How to Fish Lake Elmo: Best Patterns & Techniques | Omnia Fishing

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Lake Elmo

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

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake Elmo

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-62	Staging in pre-spawn areas, moving from winter depths to warming shallow zones Actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, with increased activity during warming trends Making daily movements between deep wintering areas and shallow warming zones based on sun and temperature	Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays in 8-15 foot depth range Deep weed edges where winter and spring patterns intersect Protected coves with emerging vegetation in 2-8 foot range	Shakey Heads worked slowly along transition areas Lipless Crankbaits around emerging vegetation Soft Jerkbaits with long pauses for cold fronts	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Bluegill in deeper weed edges Small minnows in warming shallows	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-52	Pre-spawn pike moving from winter deep water areas to shallow bays and spawning grounds, actively feeding to build energy reserves Fish becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise, with increased feeding activity during daylight hours Pike staging in transitions between deep wintering areas and shallow spawning bays	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 3-8 foot depth range Points and breaks leading to spawning bays Transition areas between deep basin and shallow flats	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through transition areas Spinnerbaits retrieved steadily along emerging weed edges Live Bait Rigs with large minnows for sluggish fish	Large Bluegills concentrated in pre-spawn areas Minnow schools moving shallow with warming water Small Pike and Yellow Perch in transitional depths	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Bass are moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly in protected coves and near weed edges in 2-10 feet of water Males are actively guarding nests while females stage on nearby deeper structure, making frequent moves between shallow and deeper water	Protected shallow coves with firm bottom near weed edges in 2-6 feet Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays in 8-12 feet Deeper weed edges in 10-15 feet where pre/post-spawn females stage	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentations to visible beds and shallow cover Wacky Rigs worked slowly around spawning areas and staging points Soft Jerkbaits for targeting pre-spawn fish moving up to spawning areas	Bluegill beginning to move shallow and establish their own spawning areas Crawfish becoming more active in warming shallows	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-52	Northern Pike actively moving into shallow bays and backwater areas with emerging vegetation for spawning Post-spawn fish staging along first deep breaks near spawning areas, opportunistically feeding to recover	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 2-6 feet of water Transition areas between spawning bays and main lake points in 8-12 feet Protected coves with direct access to deeper water	Spinnerbaits worked slowly through shallow vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve along weed edges Live Bait Rigs using large minnows near spawning areas	Spawning Bluegills in shallow areas Congregating Minnows near emerging vegetation	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-74	Post-spawn bass transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish making daily movements between shallow cover and nearby deeper water, especially during high boat traffic periods Most aggressive feeding during early morning and evening hours due to clear water conditions	Weed edges in 2-10 feet adjacent to spawning flats Secondary points with access to deeper water Protected coves with emerging weed growth	Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly along weed edges Texas Rigs (Worming) through sparse vegetation Drop Shot in clear water near points	Bluegill gathering in shallow weed areas Crawfish active in warming waters Minnows schooling in transitional areas	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	52-65	Post-spawn pike are actively feeding to recover energy, particularly during early morning and evening hours Fish are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to emerging weed edges, following warming water patterns	Emerging weed edges in 8-12 foot depth range near spawning bays Points and inside turns with developing vegetation Secondary break lines adjacent to spawning areas	Inline Spinners worked parallel to developing weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve near vegetation Spinnerbaits worked through scattered vegetation patches	Bluegills gathering in emerging weed beds Minnow schools in transition areas	Natural Shad Colors Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	70-81	Fish are exhibiting a dual-depth pattern, actively feeding in shallow water (2-8 feet) during low-light periods and moving to deeper weed edges (12-18 feet) during bright conditions Bass are relating strongly to weed edges and irregularities, particularly where hard bottom or channels create distinct breaks in vegetation	Outside weed edges and reed patches in 2-8 feet, especially those with irregularities or hard bottom transitions Deeper weed edges along drop-offs in 12-18 feet of water Boat docks providing shade and ambush points during sunny conditions	Drop Shot with subtle rod shakes and painfully slow retrieves along deep weed edges Texas Rigs pitched to shallow reeds and weed irregularities Hard Jerkbaits worked parallel to submerged grass with aggressive snaps	Bluegill concentrated around weed edges and dock areas Minnows relating to submerged vegetation Crawfish active on hard bottom areas near weed transitions	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	70-81	Pike are seeking thermal refuge in deeper, cooler water during peak summer temperatures (70-81°F), primarily relating to deep weed edges in 10-15 ft range Actively feeding during early morning and evening hours, moving shallower to hunt panfish in weed edges More selective feeding patterns due to high water clarity, requiring natural presentations	Deep weed edges in 10-15 foot depth range, especially near points or structural changes Cooler water pockets near the deep basin transition areas Complex shoreline areas with abundant cover, particularly during low light periods	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along weed edges with natural presentation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked through transitional areas Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges during low light periods	Bluegills concentrated around weed edges Minnow schools relating to structure Young-of-year panfish in vegetated areas	Natural Shad Colors Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake Elmo

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	55-68	Largemouth bass are actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter, following baitfish schools and targeting high-calorie forage Fish are making daily movements between shallow feeding areas and nearby deep-water sanctuary locations, especially during weather changes	Deep weed edges adjacent to drop-offs (8-15 feet) Points and irregular shoreline features near deep water access Shallow flats with remaining vegetation (2-6 feet) during warming trends	Drop Shot with finesse presentations in clear water around deep weed edges Shallow Diving Crankbaits worked parallel to weed edges during active feeding periods Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) to match fall baitfish movements	Bluegill concentrating near remaining weed edges Baitfish schools in open water adjacent to structure Crawfish active on hard bottom areas	Natural Shad Colors Green Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	45-65	Northern Pike actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter, targeting larger forage in weed edges and points Fish transitioning from summer deep water patterns to shallower hunting zones, following cooling water temperatures	Deep weed edges in 10-15 ft range where vegetation meets basin Points and structural elements near deep water access Shallow bays with remaining vegetation where baitfish school	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges and points Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve near structure Hard Jerkbaits with aggressive pause-and-go retrieve	Bluegills congregating near remaining weed edges Schooling minnows in transitional areas	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	38-45	Neutral pike activity resumes in edges and pockets between vegetation in late winter as daylight increases and warmer water begins moving into shallower areas Feeding becomes more aggressive during warming trends, with fish moving up in the water column to intercept prey	Deep weed edges in 10-15 ft range, particularly near points or channel intersections Shallow bays with remaining green vegetation, especially on sunny afternoons Transition areas between deep basins and emerging vegetation	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly along weed edges Live Bait Rigs with large minnows near vegetation Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with spoons in deeper holes	Bluegills suspended near remaining vegetation Schools of winter-stressed minnows Small perch along deep weed edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Natural Shad Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	34-39	Pike concentrate near bottom structure and remaining green weeds in 10-15 ft range, actively feeding during prime daylight hours Fish become more lethargic during extreme cold periods, but remain opportunistic feeders targeting congregated baitfish	Deep weed edges that maintain green vegetation in 10-15 ft range Secondary break lines near remaining weed growth in 15-20 ft Transition areas between weedy flats and deeper basins	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned at varying depths Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with large profile baits	Concentrated schools of bluegills near remaining weed growth Suspended minnow schools in transition areas Small perch groups relating to bottom structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake Elmo

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays in 8-15 foot depth range	Deep weed edges where winter and spring patterns intersect
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 3-8 foot depth range	Points and breaks leading to spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow coves with firm bottom near weed edges in 2-6 feet	Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays in 8-12 feet
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 2-6 feet of water	Transition areas between spawning bays and main lake points in 8-12 feet
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Weed edges in 2-10 feet adjacent to spawning flats	Secondary points with access to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Emerging weed edges in 8-12 foot depth range near spawning bays	Points and inside turns with developing vegetation
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Outside weed edges and reed patches in 2-8 feet, especially those with irregularities or hard bottom transitions	Deeper weed edges along drop-offs in 12-18 feet of water
Summer	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges in 10-15 foot depth range, especially near points or structural changes	Cooler water pockets near the deep basin transition areas
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Deep weed edges adjacent to drop-offs (8-15 feet)	Points and irregular shoreline features near deep water access
Fall	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges in 10-15 ft range where vegetation meets basin	Points and structural elements near deep water access
Winter	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges in 10-15 ft range, particularly near points or channel intersections	Shallow bays with remaining green vegetation, especially on sunny afternoons
Ice	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges that maintain green vegetation in 10-15 ft range	Secondary break lines near remaining weed growth in 15-20 ft

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Bluegill in deeper weed edges
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Large Bluegills concentrated in pre-spawn areas	Minnow schools moving shallow with warming water
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill beginning to move shallow and establish their own spawning areas	Crawfish becoming more active in warming shallows
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Spawning Bluegills in shallow areas	Congregating Minnows near emerging vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill gathering in shallow weed areas	Crawfish active in warming waters
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegills gathering in emerging weed beds	Minnow schools in transition areas
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrated around weed edges and dock areas	Minnows relating to submerged vegetation
Summer	Northern Pike	Bluegills concentrated around weed edges	Minnow schools relating to structure
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating near remaining weed edges	Baitfish schools in open water adjacent to structure
Fall	Northern Pike	Bluegills congregating near remaining weed edges	Schooling minnows in transitional areas
Winter	Northern Pike	Bluegills suspended near remaining vegetation	Schools of winter-stressed minnows
Ice	Northern Pike	Concentrated schools of bluegills near remaining weed growth	Suspended minnow schools in transition areas

Bait Colors by Season for Lake Elmo

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

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