How to Fish Lake DuBay: Best Patterns & Techniques

Lake DuBay

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Jul 31, 2024

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake DuBay

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	45-50	Smallmouth bass are transitioning to pre-spawn patterns, actively feeding while staging near spawning areas in 45-50°F water Fish are becoming more aggressive, responding well to suspending presentations with longer pauses, particularly during warming trends	Rock piles in transition areas between winter and spawning locations Points with rocky structure adjacent to deeper water Hard-bottom areas near potential spawning flats	Hard Jerkbaits with extended pauses (8-15 seconds) between twitches Drop Shot with small profile baits worked slowly Tubes dragged slowly along rocky structure	Smaller baitfish (2-3 inches) in shad or minnow profiles Juvenile perch beginning to concentrate near rocky areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Pre-spawn walleye are moving from winter deep-water areas towards shallow spawning areas, following channel edges and structural transitions Feeding activity increases as water warms, with fish actively hunting baitfish during low-light periods	Channel edges adjacent to shallow spawning flats in 8-14 foot depth range Rocky points and transitions where channels meet shallow areas Areas with submerged timber near structural transitions	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along channel edges and transitions Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow, deliberate presentations Blade Baits worked along channel edges to trigger reaction strikes	Shiners congregating near spawning areas Small perch along structural transitions	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-62	Pre-spawn bass are transitioning from winter areas to staging areas near spawning flats, becoming more active as water temperatures rise Fish are beginning to feed more aggressively to build energy reserves for spawning, especially during warming trends	Secondary points and channel swings adjacent to spawning flats Areas where emerging vegetation is beginning to grow, particularly near deeper winter holdover spots Protected pockets and coves that warm up first	Lipless Crankbaits worked through emerging vegetation Bladed Jigs around secondary points and channel edges Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly in staging areas	Bluegill beginning to become more active in warming shallows Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish schools in pre-spawn staging areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	48-58	Staging in transitional areas between winter deep basins and spawning grounds, actively feeding during warming trends Moving shallower as water temperatures rise, concentrating near submerged vegetation and laydowns Suspending in loose schools, following baitfish movements in pre-spawn feeding patterns	Deep basin edges transitioning to spawning flats (8-15 feet) Submerged vegetation near spawning areas Areas with natural wood cover adjacent to deeper water	Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Small Minnows Young of Year Baitfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-45	Pre-spawn Northern Pike are actively feeding near the dam structure, using deeper areas as staging points before spawning Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior, willing to chase and strike moving baits like lipless crankbaits	Dam areas with adjacent deeper water Deep structure near spawning bays Rocky points and boulder areas with nearby vegetation	Lipless Crankbaits bounced off bottom structure Live Bait Rigs with shiners Blade Baits worked along depth transitions	Perch Shiners	Vibrant Assorted Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Sturgeon	42-55	Sturgeon are becoming more active as water temperatures rise, moving from deep winter holding areas to pre-spawn staging areas near rocky substrate and channel edges Feeding activity increases as fish prepare for spawning, with sturgeon actively foraging along bottom structure for benthic organisms and baitfish	Deep channel edges adjacent to rocky points where depths transition from 15-25 feet Boulder and rock pile areas in 10-20 foot depths Transitional areas between deep basins and shallow feeding flats	Live Bait Rigs with heavy sinkers fished directly on bottom Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) near channel edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around rock piles	Benthic invertebrates and crawfish in rocky areas Small perch and minnows near bottom structure	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	47-62	Smallmouth bass are moving into shallow rocky areas (2-8 feet) for spawning, with males actively guarding nests Pre-spawn fish staging on adjacent points and transition areas, making feeding forays into spawning flats	Rocky flats and shorelines in protected areas for spawning Adjacent points connecting to deeper water for staging areas Clean, hard-bottom areas with scattered boulder clusters	Tubes worked slowly around rocky areas Ned Rigs for finesse presentation on harder bottom Hard Jerkbaits worked with longer pauses for pre-spawn fish	Minnows gathering in warming shallows Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas Small perch in transitional areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Moving into shallow areas (2-8 feet) near rocky points and channel edges for spawning Males stage in pre-spawn areas first, with females moving in as water temperatures approach optimal spawning range Feeding activity peaks during dawn and dusk, with opportunistic feeding throughout spawning period	Rocky points with adjacent deeper water access Channel edges near spawning flats Shallow bays with remaining vegetation from previous season	Live Bait Rigs Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Shiners Fatheads Small Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Fish are actively spawning and defending beds in shallow water, particularly around lily pads as noted in recent reports Males are highly territorial and will strike defensive baits, while females stage nearby in slightly deeper water	Lily pad fields in spawning bays where beds are present Protected shallow flats with firm bottom for spawning Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Wacky Rigs worked slowly around beds and visible fish Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentations in lily pads Soft Jerkbaits for targeting pre-spawn fish moving up	Bluegill, which are primary forage as confirmed by fishing reports Small baitfish moving into spawning areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-65	Crappie are in spawning mode, moving into shallow areas with cover, particularly laydowns, as water temperatures hold in low 60s Fish are actively feeding on minnows while staging near spawning areas, with concentrated schools around prime spawning structure	Shallow laydowns and woody cover in 2-6 feet of water Protected shallow bays with submerged vegetation Transitional areas between spawning flats and deeper staging zones	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) around visible cover Bobbers with precise presentations near spawning structure Crappie Dock Shooting when fish are tight to cover	Minnows in the 1-2 inch range Small baitfish relating to shallow cover	Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-48	Northern Pike actively moving into shallow spawning areas and staging in pre-spawn locations near the dam and channel areas at reported 42°F water temperatures Post-spawn fish will be aggressively feeding on perch to recover energy, particularly in areas with submerged vegetation and boulder fields	Dam area with deeper water for pre-spawn staging Channel edges with adjacent shallow bays for spawning Boulder fields with emerging vegetation for post-spawn feeding	Lipless Crankbaits worked slowly through staging areas Inline Spinners near emerging vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along channel edges	Perch (primary forage confirmed in spring reports) Shiners gathering in spawning areas Various minnow species in shallow areas	Bold Striped Patterns Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Sturgeon	42-55	Sturgeon are actively moving into shallower rocky areas and channel edges for spawning, typically most active during dawn and dusk periods Fish are congregating in pre-spawn staging areas near river mouths or shallow flats adjacent to deeper wintering holes	Rocky points and boulder fields in 8-15 foot depth range near channel edges Transition areas between deep wintering holes and shallow spawning flats Areas with rock and gravel substrate near deeper channels	Live Bait Rigs with heavy sinkers bounced along bottom Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are staging in deeper areas Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') for active fish moving shallow	Bottom-dwelling invertebrates and crayfish Small perch and minnows near rocky areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-68	Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding to recover energy, transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns along rock-to-deep water transitions Fish are most active during morning and evening periods, utilizing rocky points and boulder fields as primary feeding zones	Rocky points connecting to deeper water Boulder fields and rock piles in 8-15 foot depth range Clean, hard-bottom transition areas between spawning flats and summer depths	Tubes worked slowly along rock-to-deep transitions Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved parallel to depth changes Ned Rigs worked on hard bottom areas adjacent to spawning flats	Small minnows gathering around rocky structure Crayfish becoming more active in warming waters	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	48-62	Post-spawn walleye are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer feeding patterns, actively feeding during low light periods Fish are moving between shallow feeding areas and adjacent deeper water, following baitfish schools	Channel edges adjacent to spawning flats in 8-14 foot range Rocky points with access to deeper water Areas with emerging vegetation near structural transitions	Live Bait Rigs with leeches or minnows worked slowly along transitions Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') during prime feeding periods Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') during lowlight conditions	Shiners and small baitfish congregating near emerging vegetation Perch relating to structure transitions Fathead minnows in shallow feeding areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-72	Post-spawn bass are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding along weed lines to recover energy Fish are establishing predictable daily feeding patterns, particularly active during morning and evening periods