How to Fish Lake Greenwood: Best Patterns & Techniques

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Lake Greenwood

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Apr 19, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake Greenwood

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	54-62	Bass are actively transitioning to pre-spawn staging areas, moving from deeper winter haunts to shallower staging areas near spawning flats. Reports show increased activity around docks and riprap in 5-10 foot depths. Fish are showing aggressive feeding patterns when wind creates advantageous conditions on points and riprap, with one report noting a 19lb bag during wind-driven activity.	Docks adjacent to spawning flats, particularly those with deeper water access Wind-blown points with rock or riprap Riprap banks, especially in areas protected from cold winds Brush piles in 5-6 foot depths near spawning areas	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked along riprap and points Shakey Heads worked around docks and brush Hard Jerkbaits for actively feeding fish in open water Finesse Jigs around docks and structure	Crawfish becoming active on rocky structures Shad in staging areas near points Bluegill in dock areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	46-65	Spotted bass are staging in pre-spawn areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves while relating to transitional structure between winter and spawning grounds Fish are becoming more aggressive and moving shallower as water temperatures rise, particularly during warming trends	Docks adjacent to deeper water, especially those on channel swing banks Riprap banks with access to deeper water Secondary points leading into spawning pockets	Hard Jerkbaits worked with longer pauses in cooler water, more aggressive as temperatures rise Carolina Rigs dragged along transition areas between shallow and deep water Bladed Jigs worked around dock posts and riprap in stained water	Shad schools suspending near structure Crawfish becoming more active on hard bottom areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	52-65	Transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Following large schools of blueback herring and shad in the upper water column, especially during dawn and dusk periods Utilizing points and creek arms as migration routes toward spawning areas	Main lake points near creek arms that provide access to spawning areas Secondary points in major creek arms with gradual depth transitions Channel swings near shoreline structure where bait schools concentrate	Umbrella Rigs worked through suspended bait schools Hard Jerkbaits worked slowly along points and channel edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) retrieved at varying depths to match bait movement	Blueback Herring schooling in the upper water column Gizzard and Threadfin Shad concentrating near points and creek mouths	Natural Baitfish Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	55-68	Moving from winter deep-water areas to pre-spawn staging areas near channel swings and riprap Increased feeding activity as water temperatures rise, with most active periods during dawn and dusk Congregating near current areas and structural transitions where forage is abundant	Riprap areas near the dam where deeper water meets structure Channel swing banks with mixed rock and clay bottom Secondary points leading into spawning coves	Carolina Rigs with slower presentations near bottom structure Live Bait Rigs positioned along depth transitions Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around structure during active feeding periods	Minnows congregating near warming shallow areas Crappie in transitional depths Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	Crappie are staging in pre-spawn areas, actively feeding and moving from winter deep water patterns to shallower spawning zones Fish are becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise, with peak activity during early morning and late afternoon periods	Suspended brush piles in 6-10 foot range near spawning flats Protected dock areas in creek arms and coves Transition points between deep winter haunts and shallow spawning areas	Crappie Spider Rigging Crappie Dock Shooting Hover/Mid-Strolling	Shad schools moving from deep winter areas to shallower water Small baitfish gathering in warming creek arms	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-62	Pre-spawn smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter depths to staging areas near spawning flats, actively feeding to build energy reserves Fish are becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise, particularly during sunny afternoons when shallow rocks and points warm up	Main lake points with transition from rock to pea gravel, especially near channel swings Secondary points in major creek arms with brush piles present Riprap banks and rocky shorelines that warm quickly on sunny days	Jerkbaits worked slowly with long pauses near points and channel swings Tubes dragged slowly along rocky transitions Blade Baits worked vertically near deeper brush piles	Shad schools concentrating near points and channel swings Crawfish becoming more active on rocky areas as water warms	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	65-72	Fish are actively spawning in coves and protected areas, with some fish staged on pre-spawn points Males guarding beds while females move between spawning areas and nearby feeding zones Aggressive reaction strikes common, especially in early morning and on wind-blown areas	Protected spawning coves with hard bottom Wind-blown main lake points Docks providing shade and cover near spawning areas Laydowns and natural wood cover in spawning pockets	Hard Jerkbaits worked aggressively on points and transition areas Wacky Rigs worked slowly around beds and docks Buzzbaits for covering water and finding active fish Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentations to bedding fish	Shad schooling on points and in spawning pockets Bluegill around docks and shallow cover Crawfish active on hard bottom areas	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	46-65	Spotted bass are in spawning mode, staging and building nests on firm bottom areas near shore, particularly around docks and rip rap in the 46-65°F range Males are aggressively guarding nests while females move between staging areas and spawning sites	Docks and rip rap areas with firm bottom composition in 2-6 foot depth range Secondary points with hard bottom near spawning pockets Protected coves with stable water temperature	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around docks and shallow cover Shakey Heads worked slowly along firm bottom areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for covering water between spawning areas	Shad schools in spawning pockets Bluegill around shallow cover Crawfish emerging in rocky areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	58-68	Staging in pre-spawn areas near tributary mouths and moving into shallower spawning grounds as water temperatures rise Aggressive feeding behavior during early morning and evening hours, following bait schools in upper water column	Creek arm entrances and tributary mouths with moderate depth transitions Protected shallow flats near deep water access Main lake points adjacent to spawning areas	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through staging areas Umbrella Rigs for actively feeding fish following bait schools Trolling Shallow (0-9') along transitional areas near spawning grounds	Blueback Herring congregating near spawning areas Shad schools in tributary mouths and creek arms	Natural Baitfish Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	62-75	Moving into shallow spawning areas like riprap banks and protected coves with mud or clay bottoms Males becoming territorial and aggressive while preparing and guarding nesting sites Actively feeding before and after spawning, with increased activity during dawn and dusk	Riprap areas near dams with gradual slopes Protected coves with mud or clay bottoms Creek arms with stable water temperatures	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live minnows Carolina Rigs worked slowly along structure Bobbers for shallow spawning areas	Live or cut shad Minnows Small crappie	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappie moving into shallow spawning areas (2-8 feet) around brush, docks, and protected coves due to spring spawn Males establishing and guarding nests while females stage slightly deeper, making frequent moves between staging and spawning areas	Protected coves and pockets with brush or dock structure in 2-8 foot depth range Secondary points leading into spawning coves Staging areas near deeper dock structures in 8-15 foot range	Crappie Dock Shooting Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) Bobbers	Shad (primary forage base) Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Smallmouth bass are actively seeking spawning areas in shallow flats near hard bottom or gravel, particularly around points and protected coves Males are aggressively defending nests while females move between staging areas and spawning flats Fish are more active during daylight hours, especially during stable weather patterns	Protected rocky or gravel flats in 2-6 feet of water, especially near points Secondary points with mixed rock and gravel bottoms Shallow brush piles adjacent to spawning flats	Tubes worked slowly around spawning areas Ned Rigs dragged along gravel bottom near spawning flats Soft Jerkbaits worked erratically for pre-spawn fish	Shad congregating in spawning areas Crawfish emerging in rocky areas Small bluegill around shallow cover	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	68-76	Post-spawn bass are actively feeding up in the upper water column (6-10 ft) as they recover from spawning, primarily chasing shad Fish are showing aggressive chase-and-feed behavior patterns, willing to pursue moving baits in stained water conditions	Points and creek arms where shad are congregating in 6-10 foot depth range Docks and man-made structure providing shade and ambush points in the same depth zone Wind-blown points that concentrate baitfish	Hard Jerkbaits worked with aggressive cadence to trigger reaction strikes Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for matching the shad forage Spinnerbaits on wind-blown points and around baitfish schools	Shad schools in upper water column Crawfish in transition areas	Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	46-65	Spotted bass are actively feeding in post-spawn recovery phase, targeting both shad and cisco/whitefish around structure Fish are showing versatile feeding patterns, relating to both shallow hard structure and suspended bait schools	Docks with access to deeper water, particularly those providing shade Rip rap banks, especially near creek channel swings Main lake points with mixed rock and gravel	Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly around docks and structure Carolina Rigs dragged along rip rap and transitional areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for actively feeding fish around bait schools	Shad schools moving along shoreline structure Cisco/Whitefish in slightly deeper water	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	62-72	Post-spawn striped bass actively feeding and recovering, following bait schools in the upper water column during early morning and late evening Fish transitioning between shallow feeding areas and nearby deep-water sanctuaries throughout the day	Main lake points and creek mouths near deep water access Dam area with suspended bait schools Secondary points in major creek arms with bait presence	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked through suspended bait schools Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along points and channel edges Umbrella Rigs for actively feeding fish	Blueback Herring schooling in the upper water column Shad congregating near points and creek mouths	Natural Baitfish Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	62-72	Post-spawn catfish are actively feeding and recovering energy, moving from deeper water to shallower feeding zones during low-light periods Fish are establishing feeding patterns along current breaks and structure, particularly active during warming trends	Riprap areas near dams with good current flow and depth transitions Creek arm intersections with main lake providing both shallow and deep water access Secondary points with rocky structure adjacent to spawning areas	Carolina Rigs with slow dragging presentation near structure Live Bait Rigs positioned along depth breaks Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') during active feeding periods	Minnows gathering in warming shallows Crappie in transition areas Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	68-78	Post-spawn crappie are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are beginning to form loose schools around structure, particularly in the shade during daylight hours Most active feeding periods occur during early morning and late evening in the stained water conditions	Dock edges and pilings in 8-15 foot depths, especially those near deeper water Suspended brush piles in 6-10 foot range Creek channel edges where they intersect with main lake points	Crappie Dock Shooting Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) Hover/Mid-Strolling	Shad (primary forage base) Small sunfish and juvenile baitfish	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	62-72	Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding to recover energy, moving between rocky points and channel swings in 8-15 foot depth range Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior during early morning and evening, utilizing shad schools around points and brush piles	Main lake points with rock/riprap structure, especially those adjacent to channel swings Brush piles positioned on secondary points in 10-15 foot depth Transition areas between spawning coves and main lake structure	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked parallel to points and structure Drop Shot around brush piles and deeper structure edges Tubes dragged along rocky points and riprap	Shad schools gathering around points and brush Crawfish emerging from rocky areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	75-84	Bass are establishing summer feeding patterns, actively chasing shad in the early morning and late evening, while relating to shade and cover during bright midday periods Fish are showing chase-and-feed behavior patterns but will seek thermal refuge and shade during peak heat	Shaded dock areas in 6-10 foot depth range, especially those near points or creek channel swings Wind-blown points with riprap or natural rock Brush piles and laydowns adjacent to deeper water	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around docks and shallow cover during midday Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') on wind-blown points early and late Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for actively feeding fish chasing shad	Shad schools in the upper water column Crawfish in rocky areas and around dock pilings	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Spotted Bass	72-85	Actively feeding in low light periods (early morning/late evening) on shad schools in main lake areas Moving between shallow cover and deeper structure during the day, relating strongly to current and oxygen-rich areas	Main lake points with access to deep water, especially those near channel swings Dock complexes in 15-25 foot range with brush or structure Riprap banks with current or wind exposure	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along depth changes Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) along points and channel edges Drop Shot in deeper dock areas and brush piles	Shad schools in open water and around structure Bluegill around docks and brush Crawfish on rocky structure and riprap	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Striped Bass	72-85	Striped bass are holding in deep water sanctuaries near the dam during summer heat, making periodic feeding movements to follow bait schools Fish are suspending in the water column and actively feeding on herring and shad, with increased activity during low light periods due to moderate staining	Dam area, particularly deeper sections with good oxygen content Open water areas where bait schools are present Points and creek arms adjacent to deep water	Live Bait Rigs near the dam, as supported by recent fishing reports Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked through suspended fish Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) in dam area during midday	Blueback Herring in open water Shad schools throughout the water column	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Catfish	65-78	Actively feeding in current areas near hard structure, showing both opportunistic and predatory behavior Establishing feeding zones near deep water access points, particularly around dams and riprap	Dam areas with current and deep water access Riprap banks, especially those near deeper water Creek arm intersections with good current flow	Live Bait Rigs with minnows near structure Carolina Rigs worked slowly along riprap and dam areas Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around hard structure	Minnows Crappie Small sunfish	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Crappie	75-88	Crappie are suspending near deep brush piles and dock structures, moving shallower during dawn/dusk to feed on shad Schools are relating to shade during bright days, utilizing dock structures and suspended brush as primary holding areas	Deeper docks with 12-15 feet of water, especially those with brush Suspended brush piles in 6-10 foot range Creek channel bends with cover near deeper water	Crappie Dock Shooting Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Spider Rigging	Shad schools in mid-depth ranges Small sunfish around dock structures	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	72-86	Moving deeper during midday (15-25ft) but actively feeding early/late near points and channel swings Relating heavily to hard structure and following shad schools, particularly during low light periods	Main lake points with access to deep water, especially those intersecting creek channels Brush piles and rock structure in 15-25 foot depth range Channel swings with riprap or rock structure	Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked along points and channel edges Drop Shot with small profile baits for pressured fish in deeper water Football Jigs dragged through rocky areas and brush piles	Shad schools suspending near structure and points Crawfish in rocky areas and riprap	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake Greenwood

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	58-84	Bass actively chasing shad schools as baitfish migrate back into creeks and pockets with falling water temperatures Fish staging on secondary points and utilizing docks as ambush points for feeding opportunities	Secondary points near creek channels with laydowns Docks in creek arms and pockets Creek channel ditches and main lake points	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked steadily around baitfish schools Carolina Rigs dragged along secondary points Topwater baits (walking and popping) during low light periods around docks	Shad schools migrating into creeks Bluegill around laydowns and dock structure	Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Spotted Bass	65-86	Actively feeding on bluegill around brush piles in relatively warm fall conditions (86°F), showing aggressive topwater feeding behavior Transitioning from suspended patterns to more structure-oriented feeding, using complex shoreline features for ambush points	Brush piles in 5-15 foot depth range, especially those near creek channels Complex shoreline areas with multiple points and creek arms Shallow cover near deeper water access points	Hard Topwater (Prop) - matching current successful pattern Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) - mimicking bluegill around brush Spinnerbaits - effective in stained water conditions around cover	Bluegill - primary current forage pattern Shad - secondary forage option still present in the system	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Striped Bass	58-72	Actively schooling and feeding on blueback herring near surface, especially during low light periods in stained water conditions Moving between points and open water areas following bait schools, with increased surface feeding activity in 68°F water	Open water areas where bait schools are present, particularly during feeding activity Main lake points and creek arms where bait gets concentrated Dam area transitional zones where fish move between deep and shallow water	Hard Topwater (Prop) worked aggressively over surfacing fish Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) matching herring size and profile Umbrella Rigs to imitate schooling baitfish	Blueback Herring Shad	Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Catfish	55-70	Catfish are actively feeding to build fat reserves for winter, taking advantage of cooling water temperatures and congregating baitfish Fish are transitioning to slightly deeper water but remain active near structure, especially during low-light periods	Dam areas and riprap banks with access to deep water Creek channel intersections with main lake points Deep water areas adjacent to shallow feeding flats	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live minnows near structure Carolina Rigs worked slowly along bottom transitions Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) in dam areas and deep holes	Concentrated schools of minnows and shad Crappie in deeper structure areas Bottom-dwelling organisms near riprap and rocky areas	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Crappie	52-65	Actively following shad schools into creek arms and protected pockets as water temperatures drop, forming larger schools during transition period Moving between suspended brush piles in 6-10 foot range and deeper structure, becoming more concentrated near baitfish schools	Creek arms and protected pockets where baitfish are congregating Suspended brush piles in 6-10 foot range near channel swings Dock structures providing shade and ambush points in 8-15 foot depths	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Dock Shooting	Shad schools transitioning to creek arms Small baitfish around brush piles	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Assorted Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	52-68	Actively feeding on baitfish and crappie in preparation for winter, showing aggressive pursuit behavior Moving along channel swings and points, following baitfish schools Utilizing brush piles as ambush points, particularly during feeding periods	Main lake points and channel swings with nearby brush piles Secondary points with rock or riprap structure Shallow brush piles in 5-15 feet of water	Spinnerbaits retrieved quickly just under the surface Lipless Crankbaits worked through brush piles Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for imitating crappie forage	Crappie Shad	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	45-55	Largemouth bass are moving slower and conserving energy, primarily feeding on crawfish and shad near deeper structure Fish are congregating in groups around high-percentage areas, especially rock piles and points with nearby deep water access	Rock piles adjacent to deeper water, particularly those that provide both cover and ambush opportunities Main lake and secondary points with rock or hard bottom composition Deep dock corners in protected coves where baitfish may winter	Finesse Jigs worked slowly along bottom structure Shakey Heads presented with subtle movements around rock and points Football Jigs dragged slowly across rocky bottom areas	Crawfish seeking shelter in rocky areas Shad schools suspended near points and deeper structure	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Winter	Spotted Bass	55-65	Actively following and feeding on large shad balls along channel swings in open water Schooling behavior with larger fish concentrated around larger bait concentrations	Channel swings with concentrated bait balls Deep main lake areas near primary points Suspended areas over deeper water where shad are present	Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses around bait schools Blade Baits vertically jigged through bait balls Underspins worked at the depth of suspended bait	Shad (primary winter forage) Small baitfish schools	Vibrant Assorted Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Striped Bass	45-55	Striped bass form large schools in winter following baitfish schools, actively feeding when weather is stable Fish often suspend in deeper water during cold fronts, moving shallower during warming trends to feed Most active feeding occurs during low-light periods and stable weather conditions	Deep creek channels near main lake points where baitfish schools concentrate Main lake areas near the dam where deeper water provides winter sanctuary Secondary points and channels where baitfish migrate during warming trends	Umbrella Rigs worked through suspended bait schools Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) near the dam and deep structure Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) for mimicking winter forage Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended schools	Blueback Herring schooling in deeper water Shad concentrated in creek channels and near the dam Smaller baitfish suspending in deeper water columns	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Catfish	45-55	Catfish become more lethargic and concentrate in deeper, stable temperature areas near structure, particularly around dams and riprap Feeding windows are shorter but more predictable, with fish most active during warmer afternoon periods	Deep water areas adjacent to dam structure (15-30 feet) Riprap banks with access to deep water Channel bends and deep holes in creek arms	Live Bait Rigs with slower presentations Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Carolina Rigs with subtle movements	Winter-stressed or dying baitfish Bottom-dwelling creatures (crawfish, small fish)	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Crappie	38-48	Crappie are schooling tightly in deep water, concentrating around brush piles and following shad movements Most active during low-light periods due to stained water conditions, with feeding windows extending longer in winter's reduced light	Deep brush piles in 20+ feet of water, particularly in main lake areas Protected creek arms and pockets where baitfish concentrate Deep water adjacent to channel swings with structure	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) directly over identified brush piles Ice Fishing Jigs worked slowly through the water column Damiki Rig when fish are suspended and less active	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water Small bluegill seeking winter refuge in brush	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	42-48	Smallmouth bass become less active but still feed during stable weather periods, typically suspending near deep structure adjacent to winter forage Fish tend to school more tightly in winter, often relating to the same large structural elements where shad congregate	Deep channel swings adjacent to main lake points in 15-25 foot range Brush piles positioned on steep breaks near creek channels Rock transitions where riprap or chunk rock meets deeper water	Blade Baits worked vertically with slow lifts and drops along channel edges Drop Shot with subtle movements, keeping bait in strike zone longer Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with hair jigs near suspended bait schools	Suspended winter shad schools in deeper water Smaller baitfish relating to brush piles and channel edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake Greenwood

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Docks adjacent to spawning flats, particularly those with deeper water access	Wind-blown points with rock or riprap
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Docks adjacent to deeper water, especially those on channel swing banks	Riprap banks with access to deeper water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake points near creek arms that provide access to spawning areas	Secondary points in major creek arms with gradual depth transitions
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Riprap areas near the dam where deeper water meets structure	Channel swing banks with mixed rock and clay bottom
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Suspended brush piles in 6-10 foot range near spawning flats	Protected dock areas in creek arms and coves
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points with transition from rock to pea gravel, especially near channel swings	Secondary points in major creek arms with brush piles present
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected spawning coves with hard bottom	Wind-blown main lake points
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Docks and rip rap areas with firm bottom composition in 2-6 foot depth range	Secondary points with hard bottom near spawning pockets
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Creek arm entrances and tributary mouths with moderate depth transitions	Protected shallow flats near deep water access
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Riprap areas near dams with gradual slopes	Protected coves with mud or clay bottoms
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Protected coves and pockets with brush or dock structure in 2-8 foot depth range	Secondary points leading into spawning coves
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Protected rocky or gravel flats in 2-6 feet of water, especially near points	Secondary points with mixed rock and gravel bottoms
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Points and creek arms where shad are congregating in 6-10 foot depth range	Docks and man-made structure providing shade and ambush points in the same depth zone
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Docks with access to deeper water, particularly those providing shade	Rip rap banks, especially near creek channel swings
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake points and creek mouths near deep water access	Dam area with suspended bait schools
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Riprap areas near dams with good current flow and depth transitions	Creek arm intersections with main lake providing both shallow and deep water access
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Dock edges and pilings in 8-15 foot depths, especially those near deeper water	Suspended brush piles in 6-10 foot range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points with rock/riprap structure, especially those adjacent to channel swings	Brush piles positioned on secondary points in 10-15 foot depth
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shaded dock areas in 6-10 foot depth range, especially those near points or creek channel swings	Wind-blown points with riprap or natural rock
Summer	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with access to deep water, especially those near channel swings	Dock complexes in 15-25 foot range with brush or structure
Summer	Striped Bass	Dam area, particularly deeper sections with good oxygen content	Open water areas where bait schools are present
Summer	Catfish	Dam areas with current and deep water access	Riprap banks, especially those near deeper water
Summer	Crappie	Deeper docks with 12-15 feet of water, especially those with brush	Suspended brush piles in 6-10 foot range
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points with access to deep water, especially those intersecting creek channels	Brush piles and rock structure in 15-25 foot depth range
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points near creek channels with laydowns	Docks in creek arms and pockets
Fall	Spotted Bass	Brush piles in 5-15 foot depth range, especially those near creek channels	Complex shoreline areas with multiple points and creek arms
Fall	Striped Bass	Open water areas where bait schools are present, particularly during feeding activity	Main lake points and creek arms where bait gets concentrated
Fall	Catfish	Dam areas and riprap banks with access to deep water	Creek channel intersections with main lake points
Fall	Crappie	Creek arms and protected pockets where baitfish are congregating	Suspended brush piles in 6-10 foot range near channel swings
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points and channel swings with nearby brush piles	Secondary points with rock or riprap structure
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Rock piles adjacent to deeper water, particularly those that provide both cover and ambush opportunities	Main lake and secondary points with rock or hard bottom composition
Winter	Spotted Bass	Channel swings with concentrated bait balls	Deep main lake areas near primary points
Winter	Striped Bass	Deep creek channels near main lake points where baitfish schools concentrate	Main lake areas near the dam where deeper water provides winter sanctuary
Winter	Catfish	Deep water areas adjacent to dam structure (15-30 feet)	Riprap banks with access to deep water
Winter	Crappie	Deep brush piles in 20+ feet of water, particularly in main lake areas	Protected creek arms and pockets where baitfish concentrate
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Deep channel swings adjacent to main lake points in 15-25 foot range	Brush piles positioned on steep breaks near creek channels

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish becoming active on rocky structures	Shad in staging areas near points
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools suspending near structure	Crawfish becoming more active on hard bottom areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Blueback Herring schooling in the upper water column	Gizzard and Threadfin Shad concentrating near points and creek mouths
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Minnows congregating near warming shallow areas	Crappie in transitional depths
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad schools moving from deep winter areas to shallower water	Small baitfish gathering in warming creek arms
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools concentrating near points and channel swings	Crawfish becoming more active on rocky areas as water warms
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling on points and in spawning pockets	Bluegill around docks and shallow cover
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools in spawning pockets	Bluegill around shallow cover
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Blueback Herring congregating near spawning areas	Shad schools in tributary mouths and creek arms
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Live or cut shad	Minnows
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shad (primary forage base)	Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad congregating in spawning areas	Crawfish emerging in rocky areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools in upper water column	Crawfish in transition areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools moving along shoreline structure	Cisco/Whitefish in slightly deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Blueback Herring schooling in the upper water column	Shad congregating near points and creek mouths
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Minnows gathering in warming shallows	Crappie in transition areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad (primary forage base)	Small sunfish and juvenile baitfish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools gathering around points and brush	Crawfish emerging from rocky areas
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools in the upper water column	Crawfish in rocky areas and around dock pilings
Summer	Spotted Bass	Shad schools in open water and around structure	Bluegill around docks and brush
Summer	Striped Bass	Blueback Herring in open water	Shad schools throughout the water column
Summer	Catfish	Minnows	Crappie
Summer	Crappie	Shad schools in mid-depth ranges	Small sunfish around dock structures
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools suspending near structure and points	Crawfish in rocky areas and riprap
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools migrating into creeks	Bluegill around laydowns and dock structure
Fall	Spotted Bass	Bluegill - primary current forage pattern	Shad - secondary forage option still present in the system
Fall	Striped Bass	Blueback Herring	Shad
Fall	Catfish	Concentrated schools of minnows and shad	Crappie in deeper structure areas
Fall	Crappie	Shad schools transitioning to creek arms	Small baitfish around brush piles
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Crappie	Shad
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish seeking shelter in rocky areas	Shad schools suspended near points and deeper structure
Winter	Spotted Bass	Shad (primary winter forage)	Small baitfish schools
Winter	Striped Bass	Blueback Herring schooling in deeper water	Shad concentrated in creek channels and near the dam
Winter	Catfish	Winter-stressed or dying baitfish	Bottom-dwelling creatures (crawfish, small fish)
Winter	Crappie	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water	Small bluegill seeking winter refuge in brush
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Suspended winter shad schools in deeper water	Smaller baitfish relating to brush piles and channel edges

Bait Colors by Season for Lake Greenwood

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Spotted Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Striped Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Catfish	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Spotted Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Striped Bass	Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Catfish	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Assorted Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Winter	Spotted Bass	Vibrant Assorted Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Striped Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Catfish	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors