How to Fish Lake Edward: Best Patterns & Techniques

Lake Edward

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

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake Edward

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-48	Pre-spawn walleye staging on transition areas between spawning grounds and deeper water, becoming more active during low light periods Fish moving shallow in preparation for spawning, congregating near rocky areas and hard-bottom structures	Rocky points extending from shallow to mid-depth water (8-15 feet) Hard-bottom transition areas near potential spawning grounds Clean bottom structure areas in 12-20 foot depth range	Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom transitions Live Bait Rigs with minnows near structural elements Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') during prime feeding periods	Small Yellow Perch Minnows congregating in pre-spawn areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-52	Pike actively moving to shallow, warmer bays and staging areas preparing for spawn, with increased feeding activity as water temperatures rise Fish becoming more aggressive and territorial, particularly during daylight hours when shallow waters warm	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation, particularly on north-facing shorelines that warm faster Transition areas between shallow flats and deeper water, especially near weed bed edges Protected coves and areas with darker bottom composition that retain heat better	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through shallow staging areas Spinnerbaits retrieved at moderate speeds parallel to emerging weed edges Hard Jerkbaits with longer pauses to mimic struggling baitfish	Shallow water baitfish congregating in warming bays Bluegills moving into warmer shallows Perch schools transitioning to shallower water	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-65	Bass are transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging areas, becoming increasingly active as water temperatures rise Fish are feeding aggressively to build energy reserves for spawning, particularly during warmer periods of the day Movement patterns show fish following migration routes from deeper winter areas to shallow spawning bays	Secondary points and staging areas adjacent to spawning flats Reed bed edges where they intersect with deeper water Protected pockets with emerging vegetation in 4-8 foot depth range	Bladed Jigs worked along emerging weed edges and through sparse reed beds Lipless Crankbaits retrieved steadily over transitional areas Spinnerbaits worked parallel to reed edges during warming trends	Bluegill gathering in pre-spawn areas Minnows schooling in warming shallows Emerging crawfish becoming active in warming water	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-65	Pre-spawn crappies are transitioning from deeper winter locations to shallow spawning areas, actively feeding during warming trends Fish are most active during evening hours, staging near spawning areas and responding to rising water temperatures	Deeper staging areas adjacent to reed beds (8-12 feet) Secondary points leading into spawning bays Emerging weed edges in 6-10 feet of water	Crappie Spider Rigging Finesse Hair Jigs Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling)	Small bluegills Young perch Minnows gathering near spawning areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Walleye are in spawning mode, moving to shallow rocky areas and tributaries at night, with decreased feeding activity during actual spawn Post-spawn fish will stage in transitional areas, gradually becoming more active feeders as water warms	Rock and gravel shorelines in 2-6 feet of water for spawning activity Adjacent drop-offs in 8-15 feet for staging areas Main lake points with rock/gravel substrate	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along transition areas Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with light jigs Hard Jerkbaits worked slowly during post-spawn period	Small Minnows Young Perch Shiners	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	42-52	Staging in shallow bays and tributaries with emerging vegetation for spawning, most active during dawn and dusk periods Post-spawn females moving to adjacent deeper water to recover, while males guard nesting areas	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 2-6 feet of water Tributary mouths and incoming water sources Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays for post-spawn recovery	Spinnerbaits worked slowly through emerging vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve near spawning areas Live Bait Rigs with large minnows for post-spawn fish	Large Suckers moving into spawning areas Bluegills in emerging weed growth Young-of-year perch in shallow bays	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-66	Bass are actively moving into shallow spawning areas with water temperatures in low to mid 60s, transitioning from pre-spawn to spawning behavior Fish showing preference for slower-moving baits, indicating selective feeding patterns typical of the transitional spawn period	Reed beds in shallow water, particularly those with firm bottom for spawning Protected pockets and coves with emergent vegetation Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Swim Jigs with paddletail trailers worked slowly through vegetation Bladed Jigs (Chatterbaits) with steady retrieves parallel to reed edges Soft Jerkbaits worked with long pauses around spawning areas	Bluegill beginning to move shallow for their own spawning preparation Minnows congregating in warming shallow waters	Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappies are actively moving into spawning areas, with peak activity during evening hours around 5pm. Fish are scattered during daylight but concentrate in reed beds as light levels decrease. Fish are in pre-spawn to spawning phase at 64°F water temperature, showing typical spring pattern of shallow water movement	Thick reed beds in shallow water, particularly those with good spawning substrate Transition areas between deeper water and spawning reeds, serving as staging areas Protected coves with emerging vegetation where water warms first	Finesse Jigs worked slowly around reed edges and pockets Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) for precise presentations in reed openings Bobbers with small jigs for suspended fish around vegetation	Small baitfish including young-of-year bluegill