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

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Lake Francis Case

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Jun 1, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake Francis Case

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	52-62	Smallmouth bass transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish moving along rocky transitions and points, showing increased activity with water temperatures rising into the 50s-60s	Rocky points with deep water access, particularly those with large boulders Transition areas between rock and other bottom types in 8-15 foot range Boulder fields adjacent to potential spawning flats	Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly along bottom near boulders Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') cast and retrieved around points Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for covering water between key areas	Crayfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish in transitional areas Young of year panfish	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Pre-spawn walleye are staging near spawning areas and actively feeding to build energy reserves before the spawn Fish are making transitions from deeper wintering areas to shallower spawning grounds, often using points and channel edges as migration routes	Rocky points and gravel areas near spawning locations Channel edges and transitions between deep and shallow water Shallow bays with remaining winter vegetation	Blade Baits worked slowly along transition areas Live Bait Rigs with minnows near spawning locations Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around points and structure	Minnows congregating near spawning areas Emerging crawfish becoming more active Shad schools in transition areas	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-62	Bass moving from winter deep water patterns to warming shallow areas, staging near spawning flats Feeding actively but sporadically as water temperatures rise, targeting primary pre-spawn forage	Secondary points adjacent to spawning flats with submerged brush Shallow bays with flooded brush near deeper water access Dock areas in 5-10 foot depths with nearby deeper water	Bladed Jigs worked slowly through brush and near dock posts Lipless Crankbaits around transition areas between shallow and deep water Soft Jerkbaits worked with long pauses in slightly deeper staging areas	Shad schools moving into warmer, shallow water Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas and brush	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Smallmouth bass are moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly around rocky substrate and protected bays where they'll create and guard nests Males will be extremely territorial and aggressive in defending nests, while females stage in slightly deeper water nearby after spawning	Protected rocky bays and coves with gravel or boulder bottom in 2-6 foot depth Secondary points leading into spawning bays Deeper transition areas 8-12 feet adjacent to spawning flats for staging fish	Tubes worked slowly around visible beds and rocky areas Ned Rigs for finesse presentation to spooky fish Drop Shot with small profile baits for staging fish	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish in spawning areas Young of year shad starting to appear	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Walleye are moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly around rocky points and gravel areas with good water flow Night feeding patterns are common, with fish more active during low light conditions due to the relatively turbid water (1.5m Secchi) Post-spawn fish begin transitioning to deeper structure, following forage fish movements	Rocky points and gravel shorelines in 2-6 feet of water Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water Protected bays with firm bottom composition	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom transitions Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow, subtle movements Blade Baits worked with subtle lifts near spawning areas	Minnows congregating in spawning areas Shad schools in warming bays Small perch in shallow water areas	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	55-65	Pre-spawn staging in areas adjacent to spawning flats with gradual transitions to deeper water Males actively searching shallow areas to establish nesting sites, females staging slightly deeper Increased aggression and territorial behavior as water temperatures approach spawning range	Protected shallow bays with flooded brush and submerged trees Secondary points leading into spawning coves Shallow dock areas with nearby deep water access	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow cover and spawning areas Spinnerbaits along transition areas and points Soft Jerkbaits for staging fish in slightly deeper water	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Young of year shad beginning to appear Small bluegill in shallow spawning areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	52-65	Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding to recover energy, transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns Fish are moving between shallow rocky areas and adjacent deeper structure, especially during morning and evening periods	Rocky points and boulder fields in 8-15 foot range Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water Wind-blown shorelines with rock or gravel substrate	Drop Shot with subtle presentations in clear spots near cover Ned Rigs worked slowly along bottom structure Small/Medium Soft Body Swimbaits for active fish	Crawfish emerging from winter hibernation Small baitfish in warming shallows Young of year shad beginning to appear	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	48-62	Post-spawn walleye are actively feeding to recover energy, moving from spawning areas to early summer feeding locations Fish are utilizing the complex shoreline features and transitional depths, becoming more active with warming water	Points and inside turns with access to deeper water, especially those near spawning areas Shallow brush piles and submerged trees in 8-15 feet of water Complex shoreline areas with mixed rock and wood cover	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along transitional areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with steady retrieves Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near structure	Minnows gathering in warming shallow areas Shad schools moving along points and shoreline breaks Small perch in areas with woody cover	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-72	Fish transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Moving between shallow cover and nearby deeper water, especially around docks and brush	Secondary points near spawning pockets with access to deeper water Docks with brush or woody cover in 8-15 foot range Flooded brush and timber adjacent to spawning flats	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow cover and docks Swim Jigs through flooded brush and along dock lines Spinnerbaits parallel to points and through brush	Shad schools beginning to group up Bluegill in shallow cover Crawfish active in rocky areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	68-78	Smallmouth bass are actively feeding in the 8-15 foot range, with most consistent activity during early morning and evening hours given summer conditions Fish are relating strongly to specific structure and depth breaks, particularly focusing on boulder areas as primary feeding zones	Boulder fields in 8-15 feet of water, particularly those near depth transitions Rocky points with access to deeper water Main lake structure in the primary feeding zone (8-15 feet)	Tubes dragged and hopped through boulder fields with 1/8 oz heads Ned Rigs worked slowly along bottom structure Drop Shot rigs with finesse presentations in deeper sections of the strike zone	Crayfish in rocky areas Small baitfish relating to structure	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Summer	Walleye	72-77	Walleye are holding deep (20-40 feet) due to warm surface temperatures (77°F), relating strongly to woody cover and drop-offs Fish are actively feeding near submerged trees and brush piles, using these structures as ambush points for feeding on minnows	Submerged trees and brush piles in 20-40 foot depth range Deep drop-offs near rocky points Deep structure adjacent to main lake points	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly over deep structure Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with jigging raps around timber Trolling Deep (20'+) with crawler harnesses near drop-offs	Minnows (primary forage based on multiple reports) Shad (present on points and in bays)	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	76-82	Bass are relating to main lake structure, particularly rocky points, with active feeding periods during lower light conditions Fish are showing preference for subtle presentations, striking baits on the fall rather than aggressive chase-down strikes	Rocky main lake points with access to deeper water Dock areas with 8-15 foot depths Flooded brush and submerged trees near drop-offs	Drop Shot with light weights, working slowly and letting bait flutter on the fall Texas Rigs (Worming) worked along rocky points and brush Shakey Heads near dock structures	Shad schools in open water near structure Crawfish in rocky areas	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake Francis Case

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	58-65	Actively chasing and feeding on schooled shad around points, humps, and bays in depths under 20 feet Fish are responding well to both aggressive chase-style presentations and bottom-oriented finesse techniques when located	Long-tapering main lake points with scattered rock and boulders Shallow rock piles and humps near baitfish schools Ledges with rocky structure in 8-15 foot range	Drop Shot with heavy weights (1/2 oz+) to maintain bottom contact and cover water efficiently Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked with slow retrieve and occasional yo-yo action Ned Rigs dragged slowly through areas where fish are marked on electronics	Shad schools concentrated around points and structure Minnows in scattered schools	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Walleye	52-65	Walleye are making a shallow water migration, actively feeding in 4-8 ft depths during evening hours following baitfish movements Fish are utilizing points as primary ambush locations, showing increased feeding activity during low-light periods	Points in 4-8 feet of water, especially during evening hours Shallow flats adjacent to points where baitfish are congregating Complex shoreline areas with multiple points and turns providing ambush locations	Hard Jerkbaits worked with pauses in shallow water Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) mimicking shad movements Lipless Crankbaits worked through baitfish schools	Shad congregating in shallow water Various minnow species Small perch	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	55-68	Actively feeding on shad in preparation for winter, following baitfish schools into coves and creek arms Moving between shallow and mid-depth zones (5-15 feet) as water temperatures fluctuate throughout the day Relating heavily to remaining wood cover and dock structures as both ambush points and transition areas	Secondary points and creek channel bends in major coves where shad are congregating Docks positioned near deep water access, especially those with brush or wood cover Flooded brush and timber adjacent to deeper water in the 8-15 foot range	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to shorelines and through timber, especially on cloudy days Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') along points and channel swings Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for matching the shad forage Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around dock posts and brush	Shad schools moving into creeks and coves Remaining summer bluegill in shallow cover Crawfish becoming less active but still present near rocky areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Walleye	34-38	Walleye are holding near green vegetation and dam areas, likely attracted to concentrated baitfish populations in oxygen-rich zones Fish are actively feeding but with shorter windows, predominantly targeting minnows in areas with moderate current or structure	Submerged vegetation beds in 10-19 foot depth range Dam areas with current and deeper holding spots Deep structure adjacent to vegetation	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Spoons	Minnows concentrated in vegetation and near structure Shad schooling near dam areas	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Ice	Walleye	34-39	Walleye concentrate in oxygen-rich areas near vegetation and submerged wood, actively feeding during low-light periods Fish maintain relatively stable locations near structure, moving short distances to ambush prey	Green vegetation edges near dam area where oxygen levels are highest Brush piles and submerged trees in 15-25 foot depth range Deep basin areas adjacent to structural elements	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements near bottom structure Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to pattern fish movement	Minnows schooling near structure and vegetation Shad concentrated in deeper basins Small perch relating to vegetation edges	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake Francis Case

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points with deep water access, particularly those with large boulders	Transition areas between rock and other bottom types in 8-15 foot range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points and gravel areas near spawning locations	Channel edges and transitions between deep and shallow water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points adjacent to spawning flats with submerged brush	Shallow bays with flooded brush near deeper water access
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Protected rocky bays and coves with gravel or boulder bottom in 2-6 foot depth	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points and gravel shorelines in 2-6 feet of water	Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow bays with flooded brush and submerged trees	Secondary points leading into spawning coves
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and boulder fields in 8-15 foot range	Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Points and inside turns with access to deeper water, especially those near spawning areas	Shallow brush piles and submerged trees in 8-15 feet of water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points near spawning pockets with access to deeper water	Docks with brush or woody cover in 8-15 foot range
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Boulder fields in 8-15 feet of water, particularly those near depth transitions	Rocky points with access to deeper water
Summer	Walleye	Submerged trees and brush piles in 20-40 foot depth range	Deep drop-offs near rocky points
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Rocky main lake points with access to deeper water	Dock areas with 8-15 foot depths
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Long-tapering main lake points with scattered rock and boulders	Shallow rock piles and humps near baitfish schools
Fall	Walleye	Points in 4-8 feet of water, especially during evening hours	Shallow flats adjacent to points where baitfish are congregating
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points and creek channel bends in major coves where shad are congregating	Docks positioned near deep water access, especially those with brush or wood cover
Winter	Walleye	Submerged vegetation beds in 10-19 foot depth range	Dam areas with current and deeper holding spots
Ice	Walleye	Green vegetation edges near dam area where oxygen levels are highest	Brush piles and submerged trees in 15-25 foot depth range

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crayfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish in transitional areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Minnows congregating near spawning areas	Emerging crawfish becoming more active
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools moving into warmer, shallow water	Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas and brush
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish in spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Minnows congregating in spawning areas	Shad schools in warming bays
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Young of year shad beginning to appear
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter hibernation	Small baitfish in warming shallows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Minnows gathering in warming shallow areas	Shad schools moving along points and shoreline breaks
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools beginning to group up	Bluegill in shallow cover
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Crayfish in rocky areas	Small baitfish relating to structure
Summer	Walleye	Minnows (primary forage based on multiple reports)	Shad (present on points and in bays)
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools in open water near structure	Crawfish in rocky areas
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools concentrated around points and structure	Minnows in scattered schools
Fall	Walleye	Shad congregating in shallow water	Various minnow species
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools moving into creeks and coves	Remaining summer bluegill in shallow cover
Winter	Walleye	Minnows concentrated in vegetation and near structure	Shad schooling near dam areas
Ice	Walleye	Minnows schooling near structure and vegetation	Shad concentrated in deeper basins

Bait Colors by Season for Lake Francis Case

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Summer	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Walleye	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Winter	Walleye	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Ice	Walleye	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals

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