worked around points with structure Ned Rigs on ledges and transition areas Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') on points and creek mouths	Shad suspended in 10-30ft range Crawfish becoming active in rocky areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	52-58	Spotted bass are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging, actively feeding on shad schools in creek mouths and along transitional structure Fish are showing aggressive chase behavior, evidenced by the diving bird activity and schooling mentioned in reports	Creek mouths with cleaner water, particularly in the upper end of the lake where reports show consistent activity Chunk rock banks and short bluff walls where pre-spawn fish are staging Areas with concentrated baitfish activity, especially where birds are diving	Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked along rock transitions and creek mouths Hard Jerkbaits fished around schooling activity and baitfish concentrations Spinnerbaits worked near chunk rock and bluff walls, especially in stained water	Shad schools, particularly concentrated in creek mouths and along transitional areas Crawfish becoming more active on rocky structure as water warms	Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Walleye are transitioning from winter deep water haunts to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are gathering in larger groups and becoming more aggressive in their feeding patterns, especially during dawn and dusk periods	River channel intersections with main lake points, particularly in 15-25 foot depths Secondary points and ledges adjacent to spawning flats Creek mouth areas where deeper water meets shallow flats	Blade Baits worked with a vertical presentation along channel edges Live Bait Rigs with minnows pulled slowly along transitional breaks Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked parallel to points and ledges	Shad concentrations in pre-spawn staging areas Small baitfish gathering near warming shallow areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	52-65	Pre-spawn striped bass are actively feeding and transitioning from winter patterns to spawning areas, following baitfish schools and utilizing points and creek arms as staging areas Fish are becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise, making frequent feeding moves into shallower water, especially during low-light periods	Main lake and secondary points adjacent to deep water, especially those leading into spawning tributaries Creek arms and river channels with access to deep water refuges Bluff walls near channel swings where baitfish schools concentrate	Umbrella Rigs worked along points and channel edges to imitate shad schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled through suspended bait schools Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are holding on structure	Shad schools congregating near spawning areas and points Alewife schools suspending in the water column	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Pre-spawn to spawning behavior with fish moving from staging areas to spawning flats, particularly active around main lake cuts and boulder areas Males actively guarding nests while females move between deeper staging areas and shallow spawning zones Actively feeding on crawfish around rocky structure during pre-spawn phase	Main lake cuts with boulder structure Secondary points with access to spawning flats Shallow brush piles and laydowns near spawning areas	Shakey Heads worked slowly around boulders and rock transitions Finesse Jigs pitched to visible cover and spawning areas Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentations to bedding fish	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Shad beginning their shallow water spawn Bluegill in shallow spawning areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	54-65	Transitioning from pre-spawn to spawn, with many fish having completed spawning as indicated by recent reports. Fish are active but location-specific, relating to spawning areas and nearby transition routes Actively feeding during stable weather periods, particularly targeting baitfish in areas with current or wind influence	River channel edges and current-swept points where pre/post spawn fish stage Protected shallow bays with hard bottom for spawning Bluff walls and deep points serving as transition routes	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly along channel edges Spinnerbaits with swimbait trailers for stained water conditions Hard Jerkbaits for targeting suspended fish and covering water	Alewife/shad schools in current areas Crawfish becoming active in rocky areas	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	58-68	Spotted bass transitioning between pre-spawn staging and active spawning, with males guarding nests in shallow protected areas while females move between spawning flats and deeper staging areas Fish becoming increasingly aggressive and territorial, particularly around bedding areas and nearby staging points	Protected pockets and coves with gravel or rocky substrate, especially near deep water access Secondary points leading into spawning pockets Marina docks and laydowns in spawning pockets	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) to visible beds and shallow cover Shakey Heads worked slowly around staging areas Soft Jerkbaits for suspended pre-spawn fish Spinnerbaits around shallow cover during cloudy conditions	Crawfish emerging in shallow areas Shad schools in staging areas Bluegill in spawning pockets	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Walleye are transitioning from deep wintering areas to shallow spawning grounds, following creek channels and river systems Fish are staging in pre-spawn areas near gravel or rocky shorelines, particularly active during dawn and dusk periods Males arrive first and stay longer in spawning areas, while females move in briefly to deposit eggs	Creek mouths and river channel intersections with rocky substrate Shallow gravel flats adjacent to deeper water Rocky points and ledges in 8-15 foot depth range	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along transition areas Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with minnow-tipped jigs Blade Baits worked through staging areas	Shad concentrated in pre-spawn staging areas Small minnows in shoreline areas Juvenile perch near rocky structures	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	58-68	Striped bass are actively engaging in spawning behavior while opportunistically feeding on spawning shad in shallow areas, particularly at night Fish are making daily movements between spawning areas and nearby deep-water sanctuaries, with peak feeding activity during low-light periods	Main lake and secondary points adjacent to spawning flats where shad are spawning River channel edges near spawning areas providing quick access to deeper water Shallow flats with scattered rock or gravel where shad are spawning	Hard Topwater (Walking) worked slowly during nighttime hours Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) presented parallel to points Umbrella Rigs for suspended fish transitioning between shallow and deep water	Spawning Shad gathering in large schools near shoreline areas Alewife schools suspended in the water column	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	65-72	Post-spawn largemouth are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding on shad and crawfish around secondary points and woody cover Fish are showing increased activity in the 65-72°F range, particularly during shad spawn events near points and shallow structure	Secondary points 300-500 yards inside creek arms Shallow laydowns and logjams with current or water flow Isolated stump fields near creek channels Shaded areas with wood and trash mats in pocket backs	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along secondary points Structure Jigs around laydowns and wood cover Hard Topwater (Prop) during shad spawn activity Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for working heavy cover and trash mats	Spawning Shad Crawfish Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-68	Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding and recovering, transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns Fish are utilizing points and ledges as primary feeding stations, showing aggressive behavior towards moving baits	Main lake points with access to deeper water Ledges adjacent to spawning flats Rocky areas with boulder patches near deep water access	Hard Jerkbaits worked with aggressive cadence around points Spinnerbaits worked along ledges, especially in wind Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for covering water	Crawfish emerging from winter patterns Small baitfish beginning to school	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	62-72	Post-spawn spotted bass transitioning to early summer patterns, moving between shallow feeding zones and deeper recovery areas Actively feeding on shad schools during morning and evening periods, with opportunistic crawfish feeding during midday	Main lake points with transition to deep water, especially those adjacent to spawning pockets Secondary points in major creek arms with abundant shad Bluff walls with scattered rock and wood cover Marina docks near deep water access	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked along point transitions Shakey Heads worked slowly around rocky points and bluff walls Drop Shot targeting suspended fish near deep structure Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for actively feeding fish chasing shad	Shad schools beginning to group up in post-spawn patterns Crawfish active on rocky structure during warming periods	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	52-65	Fish are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer feeding zones, actively feeding during dawn and dusk periods near points and creek mouths Moving between shallow and mid-depth ranges (8-25 feet) following baitfish schools, particularly shad	Secondary points and creek mouths adjacent to spawning bays Transitional ledges in 15-25 foot depth range near river channels Shallow flats with access to deeper water, especially those holding baitfish	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along transitional breaks Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') during low light periods on flats Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are holding on structure	Shad (primary forage base confirmed in reports) Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	58-72	Active feeding on shad during post-spawn period, frequently moving to points and shallow flats to ambush baitfish schools Transitioning between shallow feeding zones and deeper thermal refuges as temperatures fluctuate throughout the day Schooling behavior becomes more pronounced as fish group up to chase baitfish in open water	Main lake and secondary points where baitfish schools concentrate Bluff walls adjacent to spawning flats providing quick access to deep water River channel edges where suspended baitfish schools gather	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along points and bluff walls Hard Topwater (Walking) during early morning shad activity Umbrella Rigs for actively feeding schools in open water Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are holding deeper	Shad (primary forage during spring post-spawn) Alewife (secondary forage, especially in deeper water)	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-78	Largemouth bass are establishing summer feeding patterns around deeper structure (20-35 ft) while making periodic movements to shallower areas near marinas and other shad-holding cover Fish are actively feeding on shad schools, with most consistent activity during morning and evening periods around structure	Deeper stumps and brush piles in 20-35 foot range Marina areas and adjacent structure Secondary points with access to deep water	Damiki Rig with minnow-style baits around deep structure Spinnerbaits around shallow cover and marina areas Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) along deeper structure edges	Shad (primary forage based on recent reports) Crawfish (secondary forage in deeper structure)	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	75-83	Summer patterns show smallmouth transitioning between shallow morning/evening feeding periods and deeper refuge during midday heat Fish actively feeding on shad, with reports showing both deep structure oriented fish and those relating to creek mouth areas	Creek mouths where they empty into main lake, focusing on rocky areas Deep boulder fields in 15-20 foot range Main lake points with access to deep water	Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked along rocky banks and points Ned Rigs worked slowly in deeper water (15-20ft) Drop Shot targeting suspended fish near structure	Shad - primary forage based on recent reports Crawfish - secondary forage relating to boulder fields	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Spotted Bass	72-85	Spotted bass actively feeding on shad schools during early morning and late evening, with deep structure orientation during midday heat Fish suspending near points and bluff walls, moving between depths of 15-40 feet based on thermocline and bait location	Main lake points with access to deep water, especially those adjacent to bait-holding areas Bluff walls with nearby marina structure or laydowns Deep creek mouths with boulder structure	Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked along point transitions and bluff walls Drop Shot targeting suspended fish near structure in 15-40 foot range Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for actively feeding fish around bait schools	Shad schools suspending in the water column Crawfish along rocky structure and points Small bluegill near marina structure and laydowns	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Summer	Walleye	68-75	Walleye are transitioning to deeper, cooler water during daylight hours (20-35ft), actively feeding during dawn/dusk periods along structural elements Fish are relating heavily to shad movements, following baitfish schools and utilizing points and ledges as ambush locations	Deep main lake points and ledges in 20-35 foot range adjacent to river channels Creek mouth transitions where deep water meets flats Bluff walls with access to deeper, cooler water	Trolling Deep (20'+) along depth transitions and structured areas Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are holding tight to structure Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) during active feeding periods	Shad schools in open water and along structure Deep water baitfish suspending near thermocline	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Striped Bass	68-83	Striped bass become thermally stressed in summer, seeking refuge in deeper, cooler water during daylight hours while making feeding movements to shallower areas during lowlight periods Fish actively suspend near large baitfish schools, especially around channel swings and bluff walls that provide quick access to both deep water refuge and feeding zones Most aggressive feeding occurs during early morning and late evening when water temperatures are more favorable	Deep main lake points adjacent to river channels where cool water intersects with feeding zones Bluff walls with access to deep water refuge Creek arm mouths where baitfish schools congregate	Trolling Deep (20'+) along channel edges and bluff walls during midday Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are spotted on electronics near structure Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) during lowlight periods when fish move shallow to feed	Alewife schools suspending in deeper water Shad schools relating to points and creek mouths Smaller baitfish pushed to surface by feeding schools	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake Cumberland

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Fish are following shad migrations from main lake into creeks, actively feeding on baitfish schools around secondary points and laydowns Transitioning between summer and winter patterns, with fish moving up from deeper water and becoming more active in shallow to mid-depth zones Lake turnover is affecting patterns, causing fish to scatter and often requiring downsized presentations	Secondary points leading into creeks, especially those with rock or wood cover Laydowns and brush piles in 5-10 foot depth range, particularly on channel swing banks Mid to back sections of major creeks where shad are concentrated	Hard Topwater (Walking) worked around baitfish schools early and late in the day Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') on secondary points and channel swings Shakey Heads around brush piles when fish are less active	Shad - primary forage moving into creeks Crawfish - secondary forage especially around rock structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	58-68	Actively chasing shad in shallow water, particularly during morning and evening periods, with increased feeding activity around wind-blown areas Transitioning between deep and shallow water, using points and channel swings as migration routes Relating heavily to hard cover (boulders, timber) while ambushing bait	Points with rock or boulder structure, especially those adjacent to deep water Channel swings with laydowns or brush in 10-15 foot depth range Shallow gravel banks with shade and standing timber Creek arms and pockets where shad are congregating	Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked along channel swings and points Hard Topwater (Walking) during low light periods on points and shallow areas Ned Rigs worked on ledges during transition periods Underspins for suspended fish following bait schools	Shad schooling in creek arms and along channel edges Crawfish still active on rocky structure Bluegill around shallow cover and timber	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Spotted Bass	60-75	Actively schooling and chasing shad schools from surface to 70-foot depths, showing aggressive feeding behavior Utilizing vertical movement patterns, suspending near bait schools and ambushing prey Relating to transitional areas and showing willingness to feed on surface during baitfish activity	Main lake points with proximity to deep water Marina areas and dock structures Laydowns in main lake pockets Boulder areas with vertical structure	Hard Topwater (Walking) worked aggressively around bait activity Spinnerbaits on main lake points Drop Shot for suspended fish around bait schools Hover/Mid-Strolling when fish are actively schooling	Shad (primary forage, mentioned in all reports) Baitfish schools in open water	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Walleye	52-65	Walleye are actively feeding on shad schools, following baitfish movements to creek mouths and points as water temperatures cool Fish are transitioning from summer deep-water patterns to more aggressive feeding in medium depths, especially during overcast conditions and low light periods	Creek mouth areas where river channels meet main lake structure, particularly in 15-25 foot depths Main lake points adjacent to deep water access, especially those with ledges or sharp breaks Shallow flats near deep water where shad schools are congregating, typically in 8-15 foot range	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') Blade Baits	Shad schools congregating in creek mouths and along points Secondary baitfish utilizing transitional areas between shallow and deep water	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Striped Bass	58-72	Actively pursuing baitfish schools in open water and along channel edges as shad migrate toward creek arms Transitioning between deep and shallow water throughout the day, following temperature breaks and bait movements Schooling activity increases as water cools, with aggressive feeding during low-light periods	Main lake points adjacent to river channels where baitfish schools congregate Creek arm mouths with significant depth changes Bluff walls near deep water access that provide current breaks	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with umbrella rigs along channel edges Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) through suspended bait schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) cast to surfacing fish during feeding activity	Schooling shad migrating toward creek arms Alewife in open water suspending near thermocline Young-of-year baitfish congregating near structure	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	45-58	Bass are holding on deep structure near channel swings and points, actively feeding on shad and crawfish during warming trends Fish are congregating in winter haunts near deep water access, showing preference for vertical structure and slower presentations	Channel swing banks with laydowns near deep water Long points with gradual drops from 1-3 feet extending to 20-30 feet 45-degree rocky banks on secondary points, especially those with rock transitions	Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked slowly along channel swings and rocky banks Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses between twitches Blade Baits worked vertically along deep structure	Crawfish actively feeding on rocky structure Shad schools concentrated in deeper water near channel swings	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	46-55	Smallmouth bass are suspending near deep structure, particularly around bluff walls and river channel bends, following shad schools in 25-30 foot ranges Activity level is reduced in cold water, requiring slower presentations and finesse techniques Fish are showing preference for wind-blown areas and creek mouths where bait concentrates	Bluff walls at creek mouths mid-lake Secondary points in 25-30 foot range River channel bends with vertical structure Windblown banks with laydowns in shallow water	Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly through suspended fish Ned Rigs on points and transition areas Umbrella Rigs rolled slowly over points and through suspended fish Lipless Crankbaits around shallow cover on wind-blown banks	Shad schools, particularly dying winter shad Crawfish in rocky areas and around cover	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Spotted Bass	48-58	Spotted bass are schooling on shad near bluff banks and transitional structure, with aggressive feeding during warmer parts of the day Fish are relating heavily to wood cover in pockets and along bluffs, suggesting a pattern of ambushing prey in these areas	Bluff banks with laydowns and wood cover Protected pockets with wood structure Main lake points near deep water access	Ned Rigs worked slowly around wood cover Drop Shot targeting suspended fish near structure Blade Baits for actively feeding schools	Shad schools congregating in winter patterns Crawfish in rocky areas and around wood cover	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Walleye	49-55	Walleye are concentrating in deeper water near primary structural elements, particularly river channels and bluff walls, moving shallower during low-light periods to feed Fish are following shad schools, with most active feeding during dawn and dusk periods in the 20-35 foot depth range	Deep river channel bends adjacent to points and ledges in 20-35 foot range Creek mouth confluences where deeper water meets shallow feeding flats Steep bluff walls that provide vertical structure and quick access to multiple depth ranges	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Blade Baits Trolling Deep (20'+)	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water Small baitfish utilizing deep structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Striped Bass	45-52	Striped bass will be schooling heavily, following and feeding on large concentrations of shad and alewife in deeper water Fish are suspending near channel edges and bluff walls, using these areas as thermal refuges while staying close to baitfish schools Most active feeding periods occur during low-light conditions and weather changes when baitfish schools are more vulnerable	Deep main lake points adjacent to river channels (20-40 feet) Bluff walls where baitfish schools are present Creek arm channels where they intersect with the main river channel	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Umbrella Rigs Trolling Deep (20'+)	Large schools of suspended shad in open water Concentrated alewife schools near channel edges Scattered baitfish pods near depth changes	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake Cumberland

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluff walls and secondary points in creek arms, especially those with deep water access	Last deep water areas in the backs of creeks with standing timber
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Wind-blown points leading into spawning creeks	Ledges with rock or boulder structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Creek mouths with cleaner water, particularly in the upper end of the lake where reports show consistent activity	Chunk rock banks and short bluff walls where pre-spawn fish are staging
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	River channel intersections with main lake points, particularly in 15-25 foot depths	Secondary points and ledges adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake and secondary points adjacent to deep water, especially those leading into spawning tributaries	Creek arms and river channels with access to deep water refuges
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Main lake cuts with boulder structure	Secondary points with access to spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	River channel edges and current-swept points where pre/post spawn fish stage	Protected shallow bays with hard bottom for spawning
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Protected pockets and coves with gravel or rocky substrate, especially near deep water access	Secondary points leading into spawning pockets
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Creek mouths and river channel intersections with rocky substrate	Shallow gravel flats adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake and secondary points adjacent to spawning flats where shad are spawning	River channel edges near spawning areas providing quick access to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points 300-500 yards inside creek arms	Shallow laydowns and logjams with current or water flow
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points with access to deeper water	Ledges adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with transition to deep water, especially those adjacent to spawning pockets	Secondary points in major creek arms with abundant shad
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Secondary points and creek mouths adjacent to spawning bays	Transitional ledges in 15-25 foot depth range near river channels
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake and secondary points where baitfish schools concentrate	Bluff walls adjacent to spawning flats providing quick access to deep water
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Deeper stumps and brush piles in 20-35 foot range	Marina areas and adjacent structure
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Creek mouths where they empty into main lake, focusing on rocky areas	Deep boulder fields in 15-20 foot range
Summer	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with access to deep water, especially those adjacent to bait-holding areas	Bluff walls with nearby marina structure or laydowns
Summer	Walleye	Deep main lake points and ledges in 20-35 foot range adjacent to river channels	Creek mouth transitions where deep water meets flats
Summer	Striped Bass	Deep main lake points adjacent to river channels where cool water intersects with feeding zones	Bluff walls with access to deep water refuge
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points leading into creeks, especially those with rock or wood cover	Laydowns and brush piles in 5-10 foot depth range, particularly on channel swing banks
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Points with rock or boulder structure, especially those adjacent to deep water	Channel swings with laydowns or brush in 10-15 foot depth range
Fall	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with proximity to deep water	Marina areas and dock structures
Fall	Walleye	Creek mouth areas where river channels meet main lake structure, particularly in 15-25 foot depths	Main lake points adjacent to deep water access, especially those with ledges or sharp breaks
Fall	Striped Bass	Main lake points adjacent to river channels where baitfish schools congregate	Creek arm mouths with significant depth changes
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Channel swing banks with laydowns near deep water	Long points with gradual drops from 1-3 feet extending to 20-30 feet
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Bluff walls at creek mouths mid-lake	Secondary points in 25-30 foot range
Winter	Spotted Bass	Bluff banks with laydowns and wood cover	Protected pockets with wood structure
Winter	Walleye	Deep river channel bends adjacent to points and ledges in 20-35 foot range	Creek mouth confluences where deeper water meets shallow feeding flats
Winter	Striped Bass	Deep main lake points adjacent to river channels (20-40 feet)	Bluff walls where baitfish schools are present

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools staging in pre-spawn areas	Alewife in deeper water near structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad suspended in 10-30ft range	Crawfish becoming active in rocky areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools, particularly concentrated in creek mouths and along transitional areas	Crawfish becoming more active on rocky structure as water warms
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Shad concentrations in pre-spawn staging areas	Small baitfish gathering near warming shallow areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Shad schools congregating near spawning areas and points	Alewife schools suspending in the water column
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Shad beginning their shallow water spawn
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Alewife/shad schools in current areas	Crawfish becoming active in rocky areas
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Crawfish emerging in shallow areas	Shad schools in staging areas
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Shad concentrated in pre-spawn staging areas	Small minnows in shoreline areas
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Spawning Shad gathering in large schools near shoreline areas	Alewife schools suspended in the water column
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Spawning Shad	Crawfish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter patterns	Small baitfish beginning to school
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools beginning to group up in post-spawn patterns	Crawfish active on rocky structure during warming periods
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Shad (primary forage base confirmed in reports)	Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Shad (primary forage during spring post-spawn)	Alewife (secondary forage, especially in deeper water)
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad (primary forage based on recent reports)	Crawfish (secondary forage in deeper structure)
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Shad - primary forage based on recent reports	Crawfish - secondary forage relating to boulder fields
Summer	Spotted Bass	Shad schools suspending in the water column	Crawfish along rocky structure and points
Summer	Walleye	Shad schools in open water and along structure	Deep water baitfish suspending near thermocline
Summer	Striped Bass	Alewife schools suspending in deeper water	Shad schools relating to points and creek mouths
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage moving into creeks	Crawfish - secondary forage especially around rock structure
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schooling in creek arms and along channel edges	Crawfish still active on rocky structure
Fall	Spotted Bass	Shad (primary forage, mentioned in all reports)	Baitfish schools in open water
Fall	Walleye	Shad schools congregating in creek mouths and along points	Secondary baitfish utilizing transitional areas between shallow and deep water
Fall	Striped Bass	Schooling shad migrating toward creek arms	Alewife in open water suspending near thermocline
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish actively feeding on rocky structure	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water near channel swings
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools, particularly dying winter shad	Crawfish in rocky areas and around cover
Winter	Spotted Bass	Shad schools congregating in winter patterns	Crawfish in rocky areas and around wood cover
Winter	Walleye	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water	Small baitfish utilizing deep structure
Winter	Striped Bass	Large schools of suspended shad in open water	Concentrated alewife schools near channel edges

Bait Colors by Season for Lake Cumberland

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