Small perch in and around vegetation	Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	48-62	Post-spawn walleyes recovering from spawn will be actively feeding, with peak activity during dawn and dusk periods Fish transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer locations, following depth changes based on light conditions Showing aggressive feeding behavior during stable weather, particularly targeting perch and small baitfish in transition areas	Rocky points extending from spawning bays into main lake areas Submerged vegetation edges in 10-15 foot range Clean bottom transition areas between shallow and deep water	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along transition areas Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') during low light periods Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for active fish	Yellow Perch in 8-15 foot range Small Baitfish around emerging weed edges Juvenile White Suckers in rocky areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	52-65	Post-spawn pike actively feeding to recover energy, making frequent but shorter duration feeding periods throughout the day Fish transitioning from spawning areas to early summer locations, following baitfish schools and utilizing weed edges	Emerging weed edges in 8-12 foot depths Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays Submerged vegetation near deeper water access	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to emerging weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve near structure Trolling Shallow (0-9') along transitional areas	Bluegills gathering in emerging weed growth Young-of-year perch schools Suckers moving out of spawning areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	65-72	Fish transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Moving between shallow and mid-depth zones (5-12 feet) as they follow baitfish and respond to daily temperature changes	Outside edges of reed beds in 5-8 foot depths Secondary points with access to deeper water Emerging weed edges where submerged vegetation is developing	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to reed edges and through scattered vegetation Texas Rigs (Worming) through transitional areas between shallow and deep water Swim Jigs around emerging weed growth	Bluegill gathering in spawning areas Minnows schooling in warming shallows Young of year perch in emerging weed growth	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	65-72	Post-spawn crappies are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy after spawning Fish are most active during early morning and evening hours, suspending near cover during midday	Secondary points and flats adjacent to reed beds in 8-12 feet of water Submerged vegetation edges starting to form in 6-10 feet Deeper brush and wood cover near spawning areas in 12-15 feet	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along vegetation edges and points Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) targeting visible cover Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') for suspended fish near structure	Young-of-year bluegills beginning to emerge Small perch in and around vegetation	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	Walleye	68-78	Walleye exhibiting dual pattern behavior - active deep water feeding on perch near humps (27-30ft) during day, and moving shallower near points during lower light conditions Fish relating to distinct thermocline around 25-30 feet in main basin, with some groups utilizing shallower structure during feeding periods	Main lake humps in 25-30 foot range with hard bottom structure Points extending into deep water, especially those with transition areas Weedline edges in 10-15 foot range during low light periods	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with aggressive jigging rap presentations in 27-30 feet Live Bait Rigs with slip bobbers and leeches for shallower transitions Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along weedlines for consistent action	Yellow Perch - primary deep water forage based on recent catches Minnows - particularly effective on points and transition areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	62-68	Pike are actively feeding in and around weed beds at mid-depth ranges (10-15 feet), showing preference for ambush points near drop-offs Fish are responding well to varied retrieve speeds with follow-up strikes after initial misses, suggesting deliberate hunting behavior	Weed bed drop-offs in 10-15 foot depth range Sunken islands with submerged vegetation Deep weed edges adjacent to deeper water	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked with varying speeds and pauses Spinnerbaits along weed edges with stop-and-go retrieves Inline Spinners near vegetation with steady retrieves	Bluegill concentrating around weed beds Perch in deeper water adjacent to structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	68-82	Bass actively holding near shallow cover (docks and reed beds) and displaying aggressive feeding behavior on both crawfish and minnow forage Fish showing traditional summer patterns with strong relation to shade and cover, likely feeding most actively during early morning and evening hours	Docks with adjacent deep water access, particularly those with reed beds nearby Dense reed bed edges, especially where they intersect with deeper water Submerged vegetation in 8-15 foot range during midday periods	Wacky Rigs worked slowly around docks and reed edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for penetrating thick cover in reed beds Frogs/Toads for working over matted vegetation during prime feeding periods	Crawfish in and around dock pilings and reed beds Minnows relating to weed edges and dock shade Bluegill in shallow cover areas	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Crappie	72-82	Suspending in deeper water during bright midday hours, transitioning to shallower feeding zones during early morning and evening Schooling near structure and cover, with increased activity during low-light periods Moving between deep and shallow zones following baitfish movements	Deep weed edges in 12-15 feet of water adjacent to points Suspended over deeper humps in 14-18 feet during midday Shaded areas under docks and near reed bed edges in 8-12 feet	Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling)	Young-of-year bluegills Small perch Various minnow species	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake Edward

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Walleye	48-58	Walleye are holding in deep water (27-32 feet) and actively feeding on perch in main basin areas Fish are showing consistent activity throughout the day, likely due to fall cooling and lower light penetration	Deep main basin areas 27-32 feet Deep points extending into main lake basin Clean bottom structure areas suitable for vertical jigging	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with jigging raps in 27-30 feet Trolling Deep (20'+) with lead core and deep diving crankbaits 28-32 feet Blade Baits worked vertically in deep water	Yellow Perch - primary forage based on multiple reports Baitfish schools in main basin areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	48-62	Pike are actively feeding to build energy reserves before winter, targeting larger prey items and showing increased aggression Fish are following baitfish schools as they move shallower, particularly during low-light periods Movement patterns shift between deep weed edges and shallower flats based on daily temperature fluctuations	Deep weed edges in 10-15 foot range where vegetation meets clean bottom Points and inside turns near deep water access Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water, especially during warming trends	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges and through scattered vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieves parallel to structure Hard Jerkbaits with longer pauses between twitches	Bluegills congregating near remaining weed growth Perch schools in slightly deeper water Young-of-year baitfish schooling in various depth ranges	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	52-65	Bass actively feeding on baitfish schools in preparation for winter, following shad and bluegill to deeper structure Transitioning from summer patterns to fall feeding, moving between shallow feeding areas and deeper staging points	Deep weed edges adjacent to reed beds in 8-15 foot range Secondary points with access to deeper water Dock areas with nearby deep water access	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges and through scattered vegetation Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') parallel to deep weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for matching fall baitfish patterns	Bluegill congregating near deep weed edges Minnows schooling in open water near structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	Crappie	52-65	Crappies are actively feeding to build reserves for winter, with increased activity during low-light periods Fish are transitioning from shallow to deeper water, following baitfish schools and typically suspending near structure	Deep edges of weed beds in 12-15 feet of water Deeper humps and breaks in 15-20 feet Suspended schools near deep structure relating to baitfish	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Hover/Mid-Strolling	Small bluegills and juvenile perch Young-of-year baitfish schools	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Walleye	38-45	Actively feeding on deep structure, particularly during low-light conditions, with perch as primary forage Moving between depths based on light penetration, more active in shallower water during overcast conditions	Deep main lake points and humps in 25-30 foot range Clean bottom areas in main basin suitable for vertical presentations Transition areas between deep structure and shallower flats	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Ice Fishing Jigs Blade Baits Live Bait Rigs	Yellow Perch Cisco/Tullibee	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Northern Pike	38-45	Northern Pike are actively feeding during the first major warm trend of late winter/early spring, particularly during mid-afternoon when water temperatures peak Fish are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging, making them more aggressive and likely to chase moving baits	Shallow flats adjacent to deep wintering areas, particularly those with emerging vegetation Secondary points leading into spawning bays Deep structure like humps near spawning areas where larger pike stage	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly with occasional pauses Blade Baits worked with a moderate lift-drop cadence Spoons fished with an aggressive jigging action in deeper staging areas	Walleye and perch concentrated in deeper water Larger baitfish like suckers moving shallow Bluegills starting to become more active in warming shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Winter	Crappie	38-45	Crappies are suspending near deep water structure, particularly around humps, with increased activity during low-light periods like sunset Fish are schooling in tight groups and typically holding in the deeper, more stable water column	Deep water humps in 15-20 foot range Deep basin edges adjacent to shallow flats Channel bends with vertical structure	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Damiki Rig Blade Baits	Small perch Young-of-year bluegills	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Walleye	34-39	Walleye become more concentrated during ice season, often gathering near structural elements that provide access to both deep water and feeding shelves Most active feeding periods occur during dawn and dusk, with a secondary bite window during cloudy midday periods Fish typically suspend 1-3 feet off bottom when inactive, moving up to feed on perch and other forage	Main lake points and humps in 25-30 foot range that connect to deeper water Transition areas between hard bottom and soft bottom in 15-20 foot range Edge of weed lines in 10-15 foot range during low light periods	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements 6-12 inches off bottom Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive action during prime feeding windows Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set with live minnows for passive approach	Yellow Perch, particularly in deep water areas with rocky/hard bottom Minnows suspending near structure edges Small invertebrates near bottom during non-peak feeding times	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	34-39	Pike are actively feeding during mid-afternoon periods, targeting larger prey near structural elements Fish are holding near humps and other structure, ambushing larger forage	Humps in 15-25 foot range, especially those near deeper water Secondary break lines adjacent to humps Deep weed edges near structural elements	Live Bait Rigs with large minnows suspended near structure Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths around humps Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes	Sucker minnows Shiners Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Crappie	34-39	Crappies are exhibiting typical winter patterns, concentrating on deeper structure with increased activity during low-light periods, particularly at sundown Fish are likely suspending near humps, moving up to feed during prime evening hours	Deep water humps, particularly those adjacent to deeper basins Secondary deep structure near primary lake basin Deep weed edges where remaining vegetation provides cover	Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging followed by pause periods Ice Fishing Jigs worked more subtly when fish are less aggressive Ice Fishing Tip-Ups for targeting suspended fish over deeper water	Small perch Juvenile bluegills Various small minnow species	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake Edward

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points extending from shallow to mid-depth water (8-15 feet)	Hard-bottom transition areas near potential spawning grounds
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation, particularly on north-facing shorelines that warm faster	Transition areas between shallow flats and deeper water, especially near weed bed edges
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points and staging areas adjacent to spawning flats	Reed bed edges where they intersect with deeper water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Deeper staging areas adjacent to reed beds (8-12 feet)	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Rock and gravel shorelines in 2-6 feet of water for spawning activity	Adjacent drop-offs in 8-15 feet for staging areas
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 2-6 feet of water	Tributary mouths and incoming water sources
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Reed beds in shallow water, particularly those with firm bottom for spawning	Protected pockets and coves with emergent vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Thick reed beds in shallow water, particularly those with good spawning substrate	Transition areas between deeper water and spawning reeds, serving as staging areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points extending from spawning bays into main lake areas	Submerged vegetation edges in 10-15 foot range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Emerging weed edges in 8-12 foot depths	Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Outside edges of reed beds in 5-8 foot depths	Secondary points with access to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Secondary points and flats adjacent to reed beds in 8-12 feet of water	Submerged vegetation edges starting to form in 6-10 feet
Summer	Walleye	Main lake humps in 25-30 foot range with hard bottom structure	Points extending into deep water, especially those with transition areas
Summer	Northern Pike	Weed bed drop-offs in 10-15 foot depth range	Sunken islands with submerged vegetation
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Docks with adjacent deep water access, particularly those with reed beds nearby	Dense reed bed edges, especially where they intersect with deeper water
Summer	Crappie	Deep weed edges in 12-15 feet of water adjacent to points	Suspended over deeper humps in 14-18 feet during midday
Fall	Walleye	Deep main basin areas 27-32 feet	Deep points extending into main lake basin
Fall	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges in 10-15 foot range where vegetation meets clean bottom	Points and inside turns near deep water access
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Deep weed edges adjacent to reed beds in 8-15 foot range	Secondary points with access to deeper water
Fall	Crappie	Deep edges of weed beds in 12-15 feet of water	Deeper humps and breaks in 15-20 feet
Winter	Walleye	Deep main lake points and humps in 25-30 foot range	Clean bottom areas in main basin suitable for vertical presentations
Winter	Northern Pike	Shallow flats adjacent to deep wintering areas, particularly those with emerging vegetation	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Winter	Crappie	Deep water humps in 15-20 foot range	Deep basin edges adjacent to shallow flats
Ice	Walleye	Main lake points and humps in 25-30 foot range that connect to deeper water	Transition areas between hard bottom and soft bottom in 15-20 foot range
Ice	Northern Pike	Humps in 15-25 foot range, especially those near deeper water	Secondary break lines adjacent to humps
Ice	Crappie	Deep water humps, particularly those adjacent to deeper basins	Secondary deep structure near primary lake basin

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Small Yellow Perch	Minnows congregating in pre-spawn areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow water baitfish congregating in warming bays	Bluegills moving into warmer shallows
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill gathering in pre-spawn areas	Minnows schooling in warming shallows
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Small bluegills	Young perch
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Small Minnows	Young Perch
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Large Suckers moving into spawning areas	Bluegills in emerging weed growth
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill beginning to move shallow for their own spawning preparation	Minnows congregating in warming shallow waters
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small baitfish including young-of-year bluegill	Small perch in and around vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Yellow Perch in 8-15 foot range	Small Baitfish around emerging weed edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegills gathering in emerging weed growth	Young-of-year perch schools
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill gathering in spawning areas	Minnows schooling in warming shallows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Young-of-year bluegills beginning to emerge	Small perch in and around vegetation
Summer	Walleye	Yellow Perch - primary deep water forage based on recent catches	Minnows - particularly effective on points and transition areas
Summer	Northern Pike	Bluegill concentrating around weed beds	Perch in deeper water adjacent to structure
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish in and around dock pilings and reed beds	Minnows relating to weed edges and dock shade
Summer	Crappie	Young-of-year bluegills	Small perch
Fall	Walleye	Yellow Perch - primary forage based on multiple reports	Baitfish schools in main basin areas
Fall	Northern Pike	Bluegills congregating near remaining weed growth	Perch schools in slightly deeper water
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill congregating near deep weed edges	Minnows schooling in open water near structure
Fall	Crappie	Small bluegills and juvenile perch	Young-of-year baitfish schools
Winter	Walleye	Yellow Perch	Cisco/Tullibee
Winter	Northern Pike	Walleye and perch concentrated in deeper water	Larger baitfish like suckers moving shallow
Winter	Crappie	Small perch	Young-of-year bluegills
Ice	Walleye	Yellow Perch, particularly in deep water areas with rocky/hard bottom	Minnows suspending near structure edges
Ice	Northern Pike	Sucker minnows	Shiners
Ice	Crappie	Small perch	Juvenile bluegills

Bait Colors by Season for Lake Edward

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	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 Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Winter	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Crappie	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors