How to Fish Lake Ellis: Best Patterns & Techniques

Lake Ellis

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Apr 24, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake Ellis

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-58	Largemouth bass are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, becoming more active as water temperatures rise Fish are making periodic movements to check spawning areas while maintaining access to deeper water Feeding activity is increasing as bass prepare for spawn, with aggressive strikes during warming trends	Outside edges of submerged vegetation adjacent to potential spawning flats Points and coves with vegetation that provide quick access to both shallow and deeper water Protected shallow areas with emerging vegetation, especially in coves	Bladed Jigs worked slowly through vegetation edges Shakey Heads worked methodically along transition areas Lipless Crankbaits burned over vegetation tops	Bluegill concentrating near emerging vegetation Crawfish becoming more active in warming water Small baitfish schooling in pre-spawn patterns	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	54-57	Chain Pickerel actively feeding in shallow vegetation areas during pre-spawn, making frequent ambush attacks on prey Fish moving along shoreline structures and staging in warmer, protected coves preparing for spawn	Shallow vegetated areas in protected coves, especially where vegetation meets deeper water Points and irregularities along the shoreline with emerging vegetation Creek channel edges where they intersect with shallow flats	Inline Spinners worked parallel to vegetation edges Soft Jerkbaits with erratic retrieves near vegetation Spinnerbaits worked through sparse vegetation	Bluegill congregating in warming shallow areas Young of the year baitfish in vegetation Small bass in transitional areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	54-65	Catfish becoming more active as water temperatures rise above 60°F, transitioning from winter lethargy to pre-spawn feeding Moving from deeper wintering holes to shallower feeding areas, especially during dawn and dusk periods Actively seeking food in preparation for spawning, with increased activity around structure and vegetation edges	Deep holes adjacent to vegetated areas, particularly in creek channels Shoreline areas with complex structure and coves Transition areas between shallow vegetation and deeper water	Live Bait Rigs with slip sinkers for natural presentation Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly along bottom structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') near structure during active feeding periods	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Bluegill and small panfish Nightcrawlers and bottom-dwelling invertebrates	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	54-57	Crappie are transitioning from deeper winter areas to shallow pre-spawn staging areas, following temperature-dependent migration patterns along the creek channel Fish are becoming more active and feeding opportunistically, particularly during warmer parts of the day, as they prepare for spawning	Submerged vegetation edges near creek channel transitions, especially in 6-12 foot depth ranges Secondary points and coves with emerging vegetation, particularly on the northern shorelines that warm first Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water, where fish stage before moving to spawning areas	Crappie Spider Rigging - allows for precise depth control and multiple bait presentations while working transitional areas Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) - effective for targeting visible cover and scattered fish in pre-spawn areas Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') - perfect for working specific pieces of cover where fish are staging	Small bluegill fry and juveniles Emerging aquatic insects Small minnows gathering in warming shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	54-57	Bass are in pre-spawn to spawning phase, actively moving between staging areas and shallow spawning flats in submerged vegetation Fish showing aggressive feeding behavior as evidenced by reaction strikes on bladed jigs, while also responding to slower presentations with shakey heads	Submerged vegetation in shallow spawning flats, particularly in protected coves Vegetation edges near points and transitions, serving as staging areas Protected areas in complex shoreline coves with vegetation	Bladed Jigs worked through and over vegetation for actively feeding fish Shakey Heads worked slowly around vegetation edges for more pressured or neutral fish Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for targeting fish tight to vegetation	Bluegill - primary forage as indicated in all recent reports Crawfish - becoming active in spring temperatures and targeted with successful crawdad-colored baits	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	54-57	Chain Pickerel are in spawning mode, actively moving into shallow, vegetated areas with water temperatures between 54-57°F. They are territorial and aggressive during this period. Fish are making frequent foraging runs along vegetation edges and points, primarily targeting abundant Bluegill populations	Shallow vegetated coves and bays, especially areas with emerging vegetation Points and vegetation edges adjacent to deeper water Complex shoreline areas with submerged vegetation	Inline Spinners worked parallel to vegetation edges Soft Jerkbaits with erratic retrieves near vegetation Spinnerbaits worked through gaps in vegetation	Bluegill concentrating in shallow vegetation Young of the year baitfish beginning to emerge Small Largemouth Bass fry	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	58-68	Catfish beginning to move into warmer, shallow areas (2-8 feet) as water temperatures rise above 60°F, preparing for spawn Increased feeding activity during dawn and dusk, with fish actively searching for food in and around vegetation edges and deeper holes	Shallow coves with soft bottom composition and nearby deeper water access Edges of submerged vegetation adjacent to deeper holes Creek channel bends and deeper holes, especially during cooler periods	Live Bait Rigs with slow, bottom-oriented presentations Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly through vegetation edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') near structure during peak feeding periods	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small Bluegill in vegetation Worms and bottom-dwelling invertebrates	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	54-65	Crappie are transitioning into spawning behavior, moving from pre-spawn staging areas into shallow spawning zones near vegetation and structure Males are establishing and guarding nests in 2-6 foot depths, while females stage slightly deeper until ready to spawn Most active feeding periods occur during dawn and dusk, with increased activity on warm, stable weather days	Shallow vegetation in 2-6 foot depths, particularly near creek channel bends Protected coves with stable water temperatures Transition areas between spawning flats and slightly deeper water	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) with light jigs around shallow cover Bobbers with live bait or small jigs suspended at specific depths Crappie Dock Shooting when targeting fish relating to shallow structure	Small minnows and fry gathering in warming shallows Young bluegill becoming more active in vegetation Emerging aquatic insects around vegetation beds	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-72	Post-spawn largemouth bass are actively recovering and beginning to feed aggressively, transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns Fish are relating heavily to submerged vegetation edges and points, particularly during morning and evening feeding periods	Outer edges of submerged vegetation adjacent to slightly deeper water Complex points with vegetation where bass can ambush bluegill Shallow vegetation flats near spawning areas, especially early in the post-spawn period	Bladed Jigs worked through and around vegetation edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily along weed edges Texas Rigs (Worming) worked through vegetation patches	Bluegill beginning to spawn in shallow areas Young of the year baitfish emerging in vegetation Crawfish active in vegetation areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	54-62	Chain Pickerel are actively feeding post-spawn, patrolling edges of vegetation and ambush points near shoreline structure Fish are making frequent shallow water feeding runs, especially during early morning and evening hours	Vegetation edges in 3-8 feet of water, especially near points and coves Submerged creek channels where they intersect with vegetation Shallow coves with emerging vegetation and woody cover	Inline Spinners worked parallel to vegetation edges Soft Jerkbaits with erratic retrieves near cover Spinnerbaits worked through scattered vegetation	Bluegill concentrating near emerging vegetation Young of the year baitfish beginning to school Small Perch along vegetation edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	58-72	Post-spawn catfish becoming more active and starting to establish regular feeding patterns, particularly during dawn and dusk periods Fish transitioning from spawning areas to feeding locations, following baitfish movements around vegetation edges	Deep holes adjacent to vegetated areas, especially in creek channel bends Edges of submerged vegetation where it meets deeper water Complex shoreline areas with coves and points, particularly those with depth changes	Live Bait Rigs with bottom presentations near vegetation edges Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly through transitional areas Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') in holes adjacent to vegetation	Bluegill concentrating near vegetation Crawfish becoming active in warming waters Worms and bottom-dwelling invertebrates in soft bottom areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Post-spawn crappie are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper summer haunts, staging along vegetation edges and near submerged structure Fish are actively feeding to recover energy after spawning, with most feeding activity occurring during early morning and evening hours	Outer edges of submerged vegetation in 8-15 feet of water Secondary points with access to deeper water Creek channel bends near vegetation	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along weed edges and channel breaks Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around vegetation Hover/Mid-Strolling with small jigs near structure	Small bluegill fry Aquatic insects emerging from vegetation Small minnows	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-85	Largemouth bass are establishing summer patterns around the abundant submerged vegetation, actively feeding during early morning and evening hours Fish are relating to vegetation edges and points, moving deeper during bright midday periods but remaining accessible in the relatively small lake	Deeper weed edges adjacent to points, especially where vegetation meets any depth changes Thick vegetation mats in coves and protected areas Vegetation near complex shoreline features where multiple cover types intersect	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) worked through thick vegetation mats Buzzbaits early morning and evening over vegetation Frogs/Toads worked across vegetation mats during sunny periods Swim Jigs along weed edges during cloudy conditions	Bluegill concentrated around vegetation Young of year baitfish beginning to school Crawfish active in vegetation	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Chain Pickerel	68-82	Chain Pickerel retreating to deeper weedlines during hot summer days, but actively feeding during early morning and evening near surface vegetation Ambush-oriented behavior, utilizing dense vegetation edges and points as primary staging areas	Deeper weed edges adjacent to points and coves Submerged vegetation patches near the creek channel Shaded shoreline areas with overhanging vegetation	Inline Spinners worked parallel to weed edges Soft Jerkbaits with erratic retrieves around vegetation Hard Topwater (Walking) during morning and evening hours	Bluegill concentrating around vegetation Young-of-year baitfish schooling near surface Small Yellow Perch along weed edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Catfish	68-85	Catfish become more active during summer with peak feeding occurring during dawn, dusk, and night hours. They will move between deeper holes and feeding areas near vegetation edges. Fish are actively feeding on a variety of forage, including crawfish, bluegills, and natural insects/worms in the vegetated areas and soft bottom.	Deep holes adjacent to vegetated areas, particularly in the complex shoreline coves Channel bends and deeper depressions, especially in the elongated portion of the lake Edges of submerged vegetation where it meets deeper water	Live Bait Rigs with bottom presentations, particularly effective during active feeding periods Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') along vegetation edges during dawn/dusk Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly through vegetation edges and soft bottom areas	Crawfish in vegetated areas and soft bottom Bluegill and small panfish Natural insects and worms in soft bottom areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Crappie	72-82	Crappie are suspending near submerged vegetation edges and deeper structure, actively feeding during early morning and evening hours Fish are moving between shallow cover and deeper areas throughout the day, following baitfish movements	Edges of submerged weed beds in 8-15 feet of water Creek channel bends with adjacent vegetation Deeper dock areas providing shade during midday	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along weed edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near structure Crappie Dock Shooting during bright midday periods	Small bluegill fry Young-of-year shad and minnows Aquatic insects around vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake Ellis

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	52-68	Largemouth bass are actively feeding to build up reserves for winter, following baitfish schools and keying on bluegill in vegetation Fish are likely to school more aggressively and move between shallow and mid-depth areas as water temperatures fluctuate	Deep edges of vegetation patches, especially near points and coves Shallow vegetation flats adjacent to deeper water Protected coves with remaining vegetation, particularly on the north shore	Spinnerbaits worked along vegetation edges and through patches Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for mimicking bluegill Lipless Crankbaits burned through sparse vegetation	Bluegill concentrated in remaining vegetation Smaller baitfish schooling in open water near vegetation edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	Chain Pickerel	52-65	Chain Pickerel becoming more aggressive in cooling fall waters, actively pursuing baitfish along weedlines and points Moving between shallow vegetation and nearby deeper water areas as temperatures fluctuate throughout the day	Edges of submerged vegetation adjacent to deeper water Points and coves with remaining green vegetation Creek channel bends near vegetation	Inline Spinners worked parallel to weedlines Soft Jerkbaits with erratic retrieves Spinnerbaits along vegetation edges	Bluegill congregating near remaining vegetation Small baitfish schools in transition areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Natural Shad Colors
Fall	Catfish	55-68	Catfish actively feeding to build fat reserves for winter, concentrating near deeper holes and channel edges More likely to feed during daylight hours as water temperatures cool, with peak activity in late afternoon	Deep holes adjacent to vegetated areas, especially in creek channel bends Deeper structure near shoreline points where vegetation meets deeper water Protected coves with accumulated leaf litter and organic matter	Live Bait Rigs with slightly heavier weights to maintain bottom contact Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') during warmer portions of the day Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly along bottom structure	Bluegill concentrated near vegetation edges Crawfish active in vegetated areas with soft bottom Worms and other bottom-dwelling invertebrates	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Crappie	52-65	Crappie are transitioning to deeper water, following baitfish schools and focusing on larger meals to prepare for winter Fish are gathering in loose schools around key structure, becoming more active during warming trends	Deep weed edges adjacent to creek channel bends Brush piles and submerged wood in 12-18 feet of water Points and drop-offs near remaining vegetation	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along deep weed edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near brush piles Hover/Mid-Strolling with small soft plastics	Young-of-year bluegill Small minnows and shad	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Chain Pickerel	38-45	Chain Pickerel remain active in winter, concentrating near vegetation edges and ambush points in shallower water Most active during mid-morning to early afternoon when water temperatures peak	Vegetated coves and points in 3-8 feet of water Creek channel bends near vegetation Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water	Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved slowly Inline Spinners near vegetation edges	Bluegill concentrating in winter vegetation Small baitfish schools in creek channel areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Catfish	42-52	Catfish become more lethargic and concentrate in deeper holes and channels during winter, typically moving very little to conserve energy Feeding activity is reduced but still occurs during warming trends, with fish more likely to feed during mid-afternoon when water temperatures peak	Deep holes and channels, especially in areas where the elongated lake shape suggests creek channel influence Areas adjacent to submerged vegetation where it meets deeper water Protected coves with deeper water, particularly on the north side of the lake where they may receive more sunlight	Live Bait Rigs with minimal movement, positioned just off the bottom in deeper holes Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with scented baits for a subtle presentation Structure Jigs worked slowly along the edges of vegetation-to-deep-water transitions	Dead or dying baitfish that settle in deeper areas Dormant crawfish in softer bottom areas Concentrated schools of winter-stressed bluegill in deeper structures	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Purple Colors
Winter	Crappie	38-45	Crappie are schooling tightly in deeper water, typically suspending near structure or along the old creek channel Fish are less active but will feed opportunistically during stable weather periods, especially during early morning and late afternoon	Deep creek channel bends with nearby structure, particularly in 15-25 foot range Deep edges of submerged vegetation where it meets the channel Protected coves with deep water access, especially near points	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Hover/Mid-Strolling Damiki Rig	Small bluegill and juvenile panfish Young-of-year baitfish Micro invertebrates	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Ice	Crappie	34-39	Crappie are suspending in mid-depth water columns, typically in loose schools near channel edges and deep structure Feeding activity is most intense during dawn and dusk periods, with shorter feeding windows compared to other seasons Fish are becoming more lethargic as water temperatures cool, requiring slower, more subtle presentations	Deep creek channel bends with adjacent vegetation Basin areas near submerged vegetation edges Deep water areas adjacent to prominent points	Ice Fishing Jigs worked slowly with subtle movements Ice Fishing Spoons with erratic action for triggering reaction strikes Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at various depths to pattern suspended fish	Small minnows and juvenile bluegill Zooplankton and micro invertebrates Dormant aquatic insects	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake Ellis

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Outside edges of submerged vegetation adjacent to potential spawning flats	Points and coves with vegetation that provide quick access to both shallow and deeper water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	Shallow vegetated areas in protected coves, especially where vegetation meets deeper water	Points and irregularities along the shoreline with emerging vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Deep holes adjacent to vegetated areas, particularly in creek channels	Shoreline areas with complex structure and coves
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Submerged vegetation edges near creek channel transitions, especially in 6-12 foot depth ranges	Secondary points and coves with emerging vegetation, particularly on the northern shorelines that warm first
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Submerged vegetation in shallow spawning flats, particularly in protected coves	Vegetation edges near points and transitions, serving as staging areas
Spring (Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	Shallow vegetated coves and bays, especially areas with emerging vegetation	Points and vegetation edges adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Shallow coves with soft bottom composition and nearby deeper water access	Edges of submerged vegetation adjacent to deeper holes
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shallow vegetation in 2-6 foot depths, particularly near creek channel bends	Protected coves with stable water temperatures
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Outer edges of submerged vegetation adjacent to slightly deeper water	Complex points with vegetation where bass can ambush bluegill
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	Vegetation edges in 3-8 feet of water, especially near points and coves	Submerged creek channels where they intersect with vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Deep holes adjacent to vegetated areas, especially in creek channel bends	Edges of submerged vegetation where it meets deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Outer edges of submerged vegetation in 8-15 feet of water	Secondary points with access to deeper water
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Deeper weed edges adjacent to points, especially where vegetation meets any depth changes	Thick vegetation mats in coves and protected areas
Summer	Chain Pickerel	Deeper weed edges adjacent to points and coves	Submerged vegetation patches near the creek channel
Summer	Catfish	Deep holes adjacent to vegetated areas, particularly in the complex shoreline coves	Channel bends and deeper depressions, especially in the elongated portion of the lake
Summer	Crappie	Edges of submerged weed beds in 8-15 feet of water	Creek channel bends with adjacent vegetation
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Deep edges of vegetation patches, especially near points and coves	Shallow vegetation flats adjacent to deeper water
Fall	Chain Pickerel	Edges of submerged vegetation adjacent to deeper water	Points and coves with remaining green vegetation
Fall	Catfish	Deep holes adjacent to vegetated areas, especially in creek channel bends	Deeper structure near shoreline points where vegetation meets deeper water
Fall	Crappie	Deep weed edges adjacent to creek channel bends	Brush piles and submerged wood in 12-18 feet of water
Winter	Chain Pickerel	Vegetated coves and points in 3-8 feet of water	Creek channel bends near vegetation
Winter	Catfish	Deep holes and channels, especially in areas where the elongated lake shape suggests creek channel influence	Areas adjacent to submerged vegetation where it meets deeper water
Winter	Crappie	Deep creek channel bends with nearby structure, particularly in 15-25 foot range	Deep edges of submerged vegetation where it meets the channel
Ice	Crappie	Deep creek channel bends with adjacent vegetation	Basin areas near submerged vegetation edges

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating near emerging vegetation	Crawfish becoming more active in warming water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	Bluegill congregating in warming shallow areas	Young of the year baitfish in vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Bluegill and small panfish
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Small bluegill fry and juveniles	Emerging aquatic insects
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill - primary forage as indicated in all recent reports	Crawfish - becoming active in spring temperatures and targeted with successful crawdad-colored baits
Spring (Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	Bluegill concentrating in shallow vegetation	Young of the year baitfish beginning to emerge
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small Bluegill in vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small minnows and fry gathering in warming shallows	Young bluegill becoming more active in vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill beginning to spawn in shallow areas	Young of the year baitfish emerging in vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	Bluegill concentrating near emerging vegetation	Young of the year baitfish beginning to school
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Bluegill concentrating near vegetation	Crawfish becoming active in warming waters
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Small bluegill fry	Aquatic insects emerging from vegetation
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrated around vegetation	Young of year baitfish beginning to school
Summer	Chain Pickerel	Bluegill concentrating around vegetation	Young-of-year baitfish schooling near surface
Summer	Catfish	Crawfish in vegetated areas and soft bottom	Bluegill and small panfish
Summer	Crappie	Small bluegill fry	Young-of-year shad and minnows
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrated in remaining vegetation	Smaller baitfish schooling in open water near vegetation edges
Fall	Chain Pickerel	Bluegill congregating near remaining vegetation	Small baitfish schools in transition areas
Fall	Catfish	Bluegill concentrated near vegetation edges	Crawfish active in vegetated areas with soft bottom
Fall	Crappie	Young-of-year bluegill	Small minnows and shad
Winter	Chain Pickerel	Bluegill concentrating in winter vegetation	Small baitfish schools in creek channel areas
Winter	Catfish	Dead or dying baitfish that settle in deeper areas	Dormant crawfish in softer bottom areas
Winter	Crappie	Small bluegill and juvenile panfish	Young-of-year baitfish
Ice	Crappie	Small minnows and juvenile bluegill	Zooplankton and micro invertebrates

Bait Colors by Season for Lake Ellis

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Chain Pickerel	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Catfish	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	Chain Pickerel	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Natural Shad Colors
Fall	Catfish	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Chain Pickerel	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Catfish	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Purple Colors
Winter	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Ice	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors