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Omnia Fishing
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Omnia Fishing

Lake Geneva

Published: Updated:

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake Geneva

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth Bass52-62
  • Fish are transitioning from winter patterns to spawning areas, with some bass actively moving shallow while others remain deeper due to temperature fluctuations
  • Bass are becoming more aggressive but still prefer subtle presentations, particularly during midday hours
  • Fish are staging near spawning flats and cruising shallow grass areas, showing spooky behavior due to increased visibility
  • Shallow grass flats adjacent to spawning areas
  • Backs of pockets with clear water
  • Points and transitions near spawning areas
  • Drop Shot with light line and subtle action
  • Finesse Jigs worked slowly around cover
  • Bladed Jigs for actively feeding fish
  • Minnows in shallow grass areas
  • Bluegill around spawning pockets
  • Crawfish becoming active in warming waters
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Green Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Smallmouth Bass48-58
  • Smallmouth bass are actively staging in pre-spawn areas, roaming sand flats and transitional areas adjacent to future spawning locations
  • Fish are responding well to suspending presentations with long pauses, indicating a deliberate feeding behavior characteristic of pre-spawn period
  • Submerged sand grass areas in 10 foot depths adjacent to spawning flats
  • Dock areas with deep water access
  • Rock and boulder structures near potential spawning areas
  • Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses between 3 short jerks
  • Drop Shot worked slowly along transitions
  • Ned Rigs dragged through staging areas
  • Cisco/Whitefish suspended in the water column
  • Bluegill relating to dock structures
  • Perch along sand grass edges
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Green Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Northern Pike38-52
  • Pre-spawn pike are actively feeding and moving from winter deep-water areas to shallow spawning grounds, making them aggressive and opportunistic
  • Fish are utilizing transitions between deeper wintering areas and shallow spawning bays, particularly during warming trends
  • Shallow bays with emerging vegetation near deep-water access
  • Dock areas in 8-15 foot depths providing ambush points
  • Points and channel edges leading into spawning bays
  • Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses to mimic struggling baitfish
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled along depth transitions
  • Spinnerbaits worked slowly through shallow emerging vegetation
  • Cisco/Whitefish moving shallow from winter depths
  • Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn staging areas
  • Bluegill beginning to become more active in warming shallows
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Metallic Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Walleye38-48
  • Walleye are transitioning from winter areas to shallow spawning locations, staging on transition areas like points and breaks
  • Fish are actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, with increased activity during low light periods
  • Main lake points and breaks leading to spawning areas
  • Rocky shorelines and gravel areas in 4-12 feet
  • Secondary points with access to deeper water
  • Blade Baits worked slowly along breaks
  • Live Bait Rigs with minnows near bottom
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with heavy jigs
  • Yellow Perch gathering in pre-spawn areas
  • Shad schools in slightly deeper transition areas
  • Cisco/Whitefish suspended over deeper water
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth Bass58-65
  • Fish are actively engaged in spawning activities, with some bass on beds being protective but finicky. Fish require multiple presentations to trigger strikes.
  • Both largemouth and smallmouth bass are present, with smallmouth showing better weight currently. Fish are displaying typical spawn behavior patterns around shallow protected areas.
  • Shallow protected areas near docks where spawning beds are located
  • Secondary points and coves with gradual slopes for staging areas
  • Areas with submerged vegetation in 10-20 foot range where pre/post spawn fish stage
  • Drop Shot with finesse presentations for finicky bed fish
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentations to beds
  • Wacky Rigs for covering water between beds and staging areas
  • Bluegill gathering in shallow spawning areas
  • Shad moving into spawning areas as indicated by recent fishing success with shad imitations
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)Smallmouth Bass55-65
  • Smallmouth bass transitioning to spawning behavior with males actively preparing and guarding beds in shallow water areas with hard bottom
  • Fish are aggressive and actively feeding on alewife to build energy reserves for spawning
  • Rocky points with gradual slopes, especially those near spawning flats
  • Hard bottom areas in 3-8 feet of water near shore
  • Protected bays with gravel or rocky substrate
  • Hover/Mid-Strolling with live or artificial minnow presentations
  • Ned Rigs worked slowly along rocky points
  • Soft Jerkbaits mimicking injured alewife
  • Alewife gathering in pre-spawn areas
  • Small perch around rocky structure
  • Emerging crayfish becoming more active
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
  • Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)Northern Pike42-54
  • Pike are moving into shallow bays and backwater areas for spawning, actively feeding in pre and post-spawn phases
  • Fish are sight-feeding in moderately clear water (3.5m Secchi), utilizing dock areas and weedlines as ambush points
  • Shallow bays with emerging vegetation near spawning areas
  • Dock areas in 5-15 foot depths with access to deeper water
  • Points and inside turns leading into spawning bays
  • Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses to trigger reaction strikes
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly near structure
  • Spinnerbaits retrieved steadily through shallow areas
  • Cisco/Whitefish gathering in pre-spawn areas
  • Bluegill in shallow warming bays
  • Shad schools moving shallow with warming water
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Metallic Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)Walleye42-52
  • Walleyes are moving into shallow spawning areas and staging in pre-spawn locations, becoming more active during dawn and dusk periods
  • Post-spawn fish transition to feeding heavily near shoreline structure, particularly utilizing dock areas as ambush points
  • Shallow rocky points and gravel areas for spawning (2-8 feet)
  • Protected areas between docks in post-spawn phase
  • Transition areas near deeper water for pre-spawn staging
  • Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom structure
  • Drop Shot with finesse presentations for post-spawn dock fish
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') for active fish
  • Perch gathering in shallow spawning areas
  • Small baitfish in warming shoreline areas
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth Bass62-72
  • Post-spawn largemouth bass are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily relating to dock structure and outside weed edges
  • Fish are showing roaming behavior early in the morning, becoming more structure-oriented as the day progresses
  • Bass are responding well to finesse presentations with subtle movements, indicating a preference for natural feeding behavior
  • Docks and boat slips with deeper water access
  • Outside weed edges in 15-20 foot range, especially near gravel/rock transitions
  • Protected harbor areas with combination of boat cover and submerged vegetation
  • Drop Shot with subtle shaking presentation
  • Ned Rigs worked along bottom transitions
  • Finesse presentations under docks
  • Minnows
  • Small panfish
  • Perch
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Green Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)Smallmouth Bass58-65
  • Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding to recover energy, transitioning between spawning areas and summer locations using ledges and drop-offs as migration routes
  • Fish are showing mixed depth patterns - feeding shallow early morning on flats, then moving to deeper ledges as the day progresses
  • First drop-off ledges transitioning from shallow spawning flats to deeper water
  • Submerged weed flats in 15-foot depth range
  • Rock piles and boulder fields, especially those near transitional areas
  • Ned Rigs worked along ledges and rock structures
  • Hard Topwater (Prop) during early morning hours over flats
  • Drop Shot for deeper presentations as fish move off the flats
  • Bluegill on shallow flats and around vegetation
  • Minnows around rock structures and current areas
  • Shad along deeper ledges and drop-offs
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Green Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Northern Pike52-65
  • Post-spawn pike are actively feeding to recover energy, showing aggressive behavior towards larger prey as evidenced by follows on glide baits
  • Fish are utilizing shallow structure and transitional areas, with good sight-feeding activity in the moderate clarity conditions
  • Docks and adjacent shallow areas, especially those near deeper water access
  • Emerging weedline edges in 8-15 foot depth range
  • Points and bays with complex structure providing ambush opportunities
  • Hard Body Swimbaits like glide baits worked with erratic action
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along structure edges
  • Hard Jerkbaits with longer pauses to trigger following fish
  • Shad, as confirmed by recent fishing reports
  • Larger bass which pike are opportunistically targeting
  • Bluegill gathering around dock structures
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Walleye48-58
  • Post-spawn walleyes are actively feeding under docks, using shade for ambush points in the moderate clarity water (3.5m Secchi)
  • Fish are showing preference for bottom-oriented prey and responding well to finesse presentations, particularly during overcast conditions
  • Docks in shallow water, especially those with deeper water access
  • Points and structural elements near shoreline areas
  • Protected bays with complex structure
  • Drop Shot with subtle movements near dock structures
  • Ned Rigs with subtle up-and-down action, especially with the TRD TicklerZ
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly along dock edges
  • Perch - primary forage evidenced by successful green pumpkin presentations
  • Shad - confirmed by recent fishing reports and successful chartreuse patterns
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Dark Neutrals

Summer Fishing Patterns

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
SummerLargemouth Bass69-75
  • Largemouth bass are establishing summer patterns, holding near docks and vegetation in 8-20 foot depth range, with increased activity during low light periods
  • Fish are actively feeding on bluegill and crappie, utilizing dock areas and weed edges as primary ambush points
  • Docks with adjacent deep water, particularly in Williams Bay area
  • Rocky patches near submerged vegetation in 10-20 foot range
  • Weed edges adjacent to deeper water
  • Drop Shot with 3.5-4 inch finesse worms, using 1/8 oz weights and size 2 hooks
  • Wacky Rigs worked slowly around docks
  • Neko Rigs, particularly effective during evening hours
  • Bluegill concentrated around dock structures and vegetation
  • Crappie in similar areas, providing alternative forage
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Green Colors
SummerSmallmouth Bass64-75
  • Smallmouth bass are actively feeding along deep weedlines and rock structures, showing preference for finesse presentations during warm water periods
  • Fish are relating heavily to structure and transitioning between shallow and deep water based on time of day, with early morning showing increased shallow water activity
  • Deep weedlines in 10-18 feet of water, especially where they intersect with rock structure
  • Rock and boulder piles in 10-15 feet of water
  • Points with mixed rock and vegetation
  • Drop Shot with finesse worms, worked slowly with frequent pauses
  • Ned Rigs with light colored TRD baits around rock structure
  • Hard Body Swimbaits for actively feeding fish, especially during low light periods
  • Bluegill around weed edges and rock structure
  • Cisco/Whitefish in deeper water adjacent to structure
  • Yellow Perch around mixed rock and grass areas
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Green Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
SummerNorthern Pike64-75
  • Pike are actively feeding in both shallow and deep water patterns, with particular success during early morning hours. They're striking aggressively on moving baits above weedlines in 30-40ft zones
  • Fish are showing opportunistic feeding behavior, targeting multiple forage species around structure edges and using vegetation for ambush points
  • Deep weedlines in 30-40ft zones where vegetation creates distinct edges
  • Open water areas during early morning hours for suspended fish
  • Submerged vegetation edges where multiple species congregate
  • Bladed Jigs worked above weedlines with intermittent jerks
  • Hard Jerkbaits with fast, aggressive retrieves, especially during early morning
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along deep weed edges
  • Shad - primary target in open water areas
  • Bluegill - abundant around weed edges
  • Metallic Colors
  • Green Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
SummerWalleye68-78
  • Walleyes showing distinct shallow and deep populations, with shallow fish more active and aggressive while deep fish remain less active
  • Fish likely transitioning between shallow and deep water based on light conditions, with increased activity during lower light periods due to moderate water clarity
  • Shallow rock piles, particularly during lower light conditions
  • Dock areas providing shade and ambush points
  • Deep structure adjacent to shallow feeding areas
  • Drop Shot with finesse presentations, especially effective based on recent success
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') during prime feeding periods
  • Live Bait Rigs when fish are less aggressive
  • Minnows, specifically noted in recent catch reports
  • Perch, part of the diverse forage base
  • Cisco/Whitefish, particularly for deeper fish
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Metallic Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake Geneva

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
FallLargemouth Bass58-71
  • Actively feeding on perch around docks, following typical fall pattern of increased feeding activity to prepare for winter
  • Moving between shallow and mid-depth zones, relating to both dock structures and nearby vegetation in 10-20 foot range
  • Docks with adjacent deep water access, particularly those near vegetation
  • Submerged weed edges in 10-20 foot range
  • Points and coves with complex structure transitions
  • Shakey Heads worked slowly around dock posts and edges
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting dock shadows and vegetation
  • Drop Shot with finesse presentations for pressured fish
  • Perch
  • Bluegill
  • Shad
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
FallSmallmouth Bass52-65
  • Actively feeding on baitfish schools (cisco and perch) to build energy reserves for winter
  • Following baitfish movements from deep weed edges to rock structures
  • Schooling behavior becomes more pronounced, with groups of fish targeting the same forage
  • Deep weed edges in 10-18 feet adjacent to rock structures
  • Main lake points with boulder structure
  • Steep breaks near shoreline irregularities
  • Drop Shot with small profile baits worked slowly
  • Blade Baits worked vertically through baitfish schools
  • Ned Rigs dragged along rock transitions
  • Cisco/Whitefish schools moving shallow
  • Yellow Perch around deep weed edges
  • Bluegill in remaining vegetation
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Metallic Colors
  • Natural Craw Colors
FallNorthern Pike48-62
  • Pike are actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter, following large schools of cisco and shad as they move to deeper water
  • Fish become more aggressive during cooling water periods, with increased feeding during low-light periods near structure transitions
  • Deep weedline edges in 15-25ft where vegetation meets deeper water
  • Points and breaks adjacent to deep water where baitfish schools congregate
  • Deeper dock areas where submerged structure provides ambush points
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along weedline edges and through baitfish schools
  • Hard Jerkbaits with longer pauses to trigger reaction strikes
  • Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along structure breaks and points
  • Cisco/Whitefish schools moving to deeper water
  • Shad schools congregating near structure
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Metallic Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
FallWalleye45-58
  • Walleye actively feeding on cisco/whitefish during fall cooling period, especially during lower light conditions
  • Fish are responding well to slow rolling presentations with pauses, particularly at night, indicating methodical feeding behavior
  • Boulder fields and rocky structure where baitfish schools concentrate
  • Deep water transition areas adjacent to shallow feeding zones
  • Points and breaks that intersect with baitfish migration routes
  • Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses
  • Blade Baits worked vertically near structure
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around baitfish schools
  • Cisco/Whitefish - primary fall forage
  • Perch - secondary forage option
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Metallic Colors
  • Firetiger

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
WinterNorthern Pike38-45
  • Pike will congregate in high-percentage feeding areas near deep weedlines and main lake structures at depths between 30-40 feet, following cisco and whitefish schools
  • Aggressive feeding windows during peak light periods when visibility is optimal for sight-feeding in the moderate clarity water
  • Deep weedline edges in 30-40 foot range where vegetation meets basin areas
  • Main lake points with access to deep water and cisco schools
  • Deep structural transitions where forage concentrates during winter
  • Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+)
  • Blade Baits
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Large)
  • Cisco/Whitefish schools in deeper water
  • Suspended shad in the water column
  • Deep-holding bluegills near structure
  • Metallic Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
WinterWalleye38-45
  • Fish are concentrated on offshore structures, generally holding tight to the bottom on steeper break lines and adjacent to deep basins
  • Feeding activity tends to be most pronounced during low-light periods around dawn and dusk
  • Movement patterns are slower and more deliberate, with fish often schooling near primary forage concentrations
  • Deep rock piles and boulder fields adjacent to basin areas (15-25 feet)
  • Sharp breaks and points leading into deeper water
  • Deep weed edges where remaining vegetation provides cover for baitfish
  • Blade Baits worked with short, sharp lifts followed by extended pauses
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with methodical lifts and drops
  • Live Bait Rigs with larger minnows presented slowly along breaks
  • Ciscoes concentrating in deeper water
  • Yellow Perch schooling near remaining deep vegetation
  • Shad schools suspended over deeper basin areas
  • Metallic Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Purple Colors
IceNorthern Pike34-39
  • Pike will be most active during early morning and late afternoon periods, suspending near bottom structure during mid-day
  • Fish are primarily ambush feeding on larger prey items like cisco and whitefish in deeper water basins
  • Deep basins adjacent to structural elements in 20-30ft range where cisco and whitefish school
  • Transitional areas between deep weed edges and main lake basins
  • Points and inside turns that connect to deep water wintering areas
  • Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large dead baits or live suckers
  • Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes
  • Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows for more neutral fish
  • Cisco/Whitefish schools in deep water basins
  • Suspended Shad in transitional areas
  • Bluegills near remaining deep weed edges
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Metallic Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
IceWalleye34-39
  • Suspended over deeper basins following schools of cisco and other baitfish
  • Most active during early morning and late afternoon, with a strong bite window during low-light conditions
  • Transitioning between deep main-lake structures and shallower feeding areas depending on forage movement
  • Deep basin areas in 20-35 feet where baitfish schools suspend
  • Transition areas between shallow flats and deep water
  • Rocky points and steep breaks adjacent to deep water
  • Ice Fishing Spoons worked with aggressive jigging followed by long pauses
  • Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows for a more subtle presentation
  • Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to track active feeding zones
  • Ciscoes suspending in deep water
  • Yellow Perch relating to bottom structure
  • Smaller shad schools in transitional areas
  • Metallic Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Purple Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake Geneva

SeasonSpeciesPrimary StructureSecondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth BassShallow grass flats adjacent to spawning areasBacks of pockets with clear water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Smallmouth BassSubmerged sand grass areas in 10 foot depths adjacent to spawning flatsDock areas with deep water access
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Northern PikeShallow bays with emerging vegetation near deep-water accessDock areas in 8-15 foot depths providing ambush points
Spring (Pre-Spawn)WalleyeMain lake points and breaks leading to spawning areasRocky shorelines and gravel areas in 4-12 feet
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth BassShallow protected areas near docks where spawning beds are locatedSecondary points and coves with gradual slopes for staging areas
Spring (Spawn)Smallmouth BassRocky points with gradual slopes, especially those near spawning flatsHard bottom areas in 3-8 feet of water near shore
Spring (Spawn)Northern PikeShallow bays with emerging vegetation near spawning areasDock areas in 5-15 foot depths with access to deeper water
Spring (Spawn)WalleyeShallow rocky points and gravel areas for spawning (2-8 feet)Protected areas between docks in post-spawn phase
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth BassDocks and boat slips with deeper water accessOutside weed edges in 15-20 foot range, especially near gravel/rock transitions
Spring (Post-Spawn)Smallmouth BassFirst drop-off ledges transitioning from shallow spawning flats to deeper waterSubmerged weed flats in 15-foot depth range
Spring (Post-Spawn)Northern PikeDocks and adjacent shallow areas, especially those near deeper water accessEmerging weedline edges in 8-15 foot depth range
Spring (Post-Spawn)WalleyeDocks in shallow water, especially those with deeper water accessPoints and structural elements near shoreline areas
SummerLargemouth BassDocks with adjacent deep water, particularly in Williams Bay areaRocky patches near submerged vegetation in 10-20 foot range
SummerSmallmouth BassDeep weedlines in 10-18 feet of water, especially where they intersect with rock structureRock and boulder piles in 10-15 feet of water
SummerNorthern PikeDeep weedlines in 30-40ft zones where vegetation creates distinct edgesOpen water areas during early morning hours for suspended fish
SummerWalleyeShallow rock piles, particularly during lower light conditionsDock areas providing shade and ambush points
FallLargemouth BassDocks with adjacent deep water access, particularly those near vegetationSubmerged weed edges in 10-20 foot range
FallSmallmouth BassDeep weed edges in 10-18 feet adjacent to rock structuresMain lake points with boulder structure
FallNorthern PikeDeep weedline edges in 15-25ft where vegetation meets deeper waterPoints and breaks adjacent to deep water where baitfish schools congregate
FallWalleyeBoulder fields and rocky structure where baitfish schools concentrateDeep water transition areas adjacent to shallow feeding zones
WinterNorthern PikeDeep weedline edges in 30-40 foot range where vegetation meets basin areasMain lake points with access to deep water and cisco schools
WinterWalleyeDeep rock piles and boulder fields adjacent to basin areas (15-25 feet)Sharp breaks and points leading into deeper water
IceNorthern PikeDeep basins adjacent to structural elements in 20-30ft range where cisco and whitefish schoolTransitional areas between deep weed edges and main lake basins
IceWalleyeDeep basin areas in 20-35 feet where baitfish schools suspendTransition areas between shallow flats and deep water

Primary Forage by Season

SeasonSpeciesPrimary ForageSecondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth BassMinnows in shallow grass areasBluegill around spawning pockets
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Smallmouth BassCisco/Whitefish suspended in the water columnBluegill relating to dock structures
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Northern PikeCisco/Whitefish moving shallow from winter depthsShad schools congregating in pre-spawn staging areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)WalleyeYellow Perch gathering in pre-spawn areasShad schools in slightly deeper transition areas
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth BassBluegill gathering in shallow spawning areasShad moving into spawning areas as indicated by recent fishing success with shad imitations
Spring (Spawn)Smallmouth BassAlewife gathering in pre-spawn areasSmall perch around rocky structure
Spring (Spawn)Northern PikeCisco/Whitefish gathering in pre-spawn areasBluegill in shallow warming bays
Spring (Spawn)WalleyePerch gathering in shallow spawning areasSmall baitfish in warming shoreline areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth BassMinnowsSmall panfish
Spring (Post-Spawn)Smallmouth BassBluegill on shallow flats and around vegetationMinnows around rock structures and current areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)Northern PikeShad, as confirmed by recent fishing reportsLarger bass which pike are opportunistically targeting
Spring (Post-Spawn)WalleyePerch - primary forage evidenced by successful green pumpkin presentationsShad - confirmed by recent fishing reports and successful chartreuse patterns
SummerLargemouth BassBluegill concentrated around dock structures and vegetationCrappie in similar areas, providing alternative forage
SummerSmallmouth BassBluegill around weed edges and rock structureCisco/Whitefish in deeper water adjacent to structure
SummerNorthern PikeShad - primary target in open water areasBluegill - abundant around weed edges
SummerWalleyeMinnows, specifically noted in recent catch reportsPerch, part of the diverse forage base
FallLargemouth BassPerchBluegill
FallSmallmouth BassCisco/Whitefish schools moving shallowYellow Perch around deep weed edges
FallNorthern PikeCisco/Whitefish schools moving to deeper waterShad schools congregating near structure
FallWalleyeCisco/Whitefish - primary fall foragePerch - secondary forage option
WinterNorthern PikeCisco/Whitefish schools in deeper waterSuspended shad in the water column
WinterWalleyeCiscoes concentrating in deeper waterYellow Perch schooling near remaining deep vegetation
IceNorthern PikeCisco/Whitefish schools in deep water basinsSuspended Shad in transitional areas
IceWalleyeCiscoes suspending in deep waterYellow Perch relating to bottom structure

Bait Colors by Season for Lake Geneva

SeasonSpeciesBait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth Bass
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Green Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Smallmouth Bass
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Green Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Northern Pike
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Metallic Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Walleye
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth Bass
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)Smallmouth Bass
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
  • Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)Northern Pike
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Metallic Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)Walleye
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth Bass
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Green Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)Smallmouth Bass
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Green Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Northern Pike
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Walleye
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
SummerLargemouth Bass
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Green Colors
SummerSmallmouth Bass
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Green Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
SummerNorthern Pike
  • Metallic Colors
  • Green Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
SummerWalleye
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Metallic Colors
FallLargemouth Bass
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
FallSmallmouth Bass
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Metallic Colors
  • Natural Craw Colors
FallNorthern Pike
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Metallic Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
FallWalleye
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Metallic Colors
  • Firetiger
WinterNorthern Pike
  • Metallic Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
WinterWalleye
  • Metallic Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Purple Colors
IceNorthern Pike
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Metallic Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
IceWalleye
  • Metallic Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Purple Colors