near vegetation edges	Weed lines and edges of submerged vegetation in 5-10 feet of water Secondary points with access to deeper water near spawning flats Inside edges of emerging vegetation where bluegill are spawning	Wacky Rigs worked slowly through vegetation edges Texas Rigs (Worming) along weed lines Ned Rigs for pressured fish in clear water conditions	Bluegill, especially around spawning areas and vegetation Young of the year baitfish beginning to emerge	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	65-72	Post-spawn crappies are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to summer patterns, suspending near cover and actively feeding to recover Fish are moving between shallow and mid-depth zones, following baitfish schools and utilizing available cover	Submerged vegetation edges in 8-15 feet of water Deep edges of laydowns and woody cover Suspended areas near basin edges where baitfish schools gather	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')	Small minnows in loose schools Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	48-62	Post-spawn pike are actively feeding to recover energy, following perch schools and utilizing ambush points near vegetation and boulder areas Fish are transitioning from deeper spawning areas near the dam to shallower feeding zones, particularly during morning and evening hours	Weed edges and boulder fields in 5-15 feet of water Transition areas between dam and shallow feeding flats Submerged vegetation near points and channel edges	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges and around boulders Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve through transition zones Lipless Crankbaits worked through sparse vegetation	Perch congregating near vegetation and structure Various minnow species in shallow feeding areas Shiners moving along weed edges	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Sturgeon	48-62	Post-spawn sturgeon are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily focusing on benthic organisms near rocky areas and channel edges Fish are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer feeding locations, following deeper channel edges	Deep channel edges adjacent to rocky substrate Boulder and rock piles in 15-25 foot depth range Transitional areas between points and deep basins	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom in deeper areas Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) near rock piles and channel edges Trolling Deep (20'+) along channel edges with heavy bottom bouncing presentations	Benthic invertebrates and crayfish Small perch and minnows near bottom structure Aquatic insects emerging in warming waters	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	65-72	Smallmouth bass are actively feeding on minnows near bottom structure, showing preference for boulders in moderate depths as summer feeding stations Fish are maintaining relatively stable positions near rocky structure, with feeding periods concentrated during lower light conditions	Boulder fields and rock piles in 12-20 foot depth range Deep points with scattered rock Transition areas between rock structure and deeper basins	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly near bottom Drop Shot with small profile baits Tubes worked along bottom around rocky structure	Minnows Small bottom-dwelling prey	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Walleye	65-78	Walleye are transitioning to deeper water during summer, primarily feeding during dawn/dusk periods along structural edges in 12-20 foot depths Fish are actively feeding on baitfish schools near channel edges and points, with increased activity during low light conditions	Deep channel edges adjacent to points where current flow concentrates baitfish Submerged timber areas near structural transitions in 12-20 foot depths Rocky points with access to deeper water	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along channel edges and points Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with minnow-imitating presentations Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along structural edges	Shiners and small baitfish schools Yellow Perch Juvenile panfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Natural Shad Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	68-82	Bass are establishing summer patterns, primarily relating to weed growth and following bluegill movements Fish are most active during early morning and evening hours, moving to deeper weed edges during midday heat	Deeper weed edges, particularly where vegetation meets deeper water Lily pad fields during lower light periods Any available hard structure (docks, fallen trees) near deep water access	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around lily pads and thick vegetation Swim Jigs along weed edges during morning/evening periods Frogs/Toads over lily pads and matted vegetation early and late Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) along deeper weed edges during midday	Bluegill concentrating around weed edges and lily pads Young-of-year baitfish beginning to school in deeper vegetation	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Crappie	68-78	Crappie suspend in deeper water near weed edges and submerged structure during summer, moving deeper during midday and shallower during morning/evening Feeding becomes more active during dawn and dusk periods, with fish relating to baitfish schools	Deep weed edges adjacent to basin areas, especially where vegetation meets deeper water Suspended over deep basins, particularly near structure or depth changes Shaded areas under docks or near submerged wood in 8-15 feet of water	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along weed edges and depth transitions Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') for suspended fish Crappie Spider Rigging for precise depth control when fish are suspended	Small minnows in loose schools Young-of-year baitfish Small aquatic insects near vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	68-78	Actively feeding in shallow to mid-depth zones around boulder fields with adjacent vegetation, utilizing ambush points for hunting perch Most aggressive during early morning and evening hours, moving into shallow areas to hunt with occasional surface-oriented feeding behavior	Boulder fields with adjacent weed growth, particularly in shallow to mid-depth zones Weed edges near deeper water access points Submerged vegetation patches near timber or laydowns	Hard Topwater (Prop) worked aggressively around boulder fields and weed edges Spinnerbaits parallel to weed edges and through scattered boulders Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieves near structure	Perch Other baitfish (minnows and shiners)	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Sturgeon	65-72	Sturgeon are actively feeding in deeper channels and rocky areas, making frequent movements between feeding zones Most active during dawn and dusk periods, with reduced activity during peak daylight hours	Deep channels adjacent to rocky points where current creates feeding opportunities Boulder and rock pile areas in 15-25 foot depth range Transitional areas between channel edges and shallow flats	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom in deep channels Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) near rock piles and channel edges Structure Jigs bounced along bottom near rocky areas	Benthic invertebrates and crayfish in rocky areas Small perch near channel edges Minnows gathering near structure	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake DuBay

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	52-65	Actively feeding on baitfish, transitioning to deeper structure while maintaining aggressive feeding patterns Moving between mid-depth rock structures, showing preference for bottom-oriented presentations	Deep boulder fields and rock piles in 15-25 foot range Main lake points with rock-to-sand transitions Steep rocky banks adjacent to deep water	Tubes dragged along bottom with Tokyo rig style presentation Drop Shot with small profile baits Ned Rigs worked slowly along rock structure	Minnows Small Yellow Perch Juvenile Ciscoes	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Walleye	48-62	Walleye are actively feeding, taking advantage of baitfish schools moving through channels and near structural elements as they prepare for winter Fish are transitioning between shallow and mid-depth areas, following forage and responding to cooling water temperatures	Channel edges adjacent to points where depth transitions occur in 8-14 foot range Rocky points with nearby deep water access Remaining patches of vegetation near channel edges	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Live Bait Rigs Blade Baits	Shiners and small baitfish schools Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Natural Shad Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	52-65	Bass are actively feeding to build fat reserves for winter, following baitfish schools and targeting bluegill in vegetation Fish become more concentrated around key structure as vegetation begins to die off, creating predictable feeding windows during warmer parts of the day	Deep weed edges where remaining vegetation meets deeper water Points and breaks near dying vegetation Shallow flats with remaining vegetation during warm afternoons	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges and through dying vegetation Lipless Crankbaits ripped through remaining vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for mimicking fleeing baitfish	Bluegill congregating in remaining weed beds Baitfish schools moving through deeper water	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	52-65	Crappie are transitioning from summer patterns to fall feeding, actively pursuing baitfish schools in deeper water Fish are becoming more concentrated and schooling tightly as water temperatures drop, following baitfish movements	Deep basins adjacent to shallow flats where baitfish schools congregate Submerged vegetation edges at basin transitions Areas with hard structure like boulders near deep water access	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along depth transitions to locate active schools Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') once schools are located Crappie Spider Rigging for suspended fish over deeper water	Small minnows in large schools Young-of-year baitfish	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	48-62	Northern Pike are actively feeding to build up reserves for winter, following large schools of perch and other baitfish Fish are transitioning from shallow weed edges to deeper structure near the dam and channel areas Aggressive feeding periods during overcast days and dawn/dusk, especially around baitfish schools	Deep weed edges adjacent to the channel and points Boulder fields with remaining vegetation Deeper structure near the dam area where baitfish school	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges and through boulder fields Lipless Crankbaits for covering water and targeting schooling baitfish Large Soft Body Swimbaits for mimicking fall-sized perch	Perch congregating in schools Various minnow species in deeper water Remaining shallow water baitfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Sturgeon	48-62	Sturgeon are actively feeding to build up energy reserves before winter, focusing on benthic organisms near rock piles and channel edges Fish are transitioning to deeper water as temperatures cool, but still making feeding movements along deep-to-shallow transitions	Deep channel edges adjacent to rock piles (15-25 feet) Rocky points intersecting with deeper water Deep basins with soft bottom areas near structure	Live Bait Rigs with heavy sinkers worked slowly along bottom Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with heavy jigs in channels Trolling Deep (20'+) along channel edges with bottom bouncers	Benthic invertebrates and crayfish near rocky areas Small perch and minnows near channel edges Aquatic insects and larvae in soft bottom areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Walleye	42-52	Late fall/early winter walleye are transitioning to deeper water, following forage and seeking stable temperatures Fish are actively feeding during low-light periods near structural transitions, particularly around channel edges and points	Channel edges adjacent to points in 8-14 foot depth ranges Deep structural transitions near submerged timber Rocky points intersecting with deeper water	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Live Bait Rigs	Shiners Yellow Perch Fatheads	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Crappie	38-45	Suspending in deep basins, schooling tightly in 20-30 foot zones above bottom Feeding activity peaks during low-light periods, with schools moving slightly shallower at dawn/dusk	Deep basins with suspended baitfish schools Transition areas between deep basins and structure Areas near submerged vegetation edges in 15-25 foot range	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Damiki Rig Hover/Mid-Strolling	Small minnows in suspended schools Young-of-year baitfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	38-45	Pike are actively feeding but conserving energy, following forage fish concentrations in deeper channel areas and points Most active during low-light periods, with periodic feeding windows throughout the day near structure transitions	Deep channel edges adjacent to points where perch concentrate Structure transitions near the dam area where deeper water is available Areas where submerged timber meets the deeper channel	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with aggressive lift-drop presentations Blade Baits worked along channel edges with moderate lifts Spoons worked with a flutter technique near structure transitions	Perch schooling in deeper water Various minnow species concentrated near structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Bold Striped Patterns Metallic Colors
Winter	Sturgeon	33-42	Winter sturgeon are concentrating in deep channels and basins, maintaining relatively stationary positions near bottom structure Feeding activity is reduced but consistent, with fish making short movements to opportunistically feed on available prey	Deep channels and basin areas, particularly where depths exceed 20 feet Transitional areas where rock piles meet channel edges Deep holes near points where current creates food-carrying flows	Live Bait Rigs with heavy sinkers fished directly on bottom Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with heavy jigs Spoons worked slowly near bottom structure	Benthic organisms including crayfish and freshwater mollusks Small perch and minnows near bottom structure Aquatic insect larvae	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Ice	Walleye	34-39	Walleye concentrating along channel edges and structural transition areas in 8-14 foot depths, with increased activity during low light and weather changes Feeding patterns closely tied to structural elements like submerged timber, rocky points, and sandbar transitions near deeper water	Channel edges adjacent to rocky points with submerged timber Sandbar points near deep water channels, especially those with nearby vegetation Structural transitions in 8-14 foot range connecting to deeper water	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with live bait positioned along depth transitions Ice Fishing Jigs worked vertically in timber-laden areas Ice Fishing Spoons for active jigging near channel edges	Medium-sized shiners Walleye-sized fatheads Small perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Crappie	32-34	Crappies are suspended in deep basins, actively feeding on minnows in a neutral to negative mood requiring precise presentations Fish are typically moving in loose schools, following baitfish concentrations in the water column	Deep basins with concentrated baitfish schools Suspended zones 1-3 feet off bottom in 20-30 foot depths Transitions where deep basins meet structure	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with live minnows suspended at fish-holding depth Ice Fishing Jigs worked slowly with subtle movements Vertical jigging with small spoons tipped with minnow heads	Small minnows 1-2 inches in length Juvenile perch suspended in deep water	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	33-38	Pike are less active but still feed regularly, typically positioning near channel edges and points adjacent to deeper water Feeding windows are shorter and most active during dawn and dusk, with pike following perch schools in moderate depths	Channel edges with adjacent points where deeper water meets shallower flats Deep coves near structure that provide winter refuge for baitfish Areas where submerged vegetation meets deeper water	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large minnows positioned at varying depths Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnow heads near bottom structure	Perch schools congregating near channel edges Various minnow species holding in deeper water	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake DuBay

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles in transition areas between winter and spawning locations	Points with rocky structure adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Channel edges adjacent to shallow spawning flats in 8-14 foot depth range	Rocky points and transitions where channels meet shallow areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points and channel swings adjacent to spawning flats	Areas where emerging vegetation is beginning to grow, particularly near deeper winter holdover spots
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Deep basin edges transitioning to spawning flats (8-15 feet)	Submerged vegetation near spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Dam areas with adjacent deeper water	Deep structure near spawning bays
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Sturgeon	Deep channel edges adjacent to rocky points where depths transition from 15-25 feet	Boulder and rock pile areas in 10-20 foot depths
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky flats and shorelines in protected areas for spawning	Adjacent points connecting to deeper water for staging areas
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points with adjacent deeper water access	Channel edges near spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Lily pad fields in spawning bays where beds are present	Protected shallow flats with firm bottom for spawning
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shallow laydowns and woody cover in 2-6 feet of water	Protected shallow bays with submerged vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Dam area with deeper water for pre-spawn staging	Channel edges with adjacent shallow bays for spawning
Spring (Spawn)	Sturgeon	Rocky points and boulder fields in 8-15 foot depth range near channel edges	Transition areas between deep wintering holes and shallow spawning flats
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points connecting to deeper water	Boulder fields and rock piles in 8-15 foot depth range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Channel edges adjacent to spawning flats in 8-14 foot range	Rocky points with access to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Weed lines and edges of submerged vegetation in 5-10 feet of water	Secondary points with access to deeper water near spawning flats
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Submerged vegetation edges in 8-15 feet of water	Deep edges of laydowns and woody cover
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Weed edges and boulder fields in 5-15 feet of water	Transition areas between dam and shallow feeding flats
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Sturgeon	Deep channel edges adjacent to rocky substrate	Boulder and rock piles in 15-25 foot depth range
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Boulder fields and rock piles in 12-20 foot depth range	Deep points with scattered rock
Summer	Walleye	Deep channel edges adjacent to points where current flow concentrates baitfish	Submerged timber areas near structural transitions in 12-20 foot depths
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Deeper weed edges, particularly where vegetation meets deeper water	Lily pad fields during lower light periods
Summer	Crappie	Deep weed edges adjacent to basin areas, especially where vegetation meets deeper water	Suspended over deep basins, particularly near structure or depth changes
Summer	Northern Pike	Boulder fields with adjacent weed growth, particularly in shallow to mid-depth zones	Weed edges near deeper water access points
Summer	Sturgeon	Deep channels adjacent to rocky points where current creates feeding opportunities	Boulder and rock pile areas in 15-25 foot depth range
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Deep boulder fields and rock piles in 15-25 foot range	Main lake points with rock-to-sand transitions
Fall	Walleye	Channel edges adjacent to points where depth transitions occur in 8-14 foot range	Rocky points with nearby deep water access
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Deep weed edges where remaining vegetation meets deeper water	Points and breaks near dying vegetation
Fall	Crappie	Deep basins adjacent to shallow flats where baitfish schools congregate	Submerged vegetation edges at basin transitions
Fall	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges adjacent to the channel and points	Boulder fields with remaining vegetation
Fall	Sturgeon	Deep channel edges adjacent to rock piles (15-25 feet)	Rocky points intersecting with deeper water
Winter	Walleye	Channel edges adjacent to points in 8-14 foot depth ranges	Deep structural transitions near submerged timber
Winter	Crappie	Deep basins with suspended baitfish schools	Transition areas between deep basins and structure
Winter	Northern Pike	Deep channel edges adjacent to points where perch concentrate	Structure transitions near the dam area where deeper water is available
Winter	Sturgeon	Deep channels and basin areas, particularly where depths exceed 20 feet	Transitional areas where rock piles meet channel edges
Ice	Walleye	Channel edges adjacent to rocky points with submerged timber	Sandbar points near deep water channels, especially those with nearby vegetation
Ice	Crappie	Deep basins with concentrated baitfish schools	Suspended zones 1-3 feet off bottom in 20-30 foot depths
Ice	Northern Pike	Channel edges with adjacent points where deeper water meets shallower flats	Deep coves near structure that provide winter refuge for baitfish

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Smaller baitfish (2-3 inches) in shad or minnow profiles	Juvenile perch beginning to concentrate near rocky areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Shiners congregating near spawning areas	Small perch along structural transitions
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill beginning to become more active in warming shallows	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Small Minnows	Young of Year Baitfish
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Perch	Shiners
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Sturgeon	Benthic invertebrates and crawfish in rocky areas	Small perch and minnows near bottom structure
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Minnows gathering in warming shallows	Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Shiners	Fatheads
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill, which are primary forage as confirmed by fishing reports	Small baitfish moving into spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Minnows in the 1-2 inch range	Small baitfish relating to shallow cover
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Perch (primary forage confirmed in spring reports)	Shiners gathering in spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Sturgeon	Bottom-dwelling invertebrates and crayfish	Small perch and minnows near rocky areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Small minnows gathering around rocky structure	Crayfish becoming more active in warming waters
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Shiners and small baitfish congregating near emerging vegetation	Perch relating to structure transitions
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill, especially around spawning areas and vegetation	Young of the year baitfish beginning to emerge
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Small minnows in loose schools	Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Perch congregating near vegetation and structure	Various minnow species in shallow feeding areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Sturgeon	Benthic invertebrates and crayfish	Small perch and minnows near bottom structure
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Minnows	Small bottom-dwelling prey
Summer	Walleye	Shiners and small baitfish schools	Yellow Perch
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating around weed edges and lily pads	Young-of-year baitfish beginning to school in deeper vegetation
Summer	Crappie	Small minnows in loose schools	Young-of-year baitfish
Summer	Northern Pike	Perch	Other baitfish (minnows and shiners)
Summer	Sturgeon	Benthic invertebrates and crayfish in rocky areas	Small perch near channel edges
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Minnows	Small Yellow Perch
Fall	Walleye	Shiners and small baitfish schools	Yellow Perch
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill congregating in remaining weed beds	Baitfish schools moving through deeper water
Fall	Crappie	Small minnows in large schools	Young-of-year baitfish
Fall	Northern Pike	Perch congregating in schools	Various minnow species in deeper water
Fall	Sturgeon	Benthic invertebrates and crayfish near rocky areas	Small perch and minnows near channel edges
Winter	Walleye	Shiners	Yellow Perch
Winter	Crappie	Small minnows in suspended schools	Young-of-year baitfish
Winter	Northern Pike	Perch schooling in deeper water	Various minnow species concentrated near structure
Winter	Sturgeon	Benthic organisms including crayfish and freshwater mollusks	Small perch and minnows near bottom structure
Ice	Walleye	Medium-sized shiners	Walleye-sized fatheads
Ice	Crappie	Small minnows 1-2 inches in length	Juvenile perch suspended in deep water
Ice	Northern Pike	Perch schools congregating near channel edges	Various minnow species holding in deeper water

Bait Colors by Season for Lake DuBay

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Vibrant Assorted Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Sturgeon	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bold Striped Patterns Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Sturgeon	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Sturgeon	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Natural Shad Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Sturgeon	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Natural Shad Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Sturgeon	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Bold Striped Patterns Metallic Colors
Winter	Sturgeon	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Ice	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns